For many years the screen printing industry has
recruited "Skilled Printers" from competitors.
This has led to stagnation in the level of skill
in the industry and a band of itinerant printers
who move from company to company taking their bad
habits with them. The effect of this has been to
reduce the pool of genuinely skilled printers whilst
the need for them is growing at an ever increasing
rate.
Very
expensive, sophisticated machinery is coming into
a competitive industry and control of all aspects
of this equipment is essential. Downtime and rejects
will destroy the viability of the new technologies.
Existing equipment has to be more effectively operated
to compete.
The
most important factor in the performance of the
equipment, new or old is the PRINTER. Invest in
training for the people who generate the money.
Changing
times have highlighted the need for the application
of best practice throughout the company. This can
only be achieved through skill enhancement. It maybe
that you have the resources in house and simply
need support or you require a package of measures
that address some or all of your needs.
The
SPA UK Limited has access to all aspects of Training
and Qualifications for this industry. We
can also help in identifying funding support in
different parts of the country. Our areas
of expertise encompass
VOCATIONAL (Work based)
National Vocational Qualification 5157 in Screen Printing.
Level 2 which is the level of a skilled printer.
Level 3 which is the level for a team leader, technician
or supervisor.
National Vocational
Qualification 5157 in Pad Printing.
Level 2 which is the level of a skilled printer.
Level 3 which is the level for a team leader, technician
or supervisor.
National Vocational
Qualification 5157 in Digital Printing.
Level 2 which is the level of a skilled machine operator.
In all of these qualifications
the candidate has to be assessed over time to a national
standard of competence that is relevant to his/her
job. This assessment takes place in the work place
whilst they are carrying out their day to day work.
Ideally it should occur after a period of training
and is an ideal means of instilling best practice
and consistency throughout the workforce.
MODERN APPRENTICESHIP
FRAMEWORKS
There are currently two. Foundation Modern Apprenticeships
and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships. Details of these
current schemes are available by clicking here.
Due to the uncertainty outlined in the postponement
of the new framework, it is suggested that entering
young people on to this framework should be treated
with some circumspection until such times at the precise
structure is ratified.
As of 20th September
2002 the launch of the new Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks
that include Technical Certificates has been postponed.
The following announcement by Print and Graphic Communications
National Training Organisation explains the position.
NEW MODERN APPRENTICESHIP
LAUNCH POSTPONED
The NTO has decided reluctantly to postpone the implementation
of its new Modern Apprenticeship Framework for England,
Wales and Northern Ireland until 14 January 2003.
The current framework will remain in place until 13
January 2003. We fully appreciate that this decision
will cause problems for employers, employees, potential
employees and training providers in terms of planning.
Our judgment was that to delay the postponement or
to continue with the 15 October launch date would
have cause many more difficulties.
