The FESPA E-learning Programme is based on the acclaimed online course developed by the UK’s Digital & Screen Printing Association in conjunction with PDS Consulting. The original course is the product of 30 years practical experience in screen printing production and training, and addresses the key skills and knowledge vital to the efficient operation of the screen printing process.
FESPA plans to build on this screen printing course with further modules on pad and digital printing, with the aim of developing a comprehensive European e-learning qualification covering all techniques.
FESPA is also funding a number of initial licences for each of the relevant national associations, enabling printers in these countries to take advantage of this training tool at no cost. FESPA Associations will be able to purchase further licences from PDS Consulting via FESPA at a preferential rate.
The FESPA E-learning Programme is accessible via a portal on the national associations’ web sites, avoiding the need for printers to install software on their own LANs. The tool comprises graphics, animations and video clips to enliven the thousands of facts, hints and tips which the course conveys to the user. Regular questioning and re-capping throughout the course structure helps the learner to measure their progress, and encourages them to revisit areas of the course which they have not fully mastered.
FESPA General Secretary Nigel Steffens says: “It’s an undeniable fact that the global printing industry faces a skills crisis. The demise of formal training and apprenticeships in many European countries, combined with the pressure on margins and its effect on in-house training and staff development budgets, is creating a knowledge deficit that poses a real threat to the screen printing industry of the future. FESPA is committed to addressing this by helping national associations provide their members with affordable, leading edge educational resources.”
Thousands of screen and digital printers from all over Europe are set to converge on Amsterdam’s RAI Exhibition Centre from May 16-18 May to explore the commercial opportunities offered by digital output technologies, particularly in emerging applications for digital printing, for example printing onto glass, ceramics, textiles, white goods, and many more.
Having sold out its contracted floor space at the beginning of February, FESPA has taken additional space enabling a further 30 new exhibiting companies to be accommodated, bringing the total number of global digital suppliers to 210. Over 30% of suppliers at FESPA are first-time exhibitors.
FESPA Exhibitions Director Frazer Chesterman says: “Not only will the world’s leading edge digital production solutions be showcased at FESPA, but the cream of the industry’s thought-leaders will speak at the associated conference, which offers a comprehensive programme focussing not just on sign and graphics, but on printing onto glass, wood and ceramics, to mention a few.”
