MIAMISBURG, OH—This summer, third-year Ryerson University students participated in an in-depth Honours Class on flexible packaging prepress, organized in cooperation with Artevelde University College in Ghent.

Students took part in a similar class last year, however this year students will receive credits for their work.

“Esko invited students outside of the Artevelde University this year,” Ian Baitz, chair, School of Graphic Communications Management, Ryerson University, said.  “Ryerson University was the only participant from North America, and represented five of the twenty students who participated. They received university credits, participated in plant tours, and were taught by Esko engineers and instructors who are experts in their solutions. Students were able to focus for two full weeks on the content of the course, and nothing else. There were 80 hours of classroom time which, in terms of Ryerson, represented two full semester courses."

Students were able to experience the complete packaging development process from design concept to ready-to-print flexo plates, as well as visit flexible packaging printer Sergers & Belcaen, folding carton packaging printer Du Caju and flexo service provider Athena Graphics.

According to Esko, the course is an example of the company’s mission to “educate to innovate,” by providing software and hardware solutions and hands on training at various educational institutions around the world.

“The nice thing about this Honours Class was that it combined all of the information we had already received from school, and we gained a more in-depth understanding of Esko’s products and software,” Ryerson student Amy Nhan said. “I thought there was very good communication between the students and Esko. It opened doors, developed cooperation with other schools and students, and offered new contacts."