Printing maestro

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
TO SOME the idea of print finishing is not the glamorous side of the job, but Signs Publishing Company employee Daniel Menkens enjoys the challenge of problem solving a tricky print run.
The Wandin North apprentice runs a variety of machines that fold, cut, stitch or glue publications together, from brochures and newsletters to a perfectly bound book.
He has been recognised as the RMIT Apprentice of the Year for the print industry in Victoria, completing the final year of his print finishing apprenticeship with the Warburton printing company.
He also received three awards at The Collie Print Trust Awards held at RMIT University’s International Centre for Graphic Technology in early December, including a $15,000 prize for further training and education-related travel.
“Any publication is designed to be printed on a flat sheet and then might have to be folded or cut even up to a perfectly bound book, which can be one of the most complex processes,” he said.
“But I enjoy getting a tricky job to work, something with a bit of problem solving.”
Mr Menkens hopes to visit DRUPA, the international printing industry trade show in Germany in May.
“This gives me the opportunity to do more training, travel and, which I hope will be a benefit to Signs as well,” he said.
“It’s nice to have some acknowledgement because I have tried hard, but I have also had good support throughout my training at Signs.”
Signs Production manager Ray Portbury said it was rare for print finishers to win these awards, which were often given to designers who find it easier to show off what they do.
“This award is something Dan can be proud of, but that all of us at Signs are proud of as well,” he said.
“It demonstrates that what we do here is, at least as good as the rest of the printing industry.”
He said Mr Menkens had found ways to save money and time on a number of projects.
“But it was his teachers who nominated him for this award and they think very highly of him as well,” he said.