News

The highly-anticipated standards - and occupational profiles - are the second set of national skill standards to be released by CPISC, with standards for press workers released in 2008.



The new pre-press and finishing and bindery standards set out what an employee should know and be able to do on the job, and their release will have benefits for print industry employers, current and future employees, students and educators.



CPISC launched the new skill standards as part of its national industry Forum in Vancouver, with this year’s event focusing on skills in a changing print environment.



CPISC Co-Chair, Jeff Ekstein said the focus on skills development was even more critical given the current economic environment.



“Employers need to know they have employees with the right mix of skills to get the job done,” he said.



“With this latest release of national skill standards, we now have standards covering the main industry process areas from pre-press to printing and finishing and bindery. The industry has really embraced these national standards, recognising their value in helping print companies to be more competitive in a global environment.”



Fellow CPISC Co-Chair, Duncan Brown, said the expansion of the skill standards package had significant benefits for employers and employees.



“Standards enable an employer to assess the skills of new and current employees, helping them to identify what training and development is most needed to help employees perform at their best.



“For employees, the release of these skill standards will help in having their skills recognised and allow them to ensure their skills are up-to-date and they remain highly employable, even in tough economic times.”



Further skill standards for colour and output specialists are currently being developed, and these are expected to be released in September.



About CPISC

The Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council, funded by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program, is a not-for-profit organization responsible for spearheading the human resources strategy of Canada’s printing and graphics communication sector.



For further information and interviews, please contact:

Melissa Hein, CPISC Marketing and Communications manager, 613-688-0293.