India, 26th September 2025: Canon India, a leader in digital imaging solutions, has partnered with Future Schoolz, a leading consulting and training organization for the printing and packaging industry, to launch India’s pioneering Certified Digital Press Specialist (CDPS) programme. Underscoring Canon’s commitment to advancing the digital printing ecosystem, the collaboration is designed to upskill digital Press operators, supervisors, and managers, bridging the critical skills gap in the Indian print industry.
The certification programme aligns with Canon India’s vision of empowering the printing industry through technology and expertise. It offers structured training via online courses, assessments, and practical tests to ensure certified professionals demonstrate competence in operating digital presses to the highest standards. The programme provides tailored content for both entry-level professionals and experienced operators seeking to advance their expertise in cutting-edge digital printing technologies.
As part of the programme, certified professionals will gain internationally recognized credentials and enhanced employability, while enabling entrepreneurs and printing presses to benefit from certified operators capable of minimizing waste, maximizing quality, productivity, and ROI. The curriculum covers comprehensive aspects of digital printing technology, such as machine operation, paper handling, ink control, color precision, workflow, and environmental management.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. C Sukumaran, Senior Director, Products & Communication, Canon India said, “At Canon, giving back to the community through knowledge and skill building is central to our culture. We believe that technology alone cannot transform the industry; it requires skilled professionals who can truly unlock the potential of advanced digital printing solutions. Through this initiative, Canon India and Future Schoolz are together building a robust ecosystem of certified specialists, equipped to deliver exceptional results with our cutting-edge digital imaging technologies. This endeavour not only enhances individual careers but also elevates the digital printing industry in India to global benchmarks. We are targeting to add at least 200 such professionals in next couple of years who will add value to current ecosystem of Cutsheet Digital Printing Industry in India.”
Commenting on the initiative, Jose Thomas, Principal Consultant, Future Schoolz, said: “The digital printing industry in India has reached a stage where skill is as important as technology. This certification is a structured pathway to create experts who can fully unlock the potential of investments in digital presses, ensuring higher productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are building not just operators, but future leaders of digital print.”
Kulakkada Pradeep, CEO of Future Schoolz, added: “Skill shortage has long been a pressing challenge in the Indian print industry. The Certified Digital Press Specialist programme is our answer to this gap, offering a credible, independent certification that recognizes expertise and brings dignity to digital printing professionals. This initiative is not only about upskilling individuals but also about strengthening the overall ecosystem of digital printing in India.”
The certification programme features industry-standard online learning modules, sessions led by Future Schoolz supported by Canon India’s Technical specialists, mandatory examinations, and practical evaluations on state-of-the-art digital printing equipment at Canon premises. With this initiative, Future Schoolz and Canon India will also be addressing the challenge of the lack of skilled digital printing professionals – while creating a benchmark for expertise in digital printing.
The inaugural batch of the Certified Digital Print Specialist programme will commence in November 2025. Registrations are now open at www.CDPS.FutureSchoolz.com or via email at cdps@FutureSchoolz.com. Complete details of the programme structure, fees, and certification process are available on the website.