International Education Experts from Six Countries Analyze Global Trends to Further Print Education

SINGAPORE—June 28, 2007—The second education summit of Heidelberg’s Print Media Academy took place from May 8th to 11th in Singapore under the motto “Attract best talents to study printing.” Six top-notch representatives from international universities and vocational schools for print and media discussed new ways of collaboration and innovative training options in the print media industry. The Print Media Academy of the Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG in Germany was the event initiator.

The education summit’s key question was: “How can the urgently needed students for the print and media branches be recruited?” In most countries, the print media industry cannot sufficiently cover its high need for well-trained and skilled employees. Technological changes and the challenges of globalization also have an impact on the classical job description of printers and require new qualifications,” emphasizes Bernd Schopp, Director of the Print Media Academy.

Participants at the international education summit considered the traditional image of the printing industry and insufficient promotion of the significance of the print medium as among the reasons for the lack of well-trained junior staff. Print can no longer be regarded as a “stand alone” matter, but as an integral part of communication as a whole. However, public opinion only focuses on the print industry’s craftsmanship.

The international group of experts’ tenor was the importance of strongly emphasizing that the print and media industry is a future-oriented, modern branch offering young ambitious people a secure future and occupational opportunities on the international job market.

These days, many universities recommend postgraduate studies within the print and media industry to students from other study branches. Postgraduate studies are especially suited for graphic designers or digital media experts, who can significantly increase their job prospects with an additional print qualification.

The education summit came to an additional conclusion: Today’s constantly changing environment and fierce competition make lifelong learning indispensable - also within the print media industry. Ongoing educational training courses for print shop owners and employees have become increasingly important. Furthermore, it is necessary to continually adjust syllabuses in schools and universities to meet the demands of industry and market.