Mark Vruno

The Industry's Connection to Education

A higher ed. teacher chimes in on Chief Editor Bill Esler's editorial last month:

I read your editorial with interest in the October 2007 Graphic Arts Monthly. I agree with your three points at the end of the article, but contend that you missed a fourth point:

Industry (manufacturers, printers, etc.) needs to work closely with education at all levels to provide assistance. This help could be in several forms: sitting on Industry Advisory Committees, hiring students, opening up internships, equipment and supply donations, providing financial support for graphics students competing in SkillsUSA graphics-related areas and providing scholarships to promising students. In general, industry needs to provide additional support for programs barely keeping their heads above water as funding is diverted to remedial programs to improve exit-exam scores.

As a community college instructor with a vibrant program, I have seen many “feeder” high school and Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) close in our area due to funding issues. We spend many hours of recruiting time in high schools to interest students in the graphic arts. Without this effort, our program would face a similar fate. If, on the other hand, there were bridges of industry support to these schools—and a proven track record of student placements—I think a school district would think twice about closing the program.

My point is this:The industry needs trained, skilled workers. To get them, industry may have to connect with their local high school, ROP or community college and get involved.

Thanks for bringing the issue forward.

Rich Finner
Riverside Community College (Riverside, CA)

Posted by Mark Vruno on November 20, 2007 | Comments (1)