In an era defined by economic volatility, the printing industry faces a trifecta of persistent hurdles: a tightening labor market, the escalating cost of operations, and the relentless pressure to maintain margins. For many Print Service Providers (PSPs), these challenges feel like external forces beyond their control. However, for Freedom Graphic Systems—a powerhouse with operations across Wisconsin and Illinois—these challenges are viewed through a different lens. To the leadership at Freedom, the solution to industry instability is not found in cost-cutting, but in the proactive cultivation of human capital.
By investing heavily in a robust, multi-layered internal education strategy, Freedom has positioned itself as a blueprint for the modern print shop. The cornerstone of this strategy is the integration of “Freedom University,” the company’s internal training engine, with the industry-leading iLEARNING+ platform. This combination is not merely about upskilling press operators; it is a holistic approach to workforce development that aims to secure the future of the printing industry from the ground up.
The Chronology of a Learning Culture
The commitment to education at Freedom Graphic Systems is not a recent pivot; it is a long-standing philosophy that mirrors the career trajectory of its President and COO, Eric Blohm.
The Foundation (1986–2012)
Blohm’s passion for education was forged in the trenches of the industry. Entering the printing world directly out of high school in 1986, he spent his early years navigating a landscape that offered little in the way of structured professional development. "As someone who went right out of high school into the printing industry, I was always looking for anything to get educated on—technical printing, leadership, anything," Blohm recalls. This early struggle to find accessible, high-quality training left a permanent mark on his professional ethos.
The Launch of Freedom University (2012–2024)
Twelve years ago, upon joining the leadership team at Freedom, Blohm identified a gap in the company’s infrastructure: the lack of a standardized, internal training program. Initially, the company attempted to cobble together various third-party educational tools, but as these programs underwent shifts in scope and quality, the leadership team realized they needed a more reliable, bespoke solution.
This realization gave birth to "Freedom University." The internal initiative was designed to house all essential training under one roof. It began with "basic skills" education—a curriculum covering everything from Microsoft Office proficiency and professional business writing to conflict resolution and leadership development. To supplement these soft skills, the company integrated external coaches to provide specialized, industry-specific technical training.
The iLEARNING+ Integration (2024–Present)
The evolution of Freedom’s education strategy reached a new milestone at the PRINTING United Alliance Leadership Summit. It was here that Blohm encountered the iLEARNING+ platform, a comprehensive educational resource developed by the PRINTING United Alliance. A conversation with James Martin, Group President of the Alliance, convinced Blohm that the platform was the missing link for Freedom’s technical training requirements. By integrating iLEARNING+ into the existing Freedom University framework, the company was able to bridge the gap between corporate leadership development and granular, print-specific technical expertise.
Supporting Data and The "Ingredients of Innovation"
Freedom Graphic Systems operates with a workforce as diverse as the services it provides. With approximately 19 different nationalities represented on the shop floor, the challenge of standardizing education is significant.
Overcoming Language Barriers
One of the most critical features of the iLEARNING+ platform is its multi-lingual accessibility. For a company like Freedom, this is not just a convenience—it is a strategic necessity. By offering courses in multiple languages, the company ensures that knowledge is accessible regardless of an employee’s native tongue. This effort works in tandem with Freedom’s internal initiatives, which include English and Spanish as second language (ESL) programs.
The Economics of Skill Progression
The financial model behind this investment is straightforward: skill acquisition leads to economic mobility. Freedom utilizes a "skills progression" framework where employees who complete certifications and master new technical competencies are rewarded with pay increases.
This creates a clear incentive structure:
- Entry-Level Acquisition: New hires begin with foundational training, including the popular "Print 101: Introduction to the Printing Industry" course via iLEARNING+.
- Technical Mastery: Employees undergo specific technical training on machinery and software, monitored by training coordinator Violeta Varela.
- Leadership Pipeline: High-potential employees are moved into management training tracks.
As Blohm notes, this system creates a self-sustaining cycle: "As your skills progress, you start adding more attributes to your training, then we increase your pay. That benefits them, it benefits the company, and it benefits our communities."
Official Perspectives: The Human Element
The success of these programs rests on the shoulders of individuals like Violeta Varela, the training coordinator at Freedom. Varela, who began her career on the production floor in 2004, brings a unique, "bottom-up" perspective to the training department.
"As someone that started as an operator, I know there are a lot of people with incredible potential," Varela explains. "With our help in providing educational training, they can develop that potential into a career." Varela emphasizes that the goal is not just to keep employees in their current roles, but to prepare them for the next level of the industry. "Even if they move on years later, that knowledge goes with them. Whatever you learn, it’s going to help you in your life."
Eric Blohm shares this sentiment, viewing the investment in people as the primary "ingredient of innovation." According to Blohm, innovation is not just about purchasing the latest printing technology; it is about the synthesis of a diverse workforce, continuous education, and a culture that listens to its people. "The minute you stop educating, you start to get stale," he warns.
The Broader Implications for the Printing Industry
The model established by Freedom Graphic Systems offers several vital lessons for the wider print industry as it grapples with workforce development.
1. The Power of Public-Private Partnerships
By partnering with the PRINTING United Alliance and utilizing iLEARNING+, Freedom has demonstrated how industry associations can provide the scaffolding that individual businesses often lack the resources to build from scratch. The ability to tap into standardized, high-quality, industry-vetted content allows companies to focus on their specific operational needs while outsourcing the core pedagogical structure to experts.
2. Forward-Facing Recruitment
One of the most innovative aspects of Freedom’s strategy is its intention to take these training tools outside of the company walls. By opening these programs to local high school interns, Freedom is effectively creating a "farm system" for the printing industry. They are showing young students that print is a high-tech, viable, and intellectually stimulating career path, potentially solving the recruitment crisis before it reaches their door.
3. Combatting Economic Uncertainty
While the economy may fluctuate, the need for a highly skilled workforce remains constant. By decoupling employee compensation from pure tenure and linking it to demonstrable skill acquisition, Freedom has insulated itself against the "great resignation" trends that have plagued other sectors. Employees at Freedom feel a sense of professional trajectory, which is a powerful retention tool.
4. The Diversity Dividend
Freedom’s commitment to multi-lingual education is a reminder that the "labor shortage" is often a "recruitment barrier" issue. By removing the language barrier, companies can tap into a broader, more diverse pool of talent. This diversity, as Blohm argues, is a prerequisite for innovation. A shop floor that speaks many languages and brings many cultural perspectives to problem-solving is fundamentally more resilient than one that is monolithic.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Future
The story of Freedom Graphic Systems is a testament to the idea that the greatest asset in any print shop is not the press, but the person operating it. Through the disciplined application of Freedom University and the strategic adoption of iLEARNING+, the company has proven that education is not an overhead cost—it is a competitive advantage.
As the industry continues to evolve, the distinction between companies that thrive and those that struggle will likely come down to their willingness to invest in their people. By treating education as a continuous, accessible, and rewarded process, Freedom has not only secured its own future but has provided a roadmap for any Print Service Provider looking to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s growth. In the end, as Blohm puts it, the message is simple: "Any opportunity you have to learn more, just take it." It is a message that is fueling a new generation of printers and, by extension, a stronger, more innovative industry.
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