Education & Training

The speed of change shows no sign of slowing. New technology and machines are making it possible to turn around jobs in ever shorter time periods. Training is a key to helping staff keep up with those changes and to be equipped to lead Friesens to continued success. Friesens' commitment to customers also includes training in Friesens processes by hosting groups of customers in our plants.

The Business of Books Course

Friesens is committed to training. We must train our own staff. And to do that we have developed the Business of Books Course.

This course is the most ambitious staff training program available at Friesens. It is a revision of the long-standing Graphic Arts course, the College accredited training program which introduced area students to our industry and our company.

Each year selected staff members are given the opportunity to join this class of 6 to participate in the Business of Books course.

This group of students is guided through modules explaining the history of our industry and Friesens corporate structure. They receive thorough explanations of the various functions of each department, and learn about the changing environment of our industry, positioning themselves for future leadership roles.

The internally directed course is made up of four Modules providing information and exercises in Corporate Leadership, Customer and Vendor Relations, Production Processes, and Communication.

Presenters are mostly Friesens managers and senior equipment operators and information presented reflects what we as a company are doing. Classes are designed to be offered in blocks of subject material, each independent of the other, but all focusing on offering students relevant training as they develop their careers.

Friesens Book Manufacturing Seminar

While theory is important in understanding the production steps involved in manufacturing award-winning books, nothing can replace hands-on experience.

THE INDUSTRY . . . THE SEMINAR.

Computer technology in the printing industry has revolutionized the business of manufacturing books. The impact that new prepress equipment and workflows have had on how books are made, is significant. Knowledge of how these functional areas tie together is important to publishers, especially those who are undertaking a greater amount of the front-end work. From book design and layout, to font selection and picture placement, publishers are finding it necessary to understand the process of book production.

To respond to the needs of our customers, Friesens has been running a Book Manufacturing Seminar for many years. This three-day course has its primary focus on digital prepress. However, the seminar does not focus on prepress in isolation. All aspects of book production are covered in a comprehensive and informative manner.

While theory is important in understanding the production steps involved in manufacturing award-winning books, nothing can replace hands-on experience. With this in mind, the Friesens Book Manufacturing Seminar includes a book project. Participants will work on creating a book from start to finish, including scanning, creating electronic pages of text and graphics, outputting proofs, making plates and printing and binding a book . . . all in three days.

The Book Manufacturing Seminar is targeted specifically to production managers, and others involved in design and layout. Enrollment is limited to six participants. In addition to learning about the manufacturing process, the seminar is an excellent opportunity to meet with peers in your industry. Friesens offers this unique seminar at no cost to our customers. Participants are responsible only for their transportation and lodging.

We look forward to seeing you here.

THE SEMINAR AGENDA

1. PREPRESS
   • A review of Mac and PC systems, including Quark, PageMaker, In-Design
   • PDF or Application Files . . . which are best for you?
   • PostScript and TrueType fonts
   • Colour proofing using expensive or inexpensive proofs
   • High resolution versus low resolution files
   • Making your own proofs
   • Scanning . . . in-house or at Friesens
   • Colour management, colour profiles, and setting up your system to match Friesens
   • The use of preflighting to set up trouble-free files
   • Page, cover and dustjacket impositions
   • DTP (Computer-to-plate)
2. PRESS
   • Theory of offset and digtial printing
   • Matching colour to proofs
   • Colour management and dot gain
   • Challenges facing customers and press operators
   • Run your own full colour book
   • Foil stamping and embossing
3. BINDERY
   • Binding process as it relates to books
   • Hot and cold glues, sewing, perfect binding, encasing . . . and how to make a great book
   • Specialty binding including Cerlox, Wir-o and spiral
   • Binding you printed sheets into a hardcover book.
4. PAPER
   • Discussion with our Purchasing Manager
   • The right paper for your book
   • Lead times to order, paper mills we use, pricing and current trends
5. FOCUS GROUP
   • Discussion with Friesens management, regarding your issues and suggestions

SEMINAR PARTIPANTS HAVE INCLUDED:

• Chef John Folse & Company
• UBC Press
• Springer Verlag
• University of California Press
• Key Porter Books
• Douglas & McIntyre
• Minnesota Historical Society
• Québec Amerique
• Harmony House Publishers
• Altitude Publishing
• McClelland & Stewart
• Heritage House Publishers
• HB (Canada)
• Lost Moose Publishing
• Company’s Coming Publishing Limited
• Missouri Historical Society
• Warwick Publishing
• Whitecap Books Ltd.
• Prentice Hall
• Ocean Drilling Program
• Emond Montgomery Publishers
• Addison Wesley
• Fifth House Publishers
• Book House Group
• Wood Lake Books
• Great Plains Publications