Fresh Fall iLEARNING+ Courses Help Printers Diversify Business Skillset
The newly-released fall 2025 classes from iLEARNING+ help printers of all sizes hone their expertise in HR-, AI-, and technical printing-related topics
This year’s PRINTING United Expo was a huge indication of the printing industry’s desire for education. As commercial printers, wide-format service providers, apparel decorators, and more look for ways to optimize new profit opportunities, one avenue many pursue is continuing education.
The iLEARNING+ platform from PRINTING United Alliance is a constant source of education. From color certifications and technical printing application training, to AI guidance and more, this platform provides the support print service providers (PSPs) need.
The Fall 2025 lineup includes several new courses that should be included in your company’s training list.
“We’re focusing on areas that blend practical skill-building with emerging technology,” explains Joe Marin, SVP, Member Services, PRINTING United Alliance. “Whether that’s AI tools that simplify everyday work or hands-on techniques like heat printing, these courses were designed to meet people where they are — helping them stay current, efficient, and confident in their roles.”
Fall Courses Covering AI, HR Topics
Among this fall’s new course releases are “Print Meets AI: Simple Tools for Smarter Work,” and “AI for Image Creators.” Both address specific sections of an already-explosive technology in the industry.
“AI is already part of how work gets done — not just in design or prepress, but in sales, production planning, and even customer service,” says Marin. “Our goal with these courses is to make AI approachable and relevant to print professionals who may not see themselves as ‘techies.’”
These courses should be viewed as complementary to other AI training PSPs are doing, including that offered by the Alliance’s PRINTING AI initiative.
Going deeper into what it takes to run a successful printing business, the newly-release course “Workplace Impairment” provides essential guidance for supervisors, HR professionals, and team leaders on recognizing, responding to, and mitigating impairment risks in the workplace.
According to instructor Adriane Harrison, VP of Human Relations Consulting, impairment is a broad-reaching and often-overlooked area of business. “Many people believe that impairment is a problem only as it relates to substance abuse,” she says. “Maybe they have a medical condition and the prescription drugs they take are affecting them in ways that are unsafe in the workplace. Or maybe a parent has been up all night tending to a sick child and are affected by lack of sleep. These are very common scenarios and might not be getting the attention they deserve to protect the workers or their team members from an unfortunate accident resulting from delayed reactions or poor judgment.”
A New Course Geared Toward Apparel Decoration
For those interested in apparel decoration, part of the new course release lineup is “The Complete Guide to Heat Printing.” Led by instructor Dave Conner, Content Director at STAHLS’, it’s designed to help printers choose the right press; master time, temperature, and pressure; and confidently print on a variety of fabrics — even heat-sensitive ones.
“With the rise of direct-to-film (DTF), heat printing popularity, and all the benefits it brings from smaller footprints to accessible on-demand production, it’s paramount for decorators to understand the fundamentals to mastering advanced techniques,” explains instructor Dave Conner, content director at STAHLS’. “Working together [with the Alliance] allows us to combine technical expertise with real-world insights, making the training immediately applicable for decorators of all experience levels.”
New Courses, New Ways to Learn
One thing the printing industry can be sure of time and again is that disruption will continue to happen. Those shops that are poised to make it through the tough times are the ones capitalizing on every opportunity to be better. “Even experienced decorators [and printers] benefit from fresh insights and practical tips that improve efficiency, open new product opportunities, and help them stand out in a competitive market,” believes Conner.
“If you haven’t looked at iLEARNING+ in a while, now’s the time,” Marin says. “We’ve added new courses, new instructors, and new ways to bring learning into your business — whether through individual access or full-company licensing. Everything is designed for people who want to keep learning without losing a day of work. Short, focused, and built by industry experts — that’s how we built iLEARNING+.”
