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Johnson’s World: Grow Your Own—Get Creative to Find New Talent

Colleges, universities, vocational schools and high schools are discontinuing graphic arts programs—even though students pursuing careers in print are much more likely to land successful positions upon graduation than students who’ve majored in web design, gaming, or computer science. Steve Johnson explains how to cultivate the next generation of printing employees.

Monday, June 20, 2022

University of Wisconsin–Stout, nestled in Wisconsin’s picturesque Northwoods, recently announced it is suspending admissions to its Graphic Communications program. I’ve heard rumors that Ferris State University in Michigan and Ball State University in Indiana have similar plans. I’d be happy to discover that these rumors are unfounded, but I fear the worst.

In the immediate vicinity of my printing plant, the local high school, the vocational school, and the local community college have all eliminated their printing programs.

Politicians, boards of education, and of regents, and the administrators who nominally report to them don’t see print as a glamorous career path. What a shame.


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About Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson is a successful print owner and digital pioneer. Each month in Johnson’s World, he offers up his take on the day-to-day world of graphic communications.

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