Printing
Technical Diploma — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program code: 31-204-1

This curriculum goes into effect starting with the summer 2008 semester.


This page was last updated in July 2007.

Overview — The Printing diploma courses are designed to provide entry-level experience in setting up and running a variety of small offset presses. Experience will be gained in running jobs including envelopes, single color, two-color loose register, and four-color process. Presses range in size from duplicators to a two-color, console Heidelberg. The program includes a screen-printing course. The printing industry is dependent on computers, and printing presses are no exception. This one-year program includes a course to introduce prospective press operators to computers. Students will be exposed to the principles of computer-to-plate through the use of Risograph.

The Printing Diploma PLUS (+) High School Equivalency Diploma program combines a collaboration of printing and academic subject courses in English, social studies, math, science and health. Upon completion of the 26 required credits, the student will earn a Printing Diploma plus a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). Graduates from this program will increase their opportunities for employment, having gained the skills required in the printing industry plus having earned a High School Equivalency Diploma.

Career Outlook — Over one million skilled professionals are employed nationwide in producing printed materials such as brochures, books, magazines, catalogs, games, business forms, billboards and all types of packages. The printing industry is the third largest manufacturing employer in Wisconsin. It offers a wide variety of careers in some of the largest printing companies in the U.S., and in many smaller companies that employ fewer than 20 people. Industry growth and technological advances have resulted in an ongoing need for skilled personnel who can keep pace with computer-aided technology. Graduates of the program often locate employment as press operators, scanner operators, platemakers, finishing workers and prepress production technicians.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Employers expect you as a graduate of this diploma program to be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in prepress operations
• Use small and large press machines
• Demonstrate screen printing
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in postpress operations

Preparation for Admission — The following is required for admission to the program:

• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment.
• Attributes and skills that will enhance your potential for success in the program are artistic aptitude, good eye-hand coordination, and the ability to manipulate hands and fingers with precision. Patience and concentration are also important. A high school diploma or GED is recommended.

Possible Careers:

Platemaker
Prepress Production Technician
Press Operator

Related Programs:

Graphic Design
Desktop Publishing/Press Production
Visual Communication/Computer Graphics

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009. 

Hours per Week: r = related, s = shop

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

For course descriptions, class times and locations, visit INFOnline.