Minister Ambrose Announces Government Support for Print Media Excellence at NorQuest College

March 07, 2008

Today in Edmonton, Minister Ambrose announced a federal investment of more than $1.4 million toward NorQuest College’s Centre for Excellence in Print Media Communications to support innovation and the development in Western Canada’s print industry.

“Today’s investment supports increased value-added production and encourages the adoption and continued integration of new technologies by Western Canada’s print industry,” said Minister Ambrose. “Projects like this create a more diversified western economy that has strong, competitive and innovative businesses and communities.”

This Centre will provide a venue for testing and implementing new print technologies. It will enable small businesses to expand their knowledge and expertise, and to create industry opportunities. The expected results will be improved productivity and competitiveness of the western Canadian printing industry.

The print industry has been transformed by information and communication technologies, and is in the process of changing from traditional manufacturing to electronic media. The Centre will provide information seminars on new technologies, workshops on business process improvements, lab time for one-on-one or small group consultations to test technologies, identification of other relevant training, assistance in developing a plan for the integration of new technology, and support throughout the integration period. Three target markets have been identified: print business owners, print industry employees and new entrants to the print industry.

“The Centre for Excellence in Print Media Communications will enable industry employers to access technological training and education necessary to improve their businesses,” explains NorQuest College President and CEO, Dr. Wayne Shillington. “The other benefit is that our students are workforce ready, equipped with leading-edge skills relevant to the needs of industry employers.”