Printing has been taught at Melbourne’s RMIT University since the turn of the century and today holds a reputation as one of Australia’s most respected providers of graphic technology training. However the university has advised over the next 18 months it will exit the delivery of pre-press, printing and print finishing training.
John Barnes, RMIT’s Director TAFE and Vice-President, thanked the ICGT’s staff and its printing industry partners for their dedication to high-quality printing training.
He says, “RMIT has invested more than $1m in the past three years into the ICGT to build on its deserved reputation as the leading provider of printing training in south-east Australia.
“Unfortunately, the printing industry has been experiencing long-term difficulties in sourcing apprentices. In turn, this has cut numbers at the ICGT to the point where its activities are no longer viable.”
Last year, the Brunswick-based centre was provided with $375,000 for the refurbishment and modernisation of its press hall this included a purpose-built climate controlled pre-press facility, an upgrade to the existing Agfa CTP System, wide format proofing devices, desktop devices and integrated colour management and workflow system.
Below is a promotional video for the ICGT, posted prominently on RMIT’s website which showcases the scope of the centre’s facilities.
Barnes continues that ICGT staff and their union representatives had been told of the decision. The University would implement consultation in line with enterprise agreements.
He says, “The education industry is changing and we at RMIT are putting our efforts into growth areas which reflect our strengths as a global university of technology and design – areas of high growth and high demand.
“We are consulting all stakeholders in the industry. Hopefully, a niche training organisation will emerge to serve their requirements. We shall be working with every apprentice and their employers to ensure that all current training programmes are completed.”
When contacted by i-grafix, Simon Cochaud, director of the ICGT confirmed the decision to close the centre, but declined to comment further.
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