SATISFYING YOUR CUSTOMERS Through Employee Development Online, Self-Paced Certification Programs INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATIONS www.flexography.org/training
A Document Created for the Industry, by the Industry For more than 20 years, FIRST (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances) has helped production managers bring their printing processes to the next level by providing the procedures and methodologies necessary to produce high-quality and consistent results, pressrun after pressrun. Over the past 10 years, FTA has developed state-of-the-art online, individual certification programs to help companies apply the FIRST methodology. Those who carry a FIRST Individual Certification are more capable and able flexographers who can bring improvements, consistency and real results to any workflow. Create Clear Lines of Communication Speak one language across the entire printing supply chain Give your employees the confidence they need to make necessary changes before issues occur Save time, eliminate frustration and reduce costly product waste Provide the best possible product to your customer on every job What Does FIRST Individual Certification Training Provide? For the Company Consistency Repeatability Profitability Customer confidence Success For the Individual Confidence Team player Pride Knowledge Effective communicator 95% of industry professionals who complete this online training course, give the experience Five out of Five Stars Construct a Strong Team That Optimizes Your Workflow Using one common set of guidelines across all three certification programs FIRST Press Operator Certification LEVEL I Whether you ve been on the job for two days or 27 years, Level I serves as the foundational building blocks for every learner. You will study the package printing industry, the flexographic process and standard trade terminology. Regardless of which certification path you choose, this level is the same for all certifications. LEVEL II Every job has its own function. Level II becomes more specific to the user s specific roles, applications and equipment. This level also enhances the individual s basic color theory knowledge and the essentials of consistent color reproduction. LEVEL III FIRST Prepress Operator Certification FIRST Implementation Specialist Certification After completing Levels I and II, the third and final level is the most in-depth. It demonstrates how to apply the science of FIRST methodology by running to the numbers to control the process. Level III also ensures every learner has the right tools to consistently and effectively communicate FIRST throughout the entire workflow.
FIRST Press Operator Certification Designed for: Press operators, machine adjusters, advanced press assistants Who Does the Press Operator Communicate with on a Daily Basis? PRESS ASSISTANTS PLATE MAKER CUSTOMER PLATE MOUNTER CO-WORKERS DESIGNER INK TECHNICIAN SUPPLIERS As a FIRST Certified Press Operator, you will Use FIRST data verification practices to set up a press Solve press problems through data verification Evaluate press conditions to achieve optimal print results Work collaboratively with prepress to identify near neutral density standards Demonstrate effective leadership skills in leading a press team Use statistical process control to maintain pressrun consistency Apply all FIRST-recommended specifications to reduce production waste
FIRST Prepress Operator Certification Designed for: Graphic artists, prepress technicians, desktop operators Who Does the Prepress Operator Communicate with on a Daily Basis? PRESS OPERATOR PLATE MAKER CUSTOMER DESIGNER As a FIRST Certified Prepress Operator, you will Perform FIRST job assembly functions Identify FIRST asset generation points throughout the workflow Use FIRST data verification practices in the prepress department Adhere to FIRST practices to solve prepress problems Evaluate press conditions to achieve optimal print results Work collaboratively with the press department to identify near neutral density standards Demonstrate effective leadership skills in leading a prepress team PLATE MOUNTER CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPLIERS CO-WORKERS
FIRST Implementation Specialist Certification Designed for: Production management, workflow support staff, technical support staff, suppliers Who Does the Implementation Specialist Communicate with on a Daily Basis? PLATE MAKER CUSTOMER SERVICE DESIGNER SUPPLIERS PLATE MOUNTER INK TECHNICIAN As a FIRST Certified Implementation Specialist, you will Understand and communicate the elements of FIRST methodology Analyze and communicate FIRST design practices Educate all internal and external team members to apply FIRST specifications Analyze and communicate FIRST prepress practices Conduct package product development workflow meetings as they relate to FIRST Analyze, apply and communicate FIRST print specifications Facilitate successful optimization, fingerprint and characterization print trials PRESS OPERATORS PREPRESS PROVIDER CO-WORKERS
FTA can deliver the training to fit a single plant s workflow, a supplier s entire technical staff or globally across multiple facilities, all while providing: Significant volume discounts and budget-friendly terms A competency-based, self-paced, online platform, available 24/7 Performance status reports and evaluation data Our Technical Education Services Team makes it simple to allow as many of your employees as possible to benefit from the advantages of FIRST Individual Certifications. Already have certified individuals? Make sure they are using what they ve learned through COMPANY CERTIFICATION A FIRST Company Certified site is a FIRST-driven plant that has fully implemented its processes and methodologies through compliance practices provisioned and monitored by FTA. To qualify for FIRST Company Certification, an individual plant must have a minimum of 40% 40% 40% Pressroom staff FIRST Prepress staff FIRST Management/production Press Operator Prepress Operator staff FIRST Certified Certified Implementation Specialist Certified Questions? Duane Woolbright Manager of Training Services Tel: 631-737-6020, ext. 150 To learn more about FIRST Company Certification, visit www.flexography.org
FLEXOGRAPHIC TECHNICAL ASSOCIATION 3920 Veterans Memorial Hwy Ste 9 Bohemia, NY 11716-1074 Tel: 631-737-6020 www.flexography.org INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATIONS