The awarding organisation created by Walsall College, Accredited Skills for Industry (asfi), is currently celebrating its ability to meet industry demands, after 24 students have successfully achieved the organisation’s first full qualification in digital print. 

Asfi is dedicated to creating bespoke qualifications in conjunction with industry and employers, providing training and qualifications that are tailored to employer demands.

The awarding organisation has worked in conjunction with several companies, including Accord Housing and Roland DG, to develop short, nationally recognised and accredited qualifications, delivered largely in the workplace. 

The asfi ‘Award in Basic Principles of Large Format Digital Printing’ course is the first full qualification the organisation has accredited and meets specific training needs within the signmaking industry. Created in conjunction with global wide format printer manufacturer, Roland DG (UK), the new course aims to promote quality digital print and professional and safe conduct within the digital print environment. 

Students were formally recognised for their achievements during an award ceremony at Walsall College’s Jerome’s Restaurant on Monday 2^nd July. 

Carl Jordan, Director of asfi said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the success of students on our first full qualification. Asfi works with businesses to create recognised training through units and qualifications that are tailored to meet specific employer and industry skill needs.”

Gillian Montanaro, Head of Marketing of Roland DG (UK) said: “Working with Walsall College and Accredited Skills for Industry, individuals are able to keep up with the fast moving technology within the Signmaking and Graphics industry. Students are able to attend training programmes that keep their skills set up to date and enable them to get hands-on wide format print production experience.”

Amongst the 24 successful candidates included a group of Walsall College Graphic Design students, who took the course to experience the production and reprographics side of design first hand, and begin to understand what it takes to realise and produce their creative ideas. 

Graphics tutor at Walsall College, Kevin Myler said: “In today’s competitive job market, the need to obtain as many design related qualifications and first-hand experience is essential, to maximise their employability prospects. Future employers want to see real desire and ambition in anybody they take on, and we feel this makes a step in this direction. This qualification is part of new initiatives within the department of Graphic Design that aim to engage the learners with employers and industry standard resources.”