Ricoh USA Launches Training-to-Career Program

Ricoh USA announces the launch of Ricoh Advanced Career Education (ACE), a training program that certifies educators to prepare students for a career in the commercial print and sign and graphics fields.

According to Ricoh, the program supports economic development and empowerment by providing access to education and economic mobility to communities in need via careers within the print industry.

Dr. Cassandra Washington, executive director of career, technical, and agricultural education and CEO of Bibb County School District in Macon, Georgia, says, “We’re proud to be leading the way as the first organization in the nation to deliver the program and excited to partner with Ricoh, whose team members and support are truly unmatched.”

Ricoh ACE

The program trains and certifies instructors across a range of educational institutions — including high schools, community colleges, adult education, career, and technical schools — to deliver curriculum to students.

ACE instructor training takes place at the Ricoh Customer Experience Center (CEC) in Boulder, Colorado, where Ricoh’s print experts provide hands-on experience with printing industry technologies and technical processes, as well as graphic design, specialty software, production automation, workflow best practices, and industry insights.

Participants in the training at the CEC are also granted future access to Ricoh’s technical experts for ongoing remote support when delivering the curriculum at their respective educational institutions.

Program completion earns participants the certified sign and graphic production specialist certification for both instructors and students, ensuring graduates have the necessary technical and professional skills, education, and training to effectively become employed within the commercial print, sign, and graphics industries.

“With the current wave of unprecedented innovation in production printing, there’s no better time to build and mentor new talent, especially in today’s competitive market,” states Derrick Rankin, Ricoh USA’s vice president of professional services.

The program also integrates job search skills to ensure graduates and trainees are supported in their transition to the career field, including interview preparation, communication proficiency skills, and a guaranteed job interview upon successful completion of the program.