RMIT University has announced it will be closing the International Centre of Graphic Technology (ICGT) and will exit the delivery of pre-press, printing and print finishing training over the next 18 months.
All existing programs will be taught until completion.
John Barnes, RMIT’s Director TAFE and Vice-President, thanked the ICGT’s staff and its printing industry partners for their dedication to high-quality printing training.
“RMIT has invested more than $1 million in the past three years into the ICGT to build on its deserved reputation as the leading provider of printing training in south-east Australia.
“Unfortunately, the printing industry has been experiencing long-term difficulties in sourcing apprentices. In turn, this has cut numbers at the ICGT to the point where its activities are no longer viable.
“The education industry is changing and we at RMIT are putting our efforts into growth areas which reflect our strengths as a global university of technology and design – areas of high growth and high demand.
“We are consulting all stakeholders in the industry. Hopefully, a niche training organisation will emerge to serve their requirements.
“We shall be working with every apprentice and their employers to ensure that all current training programs are completed.”
Mr Barnes said ICGT staff and their union representatives had been told of the decision. The University would implement consultation in line with enterprise agreements.
RMIT University
www.rmit.edu.au
