“How many times do we have to complain about the lack of fundamental education of entry-level workers before doing something about it?” Having sat in many meetings about print industry education over the years, it’s a complaint that I’ve heard printers make many times. Consultant Jack Epstein says that the only way for employers to perceive the true extent of the problem is to test prospective employees for math and reasoning skills. Epstein has devised a 50-question exam that he recommends giving to everyone seeking work at a printing company. “People apply for job openings who don't have basic reading, writing, math and ruler reading ability," he says. "You have to be kidding yourself if you expect them to be able to understand job jackets, read equipment manuals or understand written procedures.” What’s more, “Don't assume anything about people just because they have a certificate of graduation from a program. There are college graduates who have problems adding fractions. I recommend you test everyone and identify those people that if you listen are screaming for help.” Some of Epstein’s questions are pretty basic: • There are 20 layers of books on a skid. Each layer has 40 books. How many books are on the skid? • A printing job costs $6,000. The State sales tax is an additional 5%. How much would the entire bill be? Others might demand a bit more effort: • How many 8 1/2" x 11" pieces of paper can you cut out of a 22" x 34" sheet? • A book is 8 1/2" x 11" x 1/4" high. Our cartons are 11 1/8" x 17 1/8" x 6" high. How many books will fit in a carton? And some require test-takers to think not just about the arithmetic, but about the significance of the question itself: • A shrink-wrap machine can run faster the more people that are put on it. It can do 500 pieces per hour with 2 people, 900 per hour with 3 people and 1,100 per hour with 4 people. Per labor hour, what is the more efficient way to staff the machine? • Two people in the bindery stop and talk for 6 minutes about what their plans are for the weekend while they are on the clock. During this time, nothing is produced. Their time is valued at $50 per hour each. How much did this conversation cost the company? "People who scored below 75% should be considered candidates for remedial training," Epstein says. "Would you want an estimator who didn't get at least 90%? The complete test can be downloaded here.