Mobile, AL (June 30, 2005) — Last month, XANTÉ traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, to continue their annual tradition of participating in the SkillsUSA Championship, a nonprofit student organization whose members are enrolled in trade, technical, and skilled service professions. Each year, XANTÉ employees donate their time, expertise, and equipment to SkillsUSA for this championship and are an integral part of the Graphics Communications division. The SkillsUSA Championship showcases the best career and technical students in the nation. Student participants are expected to pass a number of contests and evaluations held by industry leaders and SkillsUSA representatives. To pass XANTÉ’s Graphics Communications section, a number of tests were administered. From 2-color proofs on the XANTÉ CL30, and 2-color separations on the Impressia Metal PlateSetter, each competitor had to run a digital workflow successfully. Judges then evaluated each student based on image placement, registration, composite proof, creativity, and overall presentation. “These people are the future of our industry,” said John Thomas, product specialist for XANTÉ. “You’re very smart if you’ve gotten into this competition. Not only is this an opportunity to meet industry leaders and get exposure to the latest and greatest technologies, but it’s a real-world application of the equipment that these students will be using in the workforce,” said Thomas. Four years ago, SkillsUSA was still teaching traditional print skills like stripping film and burning plates. After Heidelberg and XANTÉ joined efforts and updated their technologies, the SkillsUSA curriculum has converted to a completely digital and chemistry-free workflow. “With hands-on experience and real-world devices like the Impressia Metal PlateSetter and the Heidelberg Printmaster QM 46, these students can’t go wrong,” said John Thomas.