The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has signed on as the inaugural sponsor for Clemson University’s new virtual print training platform.
Developed by the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics, the platform features a ‘print lab’ where users can operate a press and utilise all of the tools and measurement devices found in a traditional pressroom. An initial phase of the platform was showcased at FTA’s Infoflex exhibition in New Orleans earlier this year.
All parties hope that the platform will help attract new talent into an industry that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has seen a 25% decrease in employment over the past decade.
‘Attracting and developing tomorrow’s flexographic workforce is something we take very seriously and we are excited to sign on as the inaugural sponsor of this state-of-the-art virtual training platform,’ said Joe Tuccitto, FTA director of education.
The initial phase is modeled after the institute’s own print lab and flexographic press, though the ultimate goal is to develop an all-encompassing print environment for scalable training experiences and industry recruitment.
The platform will be utilised at FTA’s conference in Charlotte next month, transforming its main stage into a fully functional pressroom.
