Tony's Corner
Recruitment: Organizations, OEMs and
educational institutions step up to the plate
Both here and south of the border, recruiting top talent will
be one of the biggest future challenges for our industry.
Thankfully, our industry organizations, original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) and educational institutions are
continuing to be proactive. In September, we reported that
Canadian Print Scholarships awarded 68 new and returning
students at five schools across Canada, scholarships for the
2019/2020 academic year valued at $1,500 each. Chair Jeff
Ekstein pointed out that this was the most the organization
has awarded in a single year! In the U.S., a group of associa-
tions, educators and industry reps led by John Berthelsen
recently formed the Graphic Communications Workforce
Coalition to coordinate the efforts of all organizations in the
printing and graphic communications industry to recruit top
talent, provide apprenticeship and training programs, and
retain existing talent.
Two events I attended recently illustrate how we’re continuing
to engage and encourage a new generation of young, highly
skilled workers. George Brown College launched its LIFT Lab
October 29 at its Fashion Exchange Hub in Toronto. A new
generation of design students will now be able to use the
latest technology to make custom fabric creations, thanks to
the school’s partnership with Epson Canada. Among the
technologies in the lab is an Epson dye-sublimation fabric
printer for waterless, roll-to-roll custom textile printing. I also
attended Ryerson University’s annual awards night November
13, as its School of Graphic Communications Management
(GCM) celebrated the amazing achievements and hard work
of its students and graduates. It was both a delight and an
inspiration to see so many young, talented individuals poised
for a rewarding career in our industry. Congratulations to all
the students and faculty at my Alma Mater.
Folks, every year those in our greying industry leave a legacy
of hard work and accomplishments as they retire. It’s up to
all of us to emulate the efforts of our OEMs, schools and
industry organizations by telling today’s young people that
the printing industry can be as fulfilling for them as it was –
and is – for us.
Until next time, always remember that we’re here to help.
Tony Curcio
Editor, Graphic Arts Magazine
[email protected]
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6 | November 2019 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE
graphicartsmag.com