12 May 2009, Sydney \u2013 Quark Pacific today announced the launch of the Quark Education Program which will see the Company invest in the education of design and print students in Australia and New Zealand.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Education Program was created following extensive consultation with educational institutions and the design and printing industry.\u00a0 Key features of the Program include unlimited use of QuarkXPress 8 within the educational institution; and a full version of QuarkXPress 8 for each student enrolled in a design\/graphic technology course. In addition to the unlimited licensing, Quark will also provide training for both teachers and enrolled students, as well as sharing QuarkXPress 8 educational material to assist the teachers with the preparation of their teaching syllabus.<\/p>\n
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The program is considered to be one of the most aggressive educational offerings, with all licensing and training being provided for a single annual fee.<\/p>\n
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The International Centre of Graphic Technology (ICGT), part of RMIT University\u2019s School of Design (TAFE), is the first Australian Educational Institute to sign-up to the program.\u00a0 The ICGT is the primary provider of formal education and training in graphic technologies in Victoria, including graphic pre-press, printing, print finishing and multimedia.\u00a0 It has a broad range of courses; from entry-level Certificate II courses, through to advanced diplomas and associate degree.<\/p>\n
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Commenting on the partnership, John Magnik, Programs Director for the ICGT, said: \u201cThe Education Program is a fantastic opportunity for the ICGT to cost-effectively broaden Quark training programs and deliver further value to students.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cHowever, the attractiveness of the Program was not the primary reason for the ICGT\u2019s participation.\u00a0 The two key elements regarding our decision to be involved with the program were the quality of the product and the new-found responsiveness and attitude of Quark.<\/p>\n
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\u201cQuarkXPress 8 is a very impressive product and I am getting positive feedback from the teachers regarding the design control and usability of the product. Additionally, some of the new functionality such as the ability to re-purpose print designs to the web will complement our Graphic Technology teaching, and will provide new creative options for our students,\u201d continued Mr Magnik.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cAs teachers, we are keen to ensure our students have the skills they need to enter the global workforce.\u00a0 The ICGT believes that by increasing our commitment to Quark training, our graduates will be at the forefront of the Graphic Technology industry,\u201d Mr Magnik concluded.<\/p>\n
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Quark Regional Business Director Alex Nemeth said the Company is committed to a collaborative and long-term partnership with educational institutions in Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe Education Program represents a true partnership between Quark and leading educational institutions.\u00a0 We listened to what the educators told us and then developed a program to meet these needs.\u00a0 The fact that the Program requires a significant investment from Quark is evidence of our commitment to building a strong foundation for the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe look forward to working with RMIT ICGT and other Program partners to educate and inspire a new generation of QuarkXPress users,\u201d said Mr Nemeth.<\/p>\n
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The Education Program is open to Universities, TAFE\u2019s and Private Colleges, as well as artistic and creative high schools.<\/p>\n
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ENDS<\/p>\n
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