Komori recruits award-winning apprentice

Komori has recruited an award-winning apprentice in line with a company vision of investment in the future of the industry through the training of skilled workers. As within any industry the future of print is in the hands of the younger generation but few companies today are investing in school leavers, instead focusing on the balance sheets of the current business climate. Adam Barnaby joined Komori in September after completing a BTEC National Diploma in Print at Leeds College of Technology, a local technical college with a longstanding relationship with Komori, strengthened in 2002 when chief executive officer Yoshikawa Komori donated a four color Lithrone 20 for use by the students.

Barnaby is a valued student at Leeds College of Technology and was put forward for the position by his course tutor. He has recently been presented with an award for 'Personal Effort and Achievement' also known as 'Most Traveled', which demonstrates how far Adam has progressed since joining the course straight from school whilst his peers had A-levels or some industry experience.

18-year-old Barnaby said: ‘I knew print was for me after doing work experience at a printers, there was nothing else I wanted to do. I like the fast moving environment and the ever-changing technology, plus I get to meet interesting people.’

Barnaby is currently shadowing Komori demonstrators preparing for and running demonstrations to private customers and during Open Houses at Komori's Showrooms in Leeds and Utrecht. He is already mounting plates, setting the feeder and filling ink ducts prior to high pressure customer demonstrations.

Barnaby continued: ‘I am being trained on the best equipment and working in this demonstration environment means I am able to understand the whole process from pre-press to checking the finished sheet. It is the best situation to be in for learning the trade; at college I am being taught all about machine printing and lithographic print and at Komori I am learning essential skills like how to interact with customers and the importance of good service. My aim is to start going out on installations and long term I want to become demonstrator and travel. My ambition is to hold a demonstration at Ipex.’

Komori is supporting Barnaby through his studies for a Modern Apprenticeship in Machine Printing which is a three year work experience based course, with five weeks spent studying at college and the rest of the year learning the trade inside-out on Komori presses backed up with on-line theoretical assignments.

Brian Sims, technical director at Komori UK said: ‘Only by training an apprentice directly can we ensure we have the correctly trained staff to tackle the demands of the future. Komori wants to make printing an attractive and viable option for school leavers and our relationship with Leeds College of Technology gives students a target to aim at. We also feedback to the college our industry based experiences and support which is an integral part of preparing students for the job market. We have made a fantastic investment in Adam and he is a worthy award winner.’