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Walsall College's Accredited Skills for Industry (asfi) organisation has announced the successful completion of its first full qualification in digital print by 24 students. Developed with Roland DG, the asfi Award in Basic Principles of Large Format Digital Printing aims to meet 'specific training needs' within the sign-making sector, and to promote quality output and professional conduct.

"In today's competitive job market, the need to obtain as many design-related qualifications and first-hand experience is essential, to maximise their employability prospects," says Walsall College Graphics tutor Kevin Myler.

"Future employers want to see real desire and ambition in anybody they take on, and we feel this makes a step in this direction. This qualification is part of new initiatives within the department of Graphic Design that aim to engage the learners with employers and industry standard resources."

Gillian Montanaro, head of marketing at Roland DG (UK), says: "Working with Walsall College and Accredited Skills for Industry, individuals are able to keep up with the fast-moving technology within the sign-making and graphics industry. Students are able to attend training programmes that keep their skills set up to date and enable them to get hands-on wide-format print production experience."