Label industry guru Mike Fairley and Labelexpo have developed a global training and certification program, the Label Academy, to provide a set of e-learning modules for label industry employees.
The Label Academy consists of a series of self-study modules, combining free access to a detailed synopsis, articles and videos with textbooks.
Three modules will initially be available before further study topics are added: conventional label printing processes, digital label and package printing and environmental performance and sustainable labeling.
At the end of the students’ modular studies, they have the option of taking an online examination and earning a certificate.
Each module is supported by a textbook, written by industry experts.
The books are available in printed and Kindle formats from Amazon.com and its regional sites.
A Label Academy qualification is expected to become a standard in the industry – for printers/converters, suppliers, brand owners and designers – and assist in providing a benchmark.
In addition to self-study options, accredited training courses will be promoted through the Label Academy website.
The Label Academy is fully supported by trade association partners: FINAT, TLMI and the LMAI and sponsored by Durst, Flint Group Narrow Web, HP Indigo, Kocher + Beck, MPS and UPM Raflatac.
“The Label Academy has been designed with industry involvement to provide people who are embarking on a career in the label profession with a foundation level of understanding about the industry and its exacting requirements,” says Fairley.
“Label printing can be extremely technical with more production processes than other general printing jobs, so the aim is to up skill and give training to those starting out so they are crucially better placed to take over from current skilled and knowledgeable people as they reach retirement.”
Students can register and access course synopsizes and complimentary articles and videos online.
The online examinations will cost US$250.
