Uniquely Abled Academy
The Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) at É«ÖÐÉ« (SCC) is a program designed to provide individuals with autism (and other unique abilities) the hands-on training and technical skills needed to prepare for a career as a printing press operator. Offered by SCC’s Customized Workforce Education division, Uniquely Abled Academies were developed nationally through .
UAA Program Overview
In 11 weeks, the Uniquely Abled Academy teaches a cohort of individuals with autism (and other unique abilities) to be entry-level printing press operators and provides job placement support and wrap around services through a partnership with . Participating students will receive over 160 hours of in-class instruction (classroom and hands-on), plus over 40 hours of job readiness soft skills training tailored to individuals with autism.
Upon completion, graduates will have the opportunity to test for industry-recognized credentials (Skills USA), qualifying them for in-demand, higher-wage, higher-skill jobs in manufacturing. Graduates may also choose to continue expanding their skills with additional Graphic Communciations courses as part of SCC’s Graphic Communications program.
Partnership with Taylor Corporation
É«ÖÐÉ« is partnering with Taylor Corporation in North Mankato, MN to host weekly hands-on training sessions allowing students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-life working environments. After completion of the 8-week printing press operator training, there will be a 3-week job tryout at Taylor Corporation allowing students and the employer to assess job fit, opportunities for additional skill development, and future growth within the company. After the 3-week job tryout is complete, the student and Taylor Corporation can determine next steps for permanent employment.
2026 Summer Schedule
Classes will take place at the North Mankato Campus of É«ÖÐÉ«.
Dates:
June 15 - July 24, 2026 (Print Print Equipment Curriculum)
July 27-August 5, 2026 (SuccessAbilities Skill Development)
August 6, 2026 Graduation (Families and friends welcome!)
August 10-28, 2026 Job Tryouts at Taylor Corporation
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*No class Friday, June 19 or July 3, 2026.
Application Process
We're sorry, the application window for 2026 has closed. Please check back for 2027.
Program Costs/Services
Participants receiving services from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will receive support to cover the cost of the program. In addition, students who have community support services in place tend to be more successful in the completion of the program and can be eligible to receive additional job coaching and placement support.
To learn more about available services, please contact Please contact Evie Wold, Program Specialist -Southern Minnesota Region, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development via text or call at 507-330-5002 or email evie.wold@state.mn.us or visit for additional information on these services.
What’s included
- Over 160 hours of in-class instruction with a cohort of peers
- Over 40 hours of job readiness soft skills training
- Practice interviews with local employer partners during the final week
- Opportunity to test for industry-recognized credentials
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Possess basic computer skills
- Possess basic math skills
- Possess basic to intermediate reading and comprehension skills
- Ability to communicate written and verbally in English
- Ability to stand for 4 hours continuously
- Ability to function independently in social and academic settings
Transportation
There are transportation options and assistance programs available if needed.
Student Learning Outcomes
Participants will learn how to apply basic safety practices in the shop, perform basic printing press operator equipment setup and operation, and troubleshooting and maintenance . Class topics include:
- Manufacturing processes and safety
- Operating HP Digital Presses
- Operating Foil Stamping Machines
- Operating Horizon Die Cutters
- Operating Envelope Printers
- Completing a final project
Why Become a Digital Print Equipment Operator?
A digital print equipment operator is responsible for setting up and operating printing presses, ensuring quality by adjusting ink flow, aligning plates, and monitoring the printing process to produce printed materials like newspapers, magazines, and flyers, requiring a keen eye for detail and color accuracy while making adjustments based on job specifications and quality checks throughout the print run; they typically need technical training or an associate's degree in graphic arts or printing production, and may need to perform routine maintenance on the printing press as well.
Key responsibilities of a digital print equipment operator:
- Machine setup: Prepare printing press by installing and aligning printing plates, adjusting ink rollers, and loading paper according to job requirements.
- Quality control: Inspect proof sheets to verify color accuracy, alignment, and overall print quality, making adjustments as needed.
- Ink management: Mix and control ink flow to achieve the desired color density on printed materials.
- Operation monitoring: Monitor the printing process during production runs, identifying and addressing any issues that may arise.
- Plate changes: Replace printing plates when necessary to switch between different print jobs.
- Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning and maintenance on printing press equipment.
- Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve basic printing press malfunctions.
- Reporting: Document production details like print quantities and any quality issues.
Skills and qualifications needed:
- Technical knowledge: Understanding of printing press operations, including different printing methods like offset, digital, flexographic, and gravure.
- Color perception: Excellent ability to distinguish colors and identify color variations.
- Attention to detail: High level of precision needed to ensure accurate alignment and color consistency.
- Mechanical aptitude: Basic understanding of machinery and ability to troubleshoot minor issues.
- Physical ability: May involve lifting heavy paper rolls and standing for extended periods.
Typical work environments:
Commercial printing companies, Newspaper printing plants, and Packaging printing facilities.
In 2023 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median annual earnings among Printing Press Operators as $41,860.