Graphic Communications is a technology-based, two-year diploma program designed to provide training in modern principles and practices used in the printing and graphic industry. A comprehensive hands-on approach ensures that students receive a marketable set of skills within a positive learning environment.
The goal of this program is to help the student develop personal and professional competencies in communications, problem solving, teamwork, electronic pre-press, production technologies, and finishing & bindery operations that will help lead to successful employment.
Program topics include: problem solving, basic layout & design, electronic pre-press, wide format printing, finishing & bindery operation skills, screen printing, dye sublimation, and 3D printing. Students are exposed to the computer software applications commonly used in this industry, such as page layout, design, image manipulation, and computer graphics. Other topics include: digital scanning, colour proofing, digital photography, digital printing (colour and black & white), embroidery graphics, and laser cutting & engraving.
Our equipment is constantly being modernized to offer an expanded range of technical skills. Some of our equipment include:
- Wide format inkjet printer used for display graphics and assembly
- Vinyl cutter for signage, graphics, and packaging
- Xerox colour digital press
- Screen printing equipment
- Heidelberg presses
- Fine Art Archival Printing
- Embroidery machine
- Laser engraving machine
- Dye sublimation printer
- 3D printer
A program resembling a real-world work environment reinforces the learning process for the students.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional and personal competencies required for the printing and graphic industry.
- Demonstrate clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Apply a teamwork approach to problem-solving techniques.
- Demonstrate a hands-on knowledge of electronic pre-press methods and equipment.
- Operate traditional and digital printing equipment.
- Demonstrate strong technical skills for computer programs used in the printing and graphic industry.
- Demonstrate safe operation of bindery and finishing equipment.
- Operate graphic printing equipment such as: wide-format printer, embroidery machine, screen printing machine, laser cutter & engraver, fine-art printer, dye sublimation printer, and 3D printer.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the program may be employed in many areas of the printing and graphic industry. Some of the entry-level positions include: design & layout agencies, commercial printers, in-plant printers, government agencies, digital copy centres, sign printers, and corporate promotional suppliers.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore, international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
Note:
Basic computer literacy skills as well as strong core skills in English and Mathematics are definite assets for this program. These skills are important for success in the program.