Aidan’s work experience in his own words

We’re always really pleased to be able to offer work experience placements to local young people, to give them an opportunity to find out more about the world of work, and an introduction to printing.

This week, Aidan joined us from Brannel School. He’s always enjoyed design and art, doing a lot of drawing at home. So we gave him the opportunity to design and print his very own business cards for his art services. This included coming up with the design, going through the pre-press, printing and finishing process.

We asked Aidan to write about his experience here at St. Austell Printing Company:

My time at St Austell Printing Company has been great, everyone that I’ve met has been very friendly, welcoming and helpful.

I was given the opportunity to produce my own business card using resources provided for me by the printing company and to watch the process every step of the way.

I started by designing my business card on paper by hand and then I attempted to replicate it on a MAC software called ‘InDesign’. The design was then sent to reprographics to be printed onto two thin aluminium plates as a two colour print.

Downstairs in the printing department the plates were copied onto paper with a two colour printer. My business cards were all printed on A3 sheets of paper and then sized and cut down on one of the pressurised guillotined. I then made the carrier boxes and they are now ready to be handed out.

Towards the end of the week I was given the responsibility of running the folding machine after a full tour of the finishing department. During this time I utilised the machine to crease and fold cards, leaflets, menus and informative pages.

The facilities and equipment that I have experienced this week have been very high quality and well looked after. Based on the impression that this company has left on me I can say that it would be a very enjoyable and friendly place to work as I have really enjoyed my time here.