DiTrolio to Educate High School Students About Flexographic Printing
BROADVIEW, Ill.—In an age where U.S. manufacturing jobs are vulnerable at best, and disappearing at worst, DiTrolio Flexographic Institute (DFI), a state-of-the-art training facility for the flexographic printing industry located just outside of Chicago, is reaching out to area high school students with an important message: You have choices.
DFI representative Tom Anderson said, “We want high school kids to know that there are well-paying jobs available in the flexographic printing industry.”
The institute is sending Anderson to high schools all over the Chicago area to educate students about flexographic printing, its need for press operators, and the benefits of a career in “flexo.” He emphasizes that the flexographic industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and that it offers job security that is virtually certain, because flexo is a recession-proof industry.
“Most of the students we’re talking to are looking at minimum-wage jobs in the fast-food industry after graduation, or maybe jobs in trucking,” according to Anderson. “We show them that with training, press operators earn a starting wage of $10-$14 an hour, with ample opportunity for growth and advancement. Many printers offer a 401(k) plan. By beginning to contribute to a 401(k) at the age of 18, they can easily retire as millionaires!”
Anderson has visited many schools with his message during this school year, and he is happy to tell students that DiTrolio Flexographic Institute is offering scholarships for high school students.
“We are offering $1,000 scholarships for high school seniors in the Chicago area who want to get flexo training right out of high school,” said Anderson. “And DFI is offering two full scholarships at each of the three high schools closest to us this year. Seniors at Proviso East, Morton East and Morton West can apply for full scholarships.”
“It’s a great opportunity for students graduating high school. With cooperation from the industry we have been able to provide internships where students can earn $8-$10 an hour while they’re still in school,” according to Sara Gallagher, the institute’s Project Manager. “The industry is eager to hire young people who are well trained—and because there are fewer women working in flexo printing, there is a real movement to increase the number of women in this field, as well.”
DiTrolio Flexographic Institute offers a comprehensive 18-week flexography training program as well as a wide range of shorter customized courses to train people for jobs in the flexographic printing field.
- People:
- Tom Anderson
- Places:
- Chicago
- Morton East
- U.S.