FTA Establishes the FIRST Operator Certification Scholarship Program

Published: November 05, 2010

RONKONKOMA | The Foundation of the Flexographic Technical Assn., a leading professional society dedicated to advancing the flexographic print process, has established a new scholarship program. The objective: provide assistance to individuals and/or displaced workers who desire to improve their skills in the pursuit of certification training, but who need financial support.

The FIRST (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances) Operator Certification Scholarship Program is available to any individual looking to attain a FIRST "Press" or "Prepress’ Operator" Certification. The amount of each scholarship is $1,050, approximately 50% of the total member cost for the complete certification (levels I, II and III). The funds are provided by FTA’s regional networking groups, the Harper Corp. of America (founding sponsors of the Technical Education Services Team—TEST), and the Foundation’s soon-to-be launched online auction. The remaining 50% will be in the form of a matching grant subsidy provided directly by FFTA.

To be eligible, applicants must have at least two years full-time direct work experience in any area related to flexographic printing/converting. Scholarship recipients will be expected to complete all three levels within a two-year time period.