FAQ
Page of F A Q’s.How long is it likely to take to complete this distance-learning course?
As might be expected, the degree of commitment determines the answer. With concentrated effort, some trainees have taken a little as a few weeks, but on average, the course takes about three months.
How much prior knowledge of the printing industry is necessary to succeed on the course?
The work of the estimator requires a working knowledge of the sheet-fed litho printing process. While earlier experience, perhaps in a works capacity would be useful, providing the trainee is familiar with the terms used in the productive processes, then little difficulty is likely to be encountered on the course. Prior knowledge of estimating is not assumed and the course slowly and gradually explains every step, with periodic built-in checks on progress to ensure success.“
I have works experience of the litho printing industry and would like to broaden my horizons; will studying estimating help in this direction?”
Many in the printing industry for various reasons, look for ways to work in the administrative and management side of the industry. Estimating, being a skill that is frequently in demand, often provides that point of entry. Taking and successfully completing a recognised course of training in estimating, is often the deciding factor in securing a post, not only in estimating but with future prospects in selling, production and management.
Is there an external examination in Estimating in the UK?
Up until a few years ago, trainees could take the British Printing Industries Federation examination in Estimating but this is no longer available. Although our course was prepared to meet the needs of the UK printing industry, it also met the needs of examinees, to the extent of having been described as the bible to be followed to achieve success in the examination.
Does the Estimating course include the latest developments in production?
The course does not cater for the latest innovations taking place in the (UK) printing industry. While the trade press might herald the latest innovation and hint at its universal adoption, in reality this is sometimes not the case. What the course does provide is clear advice on how to view and use successfully the already-installed innovative process to competitive advantage. For example, where computer-to-plate is increasingly the ‘norm’, estimating trainees are taught a range of reproductive processes to equip them beyond that practiced in a particular firm: the wider the knowledge, the greater an asset the estimator should be in a particular firm.
Estimating in the (UK) printing industry is increasingly computerised, so why take a course in manual estimating?
While computers are fast and help in a ‘price list’ approach in supplying a client with prices, there is a belief that a sound theory with practical manual estimating enhances all computer estimating software. In addressing this need, quite a number of suppliers of estimating software have taken our course!Increasingly, clients seek lower prices. Savings can be made but without a knowledge of, and practical experience in, manual estimating where ‘fact’ should sometimes override the fiction of computers, those savings can easily lead to losses in a firm.
“I work in the printing industry outside the UK, is the course likely to benefit me in my own country?”
The course was written to serve the UK printing industry using metric measurements and pounds (sterling). However, the machinery used and the sheet-fed litho printing process is largely used worldwide. Many trainees from overseas have studied in the UK and none have found this to be an impediment.It has also been our experience over 30 years when teaching both full- and part-time students in the UK from many parts of the world, that they have experienced little difficulty in mastering the subject. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that trainees, including those from overseas, have considered estimating the most worthwhile subject in their varied two-year course and one to benefit them most when returning to their country.