What is Spyder Lab
Spyder Lab is a work-based program that prepares a new generation of skilled entrepreneurs and graphic media leaders by connecting students to hands-on career exploration opportunities in business, manufacturing, and design.
Work-based learning is an educational strategy that connects classroom learning to the workplace, allowing students to apply academic and technical skills in real-life settings. Work-based learning programs can help students develop employability skills, learn job skills, and understand work-world expectations. They can also help students explore career paths, set goals, and develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
What will you learn
Printing & Digital Fabrication Workshop – Running a business
Graphics or Industrial Design for Print / Manufacturer Specifications:
Understanding of Print Production / Manufacturing Processes:
You’ll gain insight into the various stages of print production, including pre-press, printing, and finishing. This includes learning about different printing techniques, paper types, color management, and how to prepare files for print to ensure high-quality results.
Cost analysis, Client Communication & Project Management:
You’ll develop skills in working with clients to understand their needs and preferences, managing design revisions, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. This includes learning how to create detailed design briefs, provide accurate cost estimates, and coordinate with various stakeholders involved in the production process.
How to run a business with Standard Operating Procedures
Students will be assigned roles (Corporate Positions) for each order to get necessary experience in different management positions. These roles will help build soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, time management, critical thinking, and creative thinking.
General Manager
Updates the instructor on the progress of orders, holds team meetings to review team progress, and holds team members accountable for their work.
Sales Rep
Communicates with the customer to request artwork and get proof approvals signed. They also deliver orders and ensure packing slips get signed.
Office Manager
Uses QuickBooks to verify pricing, generate invoices and work orders, and receive packing slips and payment from customers.
Production Manager
Decides who will help with production, cooperates with other Production Managers to ensure the needed machines are available, completes orders.
Creative Director
Creates artwork for the project and documents the project.
Lesson Plans
How to determine what you have gain from this class?
Equipment Certifications
When a student has become good enough at using a machine to use it unsupervised, they can be awarded a certification for that machine. There’s Essential certifications for each machine (Few has Advanced). Spyder Certifications are recognized by industry partners like Roland, Epilog, and Ricoh.
Soft Skills Certifications
Soft skill certifications are valuable for demonstrating proficiency, supporting career advancement, and facilitating personal development.
Digital Portfolios (Advanced)
A digital portfolio is like a detailed resume. They show all the work you’ve done and highlight your achievements for employers to see. It lets employers understand what kind of work they can expect out of their potential employees and what experience they have.
Let’s look at what a digital portfolio looks like! www.spyderlab.com/sample/
What’s the point of a Equipment certification?
Earning certifications is one of the primary goals for Spyder Lab students. Once you get a certification, you can put it on your resume or portfolio to show employers that you have the technical skills to operate a machine.
These certifications are similar to certifications for Mechanics (ASE) or Chefs (Harper College).
Safety
Certification ensures that students are trained to use equipment safely and correctly, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in both classroom and workshop settings.
Skill Development
Certification helps students gain technical competencies and confidence in using specific equipment, which can be beneficial for future academic or career pursuits.
Academic or Career Preparation
It provides practical skills and hands-on experience that can enhance students’ job readiness or college applications, making them more attractive to employers or more prepared for advanced studies in technical fields.
What’s the point of a Soft Skills Certification?
Interview Practice and Rehearsal
Obtaining a certification in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, or leadership demonstrates that makes you more attractive to employers, showcasing your ability to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems skills critical for career advancement and leadership roles.
Improved Employability and Career Growth:
Obtaining a certification in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, or leadership demonstrates that makes you more attractive to employers, showcasing your ability to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems skills critical for career advancement and leadership roles.
Enhanced Workplace Performance:
By refining skills like time management, conflict resolution, and adaptability, certification helps you handle workplace challenges more efficiently, boosting productivity and overall job performance.
Prerequisite for Soft Skills Certification / Digital Portfolios
1
Complete at least one semester / quarter of Spyder Lab Workshop.
2
Participate at least three projects and three different corporate positions. (Spyder Lab Workshop duration: 1 Hour 30 – 40 Minutes / week)
Participate at least Five projects and three different corporate positions. (Spyder Lab Workshop duration: 3 Hour / week)
3
Achieve At least Three equipment certifications. (Spyder Lab Workshop duration: 1 Hour 30 – 40 Minutes / week)
Achieve At least Four equipment certifications. (Spyder Lab Workshop duration: 3 Hours or more / week)
How Spyder Lab Class helps with your future career
Graphics Design
Printing and manufacturer industry
Sales, Business management
Student Entrepreneur or Intership Experience
College Credits(Certain Schools qualified) or Application
Full time or Part time employment Opportunity
Spyder Lab Internship Program
Internship at your current school class before you graduate
It is designed for senior students enrolled in a Spyder Lab class during their final semester of high school. The program helps students prepare for employment in related industries by developing practical workplace skills, gaining hands-on experience, and understanding professional expectations before entering the workforce. Participants also receive priority on equipment training, certification and consideration for selection as final candidates in the CLP program.
Purpose
Get more equipment and soft skills training, building a good Portfolio
Gain more Intern/work experience
Higher Employment Opportunity
Qualification
Interested in graphic communications, printing, design, or manufacturing
Responsible and dependable
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Employment Opportunity
CLP help schools and communities build career training programs, launch them with real students, and ensure graduates are placed into jobs.
CLP candidate Requirement
1
Spyder Lab Portfolio
2
Intermediate level Photoshop & Illustrator Skills
3
Completed the Spyder Lab Internship Program (preferred)
4
Recommended by Spyder Lab mentors and School instructor
Position
Part / Full time
Spyder Lab Assitant Mentor, Designer, Production, Assitant, Sales etc