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December 17, 2025
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from years of working with industry partners, it’s that strong relationships lead to well-rounded graduates.
When it comes to the print industry, the Manitoba Print Industry Association (MPIA) has long provided beginning-to-end resources for our students, graduates, and those employed in print.
As a leading voice in Manitoba’s print industry, MPIA helps improve the province’s printing scene through advocacy and education, and MITT is proud to join them in this shared effort.
Over the last few months, MPIA has supported our Graphic and Print Technician (GPT) students through several initiatives. They have:
- Provided financial relief for future students;
- Coordinated learning opportunities for current students; and
- Helped develop micro-credentials for graduates and people working in the print industry to continue to expand their skills.
There’s nothing better for incoming students than a little extra cash to help kick-start their education, right?
As of fall 2025, MPIA is rewarding students entering the GPT program with strong prior academic achievement. Those students will be automatically eligible for one of two $1,500 entrance scholarships.
“We greatly appreciate MPIA’s contribution and their commitment to growing the next generation of print industry workers,” said Neil Cooke, President and CEO of MITT. “These are the kinds of opportunities that help students get their foot in the door of a new career path.”
For current students, MPIA has been a valuable partner in providing opportunities for them to see and learn firsthand from printers across our province. Earlier this year, they sponsored a facility tour of the Friesens plant in Altona, MB.
The tour covered all types of modern printing technologies in action: offset printing, LED technology, web printing, digital printing, binding, and embossing— a schedule as jammed as a print queue.
“I found the bindery and finishing section the most interesting,” shared GPT student Siara, who was in attendance. “It was cool to see the different techniques you can apply to the products and what machines are used to make production faster.”
Learning doesn’t end when you’re finished your college program, though. It’s important to continue developing the skills of people already working in the industry, including upskilling and adapting to new technologies.
That’s why MPIA has partnered with us to develop two micro-certificates that opened for registration this year: Press Operator and Colour Management.
Two more micro-certificates are currently in development, too, focusing on flexographic printing and the folding, binding, and cutting processes.
They’re all programs that are needed for the industry right now. How do we know? Because we get input from industry leaders like Winpak, Pollard Banknote Limited, Friesens and Premier to shape our programming and ensure it’s a fit for both employers and employees.
“These learning experiences are a key part of the student pipeline, helping prepare GPT students for employment and supporting the industry in filling current and future labour gaps,” said Lee-Anne Carter, Association Manager at MPIA. “We value our partnership with MITT and look forward to continuing to support students and graduates as they build their careers.”
Want to show off your space to our students? Or establish a scholarship in your own name? There are many ways to partner with us that help students and graduates in your industry. Email us at industry@mitt.ca to get started.
