Page 49 - FINAT Yearbook 2012

my vision
It is to provide such a global education resource, with a standardised system of modules encompassed into an employee’s individual training logbook, that I have envisaged an initial programme. Based on nearly 40 years of experience in education, industrial training, courses, seminars, workshops and in-house presentations; visits to converters and suppliers; and from undertaking all the Labels & Labeling Survey analysis, I have centred this initial proposal for a basic programme on 20 identified modules. There could be many more in due course, with all the existing education and training organisations, materials, books, handbooks and other material co-ordinated into one scheme.
In order to create a global approach to education and training, the main, basic-level knowledge and skills needed to grow the industry and develop individuals have initially been proposed into the 20 modules, each covering a particular aspect of knowledge requirement or industry sector – for example, label materials; label printing processes; inks; pre-press and plates, etc. Not all employees will need to follow all the modules (only those most relevant to their particular job or department); but these can be added to as training or responsibilities grow.
the training modules
On joining a company, the new employee would sit with the person or persons allocated the responsibility for their development, and go through the modules to build up a specific training programme. This might commence with just one module, or even one part of a module. The responsible human resources or training manager, department manager, supervisor, etc, would then monitor and sign off the training topics and modules as the employee progresses.
At a later stage, or maybe in tandem, a more advanced series of modules could be developed and introduced, with perhaps a more practical, operator-level, content. For example, the basic module on mechanical label printing processes might be divided into more advanced and more intense modules separately covering flexography; letterpress; offset; screen process; hot foil, etc. Indeed, individual press manufacturers might create modules for their own specific technologies and build these into the overall system.
Similarly, the main labelstock suppliers might consider developing advanced modules which specifically cover filmic materials, synthetic materials, paper-based materials, or VIP materials. Related sample swatches of different label substrates could also be developed to support the modules. These elements should be easy to integrate into the global education and training scheme.
additional resources
Once a module or modules have been allocated, an employer would review the specific topics or subjects within each individual module with the specific new or existing employee. Much of the initial knowledge content can be found within one or more of the label industry’s key reference sources, such as the Encyclopedia of Labels and Label Technology or in the FINAT Educational Handbook. These can be supplemented by other industry publications and books; through supplier literature; through external training organisations; internet searches; and through discussion and training briefings with senior or other specifically-experienced company employees.
It is proposed that each topic or subject should take at least one to four weeks of study before any testing and signing off on the achieved knowledge base takes place. Re-testing may sometimes be necessary if the employee does not appear to have attained a sufficient knowledge level. It is anticipated that the module programme will be integrated into existing company recruitment, development, and appraisal systems. Pilot schemes using some of these modules are already being undertaken in The Netherlands and the UK.
a global solution?
It is suggested that, ultimately, a Global Education and Training Advisory Board could be established. This Board might include representatives of the main label industry associations, such as FINAT, TLMI, LATMA, etc, as well as education and training organisations; Tarsus; and some global converting or supplier companies. The Board would develop guidelines for the administration of the scheme, approve modules, set standards, and endorse or accredit organisations wishing to become part of the training programme. At some stage it may wish to include certification.
funding and other practicalities
Organisations wishing to become accredited training organisations might contribute an annual fee towards the overall administration of the scheme, and help to provide a small secretariat to operate the programme. This secretariat might be operated through one of the main label industry associations. Alternatively, the whole scheme might be established as an educational foundation, perhaps with charitable status, which companies in the industry could help to fund through donations. Maybe it would eventually lead to a professional Label Institute that offered Fellowship, Membership and Student levels.
Modules might be supplied in some form of long-lasting loose- leaf binder that trainees would be able to add to, file notes or samples, etc. Marketing and sales could be through the Tarsus
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FINAT YEARBOOK 2012 |