The lack of training in printing means it is becoming
a science devoid of art and craft, according to Basingstoke Press chairman Gordon Hill.


"Only a few years ago you had to serve a fairly long apprenticeship," he told the Institute of Printing Annual House of Commons Debate.


"Now it seems an NVQ or work experience is the normal requirement. We had over 100 printing colleges - today there is only a handful."


Hill said humans were "being replaced by robots" as the industry became increasingly automated.


At times the debate took strange turns as both sides seemed to argue each other's case.


But Hill and PrintWeek columnist Lawrence Wallis triumphed by 15 votes to 13 over Adobe's John Cunningham and typographer Andrew Boag as the House carried the motion "printing has become a science devoid of art and craft".


There was also debate over the meaning of printing, with Cunningham and Boag arguing that it encompassed all aspects from design through to printing, not just putting ink on paper.


Boag said there was "still a need for arts and crafts skills", while Cunningham said design played a "very important part in the printing process".


Story by Gordon Carson