appointments 
Breakthrough as RMIT wins printing course funding As a result of public scoping exercises and the formation of a Program Advisory Committee (PAC), RMIT University’s International Centre of Graphic Technology (ICGT) is well and truly well on the way to offering Australia’s first and only print industry specific degree program, writes Rod Spencer.

The graphic communications industry has for many years been asking (more like demanding) for a higher education direction, which would address the complex issues and problems that immerse the industry in a very competitive environment.

Now in a breakthrough development, RMIT University has applied for, and been granted, State and Commonwealth funding to develop and offer an as yet un-named degree programme, having already formed the PAC, which has a mission to develop a national degree programme which will deliver outcomes matched to the industry’s wants and needs.

To comply with government regulations, enrolments need to be initiated by the end of September 2003 in readiness for the semester start in March 2004.

So after being a dream for many years the course is almost upon us, imputing a sense of urgency in the bodies involved including the PAC and the curriculum development team. Now the industry needs to respond by enrolling candidates as quickly as possible.

The course is developed to accommodate a multi-entry level, including post-apprenticeship, and will focus on flexible delivery and elective choices well matched to industry needs.

The graphic communications industry has already strongly indicated a desire for this programme to emphasise a business focus, and there is no doubt that RMIT has and will continue to listen. In the next months it will focus on course content and delivery methods for this long awaited innovative programme.
Don’t sit back and wait, if you have a candidate looking at future career path developments, then this is surely the way to accommodate that desire, as well as keeping a loyal and continuously contributing employee within your organisation.

If you have any questions, call RMIT University ICGT on . You will not be disappointed.

Over the next few months Australian Printer will continue to provide further details on this vitally important higher education initiative for the industry, which is Australia’s third largest.