On Friday, December 11 at 11:00am eastern standard time Foundation of FTA’s TEST (Technical Education Services Team) will host a free, one-hour webinar for Consumer Products Company’s (CPC’s) who want to learn more about the newly announced FIRST (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances) Operator Certification Program. FTA members and non-members alike are encouraged to participate.

FFTA/FTA President Mark Cisternino commented “It’s important that the package buyer, the CPC, have a complete understanding of FFTA’s FIRST Operator Certification Program. Attendees will learn how, by partnering with printers who employ FIRST Certified Operators, they will achieve color-accurate, consistent and repeatable print results that will make their products jump off the store shelves.”

Hosted by FTA Education Director Joe Tuccitto, the webinar provides CPC's with an inside perspective into the certification program and how it serves as the flexo industry’s standard of excellence. CPC's will learn about the new enhancements made to FIRST 4.0, the benefits of partnering with suppliers who adhere to the specifications outlined within the book, and how they themselves can encourage their print partners to become FIRST certified.

For more information and to register for this complimentary webinar visit the FTA Store. For additional details about the FIRST Operator Certification Program visit FTA’s website or the TEST Virtual Campus. This webinar is an extension of FTA's CPC Council's monthly meeting. Those interested in learning more about the CPC Council and its current projects & initiatives should contact Bob Moran, FTA Staff Liaison.

About the FIRST Operator Certification Program
The FIRST Operator Certification Program is a curriculum composed of multi-level courses designed to deliver and assess specific flexographic skill sets and knowledge via online course study and examinations. Currently, an individual can become FIRST Press Operator Certified and soon a FIRST Prepress Operator Certification will be available. Regardless of which designation one chooses to pursue, trainees must complete coursework consisting of three levels before becoming officially FIRST Operator Certified. 

About the Virtual Campus
The TEST Virtual Campus serves as the flexo industry’s single, most comprehensive Web-based learning and educational tool designed to increase skill levels, without incurring the travel, accommodation, and time-spent-away-from-the-office expenses typically associated with on-site training. More than 350 courses are currently available, ranging from the FIRST Operator Certification Program to Professional Development to Environmental, Health & Safety.

About TEST
As part of its strategic planning initiative, FFTA launched TEST as a joint effort between FFTA and complying education institutions . The objective: expand technical skills required by a continually advancing flexographic process by bringing state-of-the-art professional development solutions to the flexographic industry. TEST subject matter, instruction, and course materials are closely aligned with FIRST to ensure consistent delivery and learning outcomes.

Education has always been a priority for Ron and Katherine Harper, as evidenced by their support of numerous secondary and post-secondary flexographic programs across North America. When the couple first learned of TEST and the educational benefits it offers to the industry, they immediately stepped forward with the initial funding that enabled TEST to move forward in building a top-quality educational and training program that will support the growth of the North American flexographic printing industry.