September 13, 2006 Source: :
http://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease091306889.shtml BCIT opens new graphic communications facility Today the British Columbia Institute of Technology will cut the ribbon on a new facility housing the latest equipment for graphic communications training, officially launching BCIT’s new diploma in Graphic Communications Technology. "This diploma encompasses virtually all aspects of the printing and publishing industry, including pre-press, press, bindery, finishing, management and customer service, and provides students in Western Canada with access to the latest technology used in this expanding field," says Laura Davie, BCIT’s associate dean of digital arts. "Students can now come to BCIT for this two-year program that gives them hands-on, practical training that also includes work placements in the field." The Graphic Communications Technology Diploma is the only one of its kind west of Ontario. A 16,000 square foot building near BCIT’s Burnaby campus will house the program’s warehouse, classrooms, offices and equipment. It is here, at 3460 Gardner Court in Burnaby, where industry leaders and members of the BCIT community will participate in the official ribbon cutting. In addition, each of the 22 students entering the program will be presented with a grant of $1,200 at the ceremony. These grants have been donated by members of the industry to help support training. "Our industry partners have played a very large part in supporting this program by donating over $2 million in cash and specialized equipment and lending leading expertise when asked. Through their direct support of the students, industry leaders are helping to ensure that we can meet their demand for highly-skilled graduates," says Davie. On top of the two-year diploma program, courses will be available through BCIT’s part-time studies for those currently working in graphic communications who may want to upgrade their skills. Almost two years of work by a joint British Columbia and Imaging Association (BCPIA) and BCIT advisory committee produced a curriculum that meets both industry and educational standards and equips its graduates to find and fill challenging jobs in all aspects of the commercial printing industry. The printing industry is the fourth largest manufacturing employer in Canada, directly employing more than 6,000 people in British Columbia alone in 2004. -30- For further information, media can call:
Allison Markin, Media Relations Manager
Tel. 604-432-8773
Cell 604-836-6700
allison_markin@bcit.ca To learn more about the Graphic Communications Technology Diploma and related programs, visit the School of Business, search for part-time courses, or call 604-434-1610 for program and course information.
| 