When Specialist Technical Trainer Andrew Reynolds first arrived at NPA, one of his major objectives was to build an Apprentice Training Program that would ensure a strong pool of security printing talent for the years ahead. The National and State-level recognition awarded to recent past apprentices Angus McGrath and Jack McAullay demonstrated the talent and quality of work that exists at NPA, providing Andrew with the perfect launchpad for recruiting new apprentices.
"I couldn't be more pleased with how the program is progressing," says Andrew. "We have nine staff members now a part of the program and we have some exciting plans ahead for their training."
The current group of apprentices is comprised of:
Print Hall: Marc Willis, Nick Acevski, Lena Tanaka, David Fieldew, Salah Toto, Jakob Andrade and Josh Pannucio
Pre-Production: Ana Jankulova and Dechlan Hamilton
The Print Hall apprentices are six months into their apprenticeships, with some already having started their Holmesglen TAFE training and others about to begin. Ana and Dechlan have started in the last month. The apprentice training contracts are for four years with the TAFE training running for first three, then the last year is applying these skills in the workplace. Competency-based training enables each individual to progress at their own pace in demonstrating specific areas of competency as required by the course.
The next phase of training for the Print Hall team, which will commence next year, is to start rotating each apprentice through the different departments of NPA which will support their learning at TAFE by providing valuable hands-on experience that makes learning more meaningful.
The apprentice group recently visited Innovia Films where the Operations Manager Jay Dang hosted a very informative tour to see the extrusion and slitting processes of the banknote film manufacturing process.
"Viewing the supply chain is an important part of the program to understand the raw materials they are working with, as well as better understanding their own place and role in the manufacturing process," says Andrew. "Furthermore, if they're having an issue on the press, familiarity with material inputs such as substrate, inks, plates and so on provides additional insight for problem solving."
"We also have new initiatives that we're introducing to keep strengthening the program. For example, by early next year we'd like to set up the Heidelberg GTO52 (a single colour press which was used in passports but is no longer needed) in a location so that it can be used by the apprentice team as an off-line press resource for further learning – we're just trying to find a space to put it!"
Learning the Ropes: Apprentices saw the 'bubble' manufacturing process in action at Innovia Films. L to R: Salah Toto, Dechlan Hamilton, Jay Dang (Innovia Films), Marc Willis, David Fieldew, Lena Tanaka, Josh Panuccio, Jakob Andrade and Ana Jankulova (Note: Nick Acevski was uavailable for this tour, but has previously worked at CCL Secure).