Instructor Jessica Werner | West Campus | CIP Code 10.0399

Graphic Communications is a varied industry with a wide range of career opportunities. It encompasses printers, publishers, packagers, papermakers, ink makers, equipment manufacturers, and in-house design and printing departments within corporations, banks, and even department stores. The industry also provides various technical, marketing, and distribution services such as mailing, inventory and fulfillment management, creative design, and database management. The industry employs more than 400,000 people in more than 29,000 organizations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The Graphic Imaging program introduces students to the printing and publishing industry, teaches safety issues and explores career opportunities. Students learn the basic principles of lithography and develop skills in electronic imaging/assembly, plate making, and offset press operation. A study of color theory and application will introduce materials and technologies used for four-color reproduction process printing. Students will gain experience in printing production and management. Practices such as inventory control, printing layouts, job processing/estimating, and quality control issues will be addressed. Students in this program gain real world experience by doing live production work for outside customers.

Our program has continued to show growth by expanding into the digital market, including large-format printing and eco-solvent printing (vinyl signage, including vehicle graphics).

Signs are designed and redesigned, cost estimated, and cut by computer. A computer, a software program, and a cutting plotter, will transform a thin sheet of vinyl material into easy-to-apply lettering or graphics that you can place on a sign background.

Students will participate in learning experiences in all programs in the Communications Cluster and interact with students from Advertising Art and Design, Communication Media, and Photo Imaging.

Career Pathways:

Printing Press Machine Operator & Tender

Pre-Press Technician & Worker

Bindery Machine Setter & Set-up Operator

Desktop Publisher

Production Worker

CAREER PATHWAYS CAN LEAD TO:*

Graphic Designer

Advertising Production Manager

Publications Supervisor

*Requires post-secondary training.

Industry Certifications:

Adobe Certified Associate - Visual Communication
Adobe Certified Associate - Graphic Design
Adobe Certified Associate - Print & Design
OSHA/CareerSafe 10-Hour Certification

College Advanced Credits:

The Art Institute of Philadelphia - Up to 9 credits

Berks Technical Institute - Up to 58 quarter credits

Pennsylvania College of Technology - Up to 6 credits

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology - Up to 9 credits

This program will have additional articulation agreements with selected colleges and universities to provide advanced credit toward post- secondary degrees.

Program Requirements/Costs

There are specific costs for textbooks, tools, supplies, uniforms, certifications; and for some programs, medical and criminal clearances that students are obligated to pay upon acceptance. These costs change annually.

Program Entrance Recommendations:

ο Reading at grade level

o Algebra I or Geometry

o Problem-solving/ troubleshooting skills

o Ability to work independently and in a team

o Hand-eye coordination

o Artistic ability/creativity