The power of print.
Printing is an ancient practice that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry in Canada today. Along with a multitude of digital mediums, the printing of books, magazines, brochures, banners, art, clothing and more keeps graphic communications at the forefront of this fast-paced industry.
Advances in modern technology have revolutionized the business world and companies are constantly diversifying and in search of talented and ambitious graduates. With our modernized equipment and real-world work environment as your learning ground, you’ll be in high demand with your training in electronic pre-press and post-press operations and the latest printing and production technologies. You’ll become proficient in basic layout and design, screen printing and computer software applications including page layout, image manipulation and computer graphics. For today’s workforce, you also need a balance of skills in colour proofing and digital printing. Our program follows national skills standards for the printing and graphic communications industry.
Our equipment is constantly modernized to offer an expanded range of technical skills. Skills such as those acquired using our wide-format inkjet printer for display graphics and applied to various surfaces including vehicles and clothing. Skills required for printing industry standard material such as brochures, magazines, business cards and more, are honed using our Xerox Colour digital press. Our screen printing, embroidery, and dye sublimation machines enable print to be placed onto clothing and introduce a valuable group of skills required for the apparel industry. Our laser engraving machine is used to create rapid prototypes and we also have a vinyl cutter that is used to produce graphics for sign display. This learning ground offers the training for skills that are increasing in demand by the sign industry and hobbyists alike.
If this exciting, creative and hands-on field aligns with your future vision — apply now!
Program Highlights:
- Using practical skills to create projects such as banners, tickets, t-shirts and posters that are donated to nonprofit organizations
- Applying print to walls, brick walls, ceilings, glass, vehicle parts
- Collaborative projects with other CNA programs to print and apply graphics that help increase visual appeal
Did You Know?
- Graduates are working at exciting careers throughout Canada and around the world.
- Graduates have created props on site for various movie sets.
- Students have won regional, provincial and national awards over the past decade.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional and personal competencies required for the printing and graphic industry.
- Demonstrate clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Apply a teamwork approach to problem-solving techniques.
- Demonstrate a hands-on knowledge of electronic pre-press methods and equipment.
- Operate traditional and digital printing equipment.
- Demonstrate strong technical skills for computer programs used in the printing and graphic industry.
- Demonstrate safe operation of bindery and finishing equipment.
- Operate graphic printing equipment such as: wide-format printer, embroidery machine, screen printing machine, laser cutter & engraver, fine-art printer, dye sublimation printer, and 3D printer.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the program may be employed in many areas of the printing and graphic industry. Some of the entry-level positions include: design & layout agencies, commercial printers, in-plant printers, government agencies, digital copy centres, sign printers, and corporate promotional suppliers.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to
AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.
Note:
Basic computer literacy skills as well as strong core skills in English and Mathematics are definite assets for this program. These skills are important for success in the program.