Printing company starts apprentice program

Braintree Printing's cavernous warehouse on Wood Road in Braintree resonates with the whir of equipment and hum of employee conversation. Massive printing presses, computerized copy and bindery machines, and stacks of cardboard boxes crowd the plant. In the midst of this bustling industrial scene, Leeanne Mullen of Canton, a 17-year-old student at Blue Hills Regional Technical School (BHRTS), is in complete control, confidently touring with a recent visitor. Since October 2009, the graphic communications student has worked 30 hours every other week, as the first student apprentice at Braintree Printing, one of the largest commercial and quick printers in the Boston area.

Before the school year began at Blue Hills, Kim Poliseno, coordinator of career assessment, planning and placement, stopped by Braintree Printing for new business cards. She asked the bindery manager, Steve Hawes, if the company would consider joining the school's co-op program.

An enthusiastic Hawes volunteered to spearhead the joint venture. "I've always wanted to develop an apprenticeship program," he said. "Printing has changed with computer technology. I have 30 years experience in the industry but am fairly new to the digital world. The younger generation only knows that world. Braintree Printing's products require a mix of computer know-how and real hands-on physical work. It's a unique atmosphere and one I wanted to share with a special trainee."

Enter Leeanne Mullen, a Blue Hills senior eager to branch out from the classroom. Mullen had explored the school's 16 technical programs as a freshman before choosing graphic communication. She studied desktop publishing and worked in the school's small print shop, running the presses, operating the bindery machine and interacting with customers. While she says graphic design is interesting, she admits she is not the desk type. "I like to keep moving. I prefer to work with my hands and see and feel a finished product," she said. Undecided about college, Mullen hoped a job in her field would provide a new perspective.

According to Poliseno, the school's off-site work program is available to academically eligible fourth-quarter juniors and seniors (all year) with teacher recommendations. "These students spend one week in academic classrooms and the following at worksites using their technical skills," she said, adding that they must demonstrate good conduct and attendance. "We have ten students out on co-op right now," said Poliseno.

Mullen was hired at Braintree Printing after an initial interview and began on-the-job training under Hawes's supervision. Her paid apprenticeship will last the full school year and encompass the print shop's entire operation. Currently she is working in the bindery department, putting finishing touches on printed materials from brochures and posters to envelopes and books. She operates every piece of equipment including cutting, folding, binding, sealing and shrink wrap machines.

She also boxes and stacks her final products. "I knew the basics from Blue Hills, but now understand the industry much better. The equipment here is so new and the pace so fast. I'm learning by watching and doing," Mullen said. She speaks highly of her Braintree Printing co-workers and says they treat her like a colleague, not a kid. While staff are nearby if she needs help, Mullen says she prefers to shoulder her own responsibilities. "At school, I can take a break or finish a project the next day. But here, we have tight deadlines and customers waiting. The ownership is on me to finish a job." Mullen, who is trained in workplace safety, says she uses academic skills such as math every day at work.

Hawes supervises Mullen's daily workload, offering tips of the trade and praise for jobs well done. He sees a difference in Mullen's demeanor and self-assurance. "She's come out of her shell and is much more confident," he said, pointing out that Mullen will soon transition to customer service at the front desk.

Poliseno says Mullen has matured and become a better communicator. Mullen agrees. She finds that her busy work schedule (she also cashiers at Center Pizza in Canton) is fulfilling and makes her more organized. Mullen is doing well academically and says she's participating in school events for the first time. As she moves into the final months of her senior year, Mullen looks forward to her future with newfound confidence. "I now have the skills to get a job in the digital design and printing industry," she said.