Education

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 3 mitt.ca Industry Driven. Student Focused. We Build Success Employers want trained workers with skills ready to go. That's why we provide innovative, real-world education and it's no accident our grads have over 80% placement rates in their fields within 6 months. Our flexible and modern approach, with over 30 programs designed with industry in mind and our award-winning instructors... give MITT training the edge. Success for our students and their employers is our #1 goal. info @ mitt.ca 204.989.6500 *Based on 2015 & 2016 student surveys. Not only do 90 per cent of MITT graduates find work in their field of study within six months, but students in many programs — including Graphic and Print Technician and Business Administration Assistant — can be job-ready in just 10 months. "We've been running our program successfully for 35 years," says Jan Hamilton, longtime Graphic and Print Technician instructor. "Prior to 2014, the program was known as Production Art. At that time, we received $2.2 million [in federal funding through Western Economic Diversification Canada], bought new equipment and changed our name. An already excellent program got that much better." With the infusion of brand-new, cutting-edge equipment, starting with a new Apple Mac computer lab, this hands- on program in which students perform real work for real clients now features the latest and greatest tools of the trade. "Students learn to run all sorts of sophisticated equipment. They take projects from concept on the Macs all the way to pre-press and printing, right up to big printing presses. They learn about flexographic and lithographic presses, wide-format digital, and how to cut, fold, stitch and score." Hamilton says the course — which is project-based — is intensive, to say the least. "It's a jam-packed, fast course that calls for lot of work in a short period of time, but the payoff is that you complete it in 10 months." Contrary to popular opinion, the print industry isn't dead, says Hamilton. Rather, it's evolved. "It's moved to different areas, such as packaging, vehicle (advertising/promotion) wraps, highway signs, billboards and more — the industry is still alive and well," she says. "Career prospects are good. For an investment under $5,000, students can enjoy a good, rewarding career for putting in 10 months of hard, focused work." Likewise, students in the Business Administration Assistant (BAA) Program can also be ready to look for employment in less than a year, says program co-ordinator Bev Kufley-Rozak. "We can have you job-ready to find work in a wide variety of business settings from schools to insurance agencies, universities, government, investment agencies, youth employment and more," she says. "Graduates can find work as an administrative assistant, human resources co-ordinator, in data entry or as a bookkeeper." Demand for administrative professionals is high as are employers' expectations. To meet these ever-changing needs, MITT works collaboratively with industry to ensure its graduates bring the most in-demand skills to the workforce. "Not only does the program equip students with excellent verbal and written communication skills, in- depth knowledge of administrative office procedures and computer software applications (for example, Microsoft Office and QuickBooks) and additional skills in business correspondence and social media," says Kufley-Rozak. "Just as importantly, students learn critical soft skills in areas such as problem solving, teamwork, multi- tasking and working under pressure. It's a focused, practical program that equips students with essential business skills." Once students in both programs are equipped with the knowledge and tools required to excel in a real- life business setting, they are then sent out to various workplaces for practicums. Placement for the Graphic and Print Technician Program is four weeks, while Business Administration Assistant Program students spend six weeks in training. "If they work hard and do well, graphic and print technician students can expect a 100 per cent chance of employment," says Hamilton. "The printing industry is the fourth-largest industry in Manitoba, so the demand for skilled, dependable employees is there." Kufley-Rozak said the practicums represent a great opportunity for students. "They not only get to apply their skills and experience the business world, but the practicums also create networking opportunities," she says. "If you prove your worth during the practicum, there's a good chance you'll land a job, or be able to get a reference that may lead to finding work with another business. There are all kinds of opportunities out there for students that offer employers so many practical skills." To find out how MITT can help you build your future, visit mitt.ca or call 204-989-6500. ❚ JOB-READY AT MITT '' The printing industry is the fourth-largest industry in Manitoba, so the demand for skilled, dependable employees is there." By Todd Lewys for the Free Press Whether you're a high school student looking to launch your first career or want to start a new one, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) is dedicated to helping you build your future. MANITOBA INSTITUTE OF TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY Students in many MITT programs — including Graphic and Print Technician and Business Administration Assistant — can be job-ready in just 10 months. MITT photos

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