Ricoh invests in the next generation of print professionals through Holmesglen Institute partnership

Ricoh Australia recently welcomed Holmesglen Institute apprentices to its Melbourne showroom as part of its ongoing support for the future of the Australian print industry. 

The students, who are completing apprenticeships interstate or in regional areas, gained first-hand exposure to the technologies, skills, and applications shaping modern production print. 

Led by Ricoh Graphic Communications specialists, students explored a range of Ricoh production print hardware and workflow solutions, including colour production presses, Fiery JobFlow workflow automation software, and finishing capabilities. 

Apprentices also learned about Ricoh’s focus on more sustainable production practices, including energy-efficient design and recyclable materials. 

The initiative built on Ricoh’s broader support for Holmesglen and the print sector, including the donation of a Ricoh Pro C7200 production press to the Institute. 

The equipment gives apprentices access to current production technology as part of their training, while the Melbourne showroom session extended that learning through live demonstrations and direct access to Ricoh’s production print specialists. 

Michael Crawford, Ricoh Senior Account Manager, Graphic Communications, said Ricoh was proud to be part of developing the next generation of print professionals. 

“Attracting young people to print remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges,” he said.  

“For Ricoh, this initiative is about supporting the future of the print industry by giving apprentices hands-on exposure to modern production environments, technology, and career opportunities.” 

Participating apprentices said the visit helped connect their training with real production environments. 

Holmesglen student Oscar Nuske described the day as “a major learning experience”. 

For apprentice Aurian Parker, the visit reinforced her interest in the technological side of print and gave her a broader view of print production. 

Parker said print had become “a bit of a passion”. 

“It’s nice to reaffirm some of the stuff that I’m doing at my company, and it’s also nice to see the bigger machines and the smaller ones,” she said. 

“Being at a smaller firm, you don’t see that variety of different machines, especially not the big ones.” 

Andrew Readman, Senior Educator, Printing at Holmesglen Institute, said access to advanced production technology plays an important role in strengthening apprentice training and attracting new talent to the industry. 

“Getting the young people in, that’s our biggest challenge,” Readman said.  

“What we’ve got to do is show them modern machinery like Ricoh’s and show them it’s high-end work. We’ve got to prove to young people that print is a modern and very sustainable industry.” 

Through partnerships like Holmesglen, Ricoh Australia is helping create stronger connections between education and industry, giving students greater exposure to the technology, skills and opportunities shaping print today.