Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know I'm suited for this type of career?
A: Publishing is a great career option for people who love to read, think, and discuss their ideas, but it can be one of the more challenging professions to break into. Once you enter the field, however, there are many possibilities due to the diverse interests of corporate employers.
Abilities that indicate career success include:
- Strong English Language Skills
- Creative Aptitude for Visual Art
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Logical Problem Solving and Geometry Skills
Previous training or experience in technical writing, or computer programming would also improve your employment prospects.
Q: What skills will I learn by completing this course?
A: Three main skill areas: Print layout and typography; Digital imaging and graphic formats; Web interface design and coding. You may choose to specialize in either Print or Web for the last two months of training.
Q: What kind of software will I be trained to use?
A: Professional publishing software, combined with typographic layout and design theory that prepares you quickly for high-end results. Creative software includes: Adobe InDesign + Acrobat, Photoshop + Illustrator, Dreamweaver + Flash—installed on the corporate standard Windows XP Professional OS.
Q: What kind of work will I be qualified to do?
A: You will be training as a digital graphic layout technician and web interface designer. Students are challenged to create real-world projects throughout the year. Assignments include newsletters, posters, magazine ads, ebooks, logo drawing, and of course, web sites. These projects act as hands-on training and experience for the development of smart software skills, decision-making, problem-solving, and time management for a typical publishing workflow. Your final portfolio is published as a complete working web site. Most graduates find this feature to be a valuable asset when seeking employment.
Q: What kind of Web sites will I learn to make?
A: Web publishing skills involve the creation of single pages or entire sites—providing original content, or placing existing print documents online. Current standards are very high, so you will learn to create code for sites that are accessible, searchable, and browser compatible. XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript will be implemented. Other non-print products for electronic publishing include CD-ROM publications, ebooks, and PDF documents.
Q: Will I need my own computer?
A: You will certainly benefit from having one at home—for extra software practice, and of course e-mail. Most employers will expect you to have advanced computer problem-solving skills, and to be able to communicate freely using the Internet. Additional lab hours may be available, if needed, to help you to develop these important skills.
Q: What kind of jobs do graduates qualify for?
A: Graduates of this program find employment with businesses, corporations, and government departments. They work on a wide range of publications, from newspapers and magazines to online catalogues and web sites. Local companies that have hired our grads include: Manitoba Hydro; Investors Group; Government of Manitoba; Athelete's Wear; Trader Publications; HomeBase Media; and Pegasus Publications. Other grads have used the skills acquired here as a springboard to higher education, and some go into business as independent Web designers.
Q: How much time and money do I need to commit?
A: This is a nine month program, with eight months of hands-on training in the lab, followed by four weeks of work practicum placement in the field. The program runs full-time from September to May. Classes are held Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. The total cost of tuition and supplies is very reasonable.
Q: How can I find out more about the Program?
A: Easy! Just contact the instructor by phone or eMail to set up an appointment that's convenient for you.