Friesens Graphic Arts Book Manufacturing Course

Introduction

Friesens Graphic Arts Book Manufacturing course has been training and preparing students for careers in book manufacturing for more than a decade.

This intensive program presents the theory of bookmaking in an on-site classroom and combines that with practical training by experts in the trade in one of North America’s most modern book manufacturing plants.

Friesens Graphic Arts course takes students beyond the textbook, training them to become skilled technicians and operators, preparing them to be future leaders in our company and in our industry.

History

Friesens Corporation in Altona, formerly D. W. Friesen & Sons, has grown from a stationery goods supplier to become Canada’s largest book manufacturer. Friesens is recognized as a leader in the industry in North America utilizing digital and electronic technology, and a full complement of modern printing and binding equipment.

As a major employer in the area, Friesens relies heavily on the south central region of Manitoba for staff. With the continued growth of the company, and the increasingly technical nature of the industry, providing appropriate training for staff becomes crucial for the company’s continued success.

To meet that need, Friesens developed a course of instruction where our own professional staff members share their expertise in a Graphic Arts program recognized by Red River College, a community college.

Today's Course

Originally, students were recruited from regional high schools. More recently, management has made this course available exclusively to full time staff members. Selected by their managers on the basis of demonstrated strengths and ambition, potential students are given the opportunity to apply for this training experience.

The class size is restricted to 6 students to allow for maximum exposure and experience to the learning resources, the production departments, and the equipment.

The course is made up of over 500 hours of instruction and experience. Building on a presentation of the history of print and bookmaking, students study the theory behind today’s book manufacturing process. Prepress, Press, and finishing functions are explained, along with Estimating, Customer Service, and Planning.

Over a period of several months students experience the workflow of jobs making their way through the plant. An opportunity is given to specialize in a particular area of interest.

Classes in Communication, Problem Solving, and Team Building, and an introduction to Friesens computer intranet help students as they develop their careers to become leaders at Friesens.

What Graduates Say

Ryan Hildebrand, CSR Western Canada: “The motto . . . you learn to do by doing describes this course best. This course taught me about all areas of the Graphic Arts industry by using state-of-the-art equipment and working with great people. It will give you the knowledge to shape your own future in this industry.”

Chad Friesen, Yearbook Sales based in Ottawa, Canada: “The Friesens Graphic Arts College helped me develop a strong understanding of the printing process from several different perspectives. Today, I rely on my training to help make our customers comfortable with the production process which makes their jobs more enjoyable.”

Dennis Penner, 8-colour Press Operator: “The Graphic Arts Course opened my eyes and introduced me to the profession of printing. Being taught and trained by the best prepares and encourages you to become an outstanding employee. I now have a whole new outlook and respect for the printing industry thanks to the Graphic Arts Course.”



	Friesens Graphic Arts Book Manufacturing Course Introduction Friesens Graphic Arts Book Manufacturing course has been training and preparing students for careers in book manufacturing for more than a decade. This intensive program presents the theory of bookmaking in an on-site classroom and combines that with practical training by experts in the trade in one of North America’s most modern book manufacturing plants. Friesens Graphic Arts course takes students beyond the textbook, training them to become skilled technicians and operators, preparing them to be future leaders in our company and in our industry. History Friesens Corporation in Altona, formerly D. W. Friesen & Sons, has grown from a stationery goods supplier to become Canada’s largest book manufacturer. Friesens is recognized as a leader in the industry in North America utilizing digital and electronic technology, and a full complement of modern printing and binding equipment. As a major employer in the area, Friesens relies heavily on the south central region of Manitoba for staff. With the continued growth of the company, and the increasingly technical nature of the industry, providing appropriate training for staff becomes crucial for the company’s continued success. To meet that need, Friesens developed a course of instruction where our own professional staff members share their expertise in a Graphic Arts program recognized by Red River College, a community college. Today's Course Originally, students were recruited from regional high schools. More recently, management has made this course available exclusively to full time staff members. Selected by their managers on the basis of demonstrated strengths and ambition, potential students are given the opportunity to apply for this training experience. The class size is restricted to 6 students to allow for maximum exposure and experience to the learning resources, the production departments, and the equipment. The course is made up of over 500 hours of instruction and experience. Building on a presentation of the history of print and bookmaking, students study the theory behind today’s book manufacturing process. Prepress, Press, and finishing functions are explained, along with Estimating, Customer Service, and Planning. Over a period of several months students experience the workflow of jobs making their way through the plant. An opportunity is given to specialize in a particular area of interest. Classes in Communication, Problem Solving, and Team Building, and an introduction to Friesens computer intranet help students as they develop their careers to become leaders at Friesens. What Graduates Say Ryan Hildebrand, CSR Western Canada: “The motto . . . you learn to do by doing describes this course best. This course taught me about all areas of the Graphic Arts industry by using state-of-the-art equipment and working with great people. It will give you the knowledge to shape your own future in this industry.” Chad Friesen, Yearbook Sales based in Ottawa, Canada: “The Friesens Graphic Arts College helped me develop a strong understanding of the printing process from several different perspectives. Today, I rely on my training to help make our customers comfortable with the production process which makes their jobs more enjoyable.” Dennis Penner, 8-colour Press Operator: “The Graphic Arts Course opened my eyes and introduced me to the profession of printing. Being taught and trained by the best prepares and encourages you to become an outstanding employee. I now have a whole new outlook and respect for the printing industry thanks to the Graphic Arts Course.”



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