Esko Leads Honors Class in Flexible Packaging

Esko reports that Ryerson University students participated in a highly successful edition of this summer's Honors Class in Flexible Packaging. The honors class was organized in cooperation with the Artevelde University College Ghent.

The unique honors class provides a complementary in-depth course on flexible packaging prepress. Returning after a successful summer class last year, this year it was formalized with credits and widened to include international partners, Artevelde University College.

"Esko invited students outside of the Artevelde University this year," said Ian Baitz, chair of the School of Graphic Communications Management at Ryerson University. "Ryerson University was the only participant from North America, and represented five of the 20 students who participated. They received university credits, participated in plant tours, and were taught by Esko engineers and instructors who are experts in their solutions. Students were able to focus for two full weeks on the content of the course, and nothing else. There were 80 hours of classroom time which, in terms of Ryerson, represented two full semester courses."

All of these third-year students enjoyed both a theoretical and practical education that included real-life situations, allowing them to experience the complete packaging development process from design concept to ready-to-print flexo plates. There were also visits to flexible packaging printer Segers & Belcaen, folding carton packaging printer Du Caju and flexo service provider Athena Graphics.

Getting business-ready

Jan De Roeck, director of solutions management at Esko, says the course was a great success, commenting, “We know that all of the students who attended our program have a very good educational and technical foundation due to the high quality of the classes. We are very excited to add our industry expertise to this high quality education program.”

The initiative is one of many examples of Esko’s long-term commitment to supporting schools and students as part of its mission to “educate to innovate.” This is accomplished by providing software and hardware solutions and through hands-on training at a variety of educational institutions worldwide, including Ryerson. De Roeck adds, “While a good, broad, basic training is provided by the institutions, our insights into the latest innovations and practical experience in the field of packaging, signs and POS displays help develop a more business-ready understanding for students. We continuously research the market and develop solutions that address key challenges and consider it vital that we invest in ensuring that our knowledge is passed on to emerging industry talent. This honors class ticks all the boxes."

“The honors class consisted not only of the two weeks at the premises of Esko but also of personal work to be done beforehand and after,” comments Baitz. “In the months before the class, there were very significant course work assignments learning about packaging workflows. Assignments were received by students through Esko WebCenter. There was also a post-course assignment required."

Competitive insight

"It was a great international event," adds De Roeck. "The honors class is an eye opener as it gives students the opportunity to develop new skills and to get to know the company better. It is a stepping-stone towards a professional career. Everyone benefits. Students enjoy the unique experience and it presents job opportunities; Esko is able to share knowledge with future employees, and Ryerson enjoys the exchange of knowledge and expertise, expanding the value of its programs.”

"The feedback from students and the organizers was extremely positive. We were all able to develop a partnership between Esko and schools around the world," concludes Baitz. "It was unique, offering a one-of-a-kind intensive learning experience. We would certainly like to participate again."

Source: Esko.