Learning from the best
While the term apprentice may herald thoughts of potential employees of Alan Sugar, apprentices date all the way back to the Middle Ages, when children were sent away to learn vital trades.
As far back as the 1400s apprentices were used in print to help operate print houses run by master printers. Apprentices were usually teenagers or young adults who would prepare ink, dampen sheets of paper, and assist with the press.
Fast forward over 600 years later and apprenticeships in the print industry have progressed leaps and bounds since their origins.
Modern apprenticeships are vital to carrying on the trade of print and teaching a generation the skills needed to give us the print necessities we require today. Modern qualifications can see learners placed into the world of print administration, and press and post press operation. As well as this, employees can gain experience and skills in areas like carton manufacturing, finishing, binding, and envelope printing.
But with changes in technology and new types of print and manufacturing always evolving, apprenticeships are also changing to include areas like digital print, robotics, and graphics.
So, what companies are currently offering apprenticeships, and how are they impacting the industry?
Building opportunities
Whether a large or small company, apprentices can help to diversify and enhance any business. Not only does it demonstrate a company’s commitment to talent and opportunities, but also opens the door to new voices and methods.
The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has a long history within training and apprenticeships. As a trade association committed to the growth of the print sector, the BPIF directly liaises with print businesses and helps overcome the challenges and hurdles they face.
The BPIF held a graduation ceremony in October 2021 for its apprentices
The BPIF has therefore evolved to meet new innovations and technology, stating: “The lines between print, manufacturing, design, physical and interactive are blurred. Standing still simply isn’t an option.”
BPIF Training, a subsidiary of the BPIF, and its partner federation British Office Supplies and Services Federation (BOSS), offer a range of apprenticeships and qualifications.
Karly Lattimore, managing director of training at BPIF Training, says: “BPIF Training is a UK leading print manufacturing training provider, giving access to a range of subsided training vehicles including traineeships, apprenticeships and kickstart schemes to train new talent in the industry or upskill existing staff.”
Speaking about BPIF Training’s success, Lattimore adds: “Over the past three years we have supported over 650 people in gaining a qualification and currently have over four hundred learners engaged in one of our programmes.
“We offer two types of apprenticeship training. Our technical apprenticeships, built on our background in manufacturing, including Print Operator and Print Technician pathways covering all printing processes as well as Lean Manufacturing and Signage Technician apprenticeships. Our Business Skills Apprenticeships are aimed at supporting businesses to manage their operations more efficiently and include Customer Service, Business Administration and Leadership and Management apprenticeships.”
Taking on an apprentice can be daunting, but Lattimore argues that taking on learners or ‘novices’ can greatly enhance your business.
“For businesses, apprentices go a long way in building a sustainable workforce, supporting succession planning, and ensuring that the business can continue to thrive despite an aging workforce. 94% of our apprentice employers agree that training contributes to an improved bottom line performance.”
94% of our apprentice employers agree that training contributes to an improved bottom line performance”
Lattimore adds: “Satisfied and motivated staff means higher levels of staff retention, thus lowering the cost of recruitment, furthering the benefits for the employer.”
But just as important as employer satisfaction, is the satisfaction of the learner. With a wide array of career options available to those young and old, and with more focus being given to mental health than ever before, it is vital that the print industry appeals to those looking to plan their career and offers a wide range of benefits.
Lattimore says: “As technology advances, we have seen more young people curious about our industry but there is more to be done, not only to attract young people but also to look to diversify the talent pool. BPIF Training is looking to further its engagement with schools, parents, and carers to promote the career possibilities and is keen to get the industry involved in helping us do this.”
The benefits of apprenticeships as opposed to other career options can be well suited to individuals looking to grow and expand their knowledge. “With 98% of our apprentices remaining in employment after the apprenticeship, the programmes are giving them a solid career foundation,” states Lattimore.
She adds: “Many apprentices say that apprenticeships allow them to become more independent workers, that they are able to communicate better at all levels of the business and that they are able to develop highly sought-after skills. Furthermore, our apprentices feel that they have had a real impact on their employer, including making recommendations and giving ideas that have led to business improvements as well as helping to create a positive team working environment.”
Learning on the job
Due to the vast assortment of solutions the print and manufacturing sectors can provide, several professionals and experts are needed for its varying trades.
Just as the world still needs professionals who understand the craft of materials like wood, wool, or metal, so too do we need those who understand various substrates used for printing.
One company that has used training and apprenticeships to help workers into the industry is Brett Martin. As a global supplier of specialist plastic products for the print and display sectors, it provides highly transferable skills in both engineering and maintenance.
As a supplier to the print industry, Brett Martin helps its apprentices earn highly valued and transferable skills
Sales director at Brett Martin, Duncan Smith, explains: “The benefit to young apprentices joining Brett Martin is that they are able to gain a qualification while earning a wage with us. We’ve noticed that young people have been loyal to us because of the faith we put in them at such a young age.
“Many of our apprentices are like sponges, they are very eager to learn and because they have picked things up so well and so rapidly, they have become rounded members of staff that are capable of working across many different departments.”
Speaking about the types of skills and disciplines Brett Martin’s apprentices can gain, Smith says: “Apprentices will learn mechanical and electrical engineering skills. They will then work in our maintenance teams and be paired up with experienced employees.
“This is a key element as maintenance skills are an industrial standard that are highly transferable along the supply chain. Print, as an example, flourishes due to the many mechanical and electrical elements of printers and other accompanying technologies.”
Just as important as learning the trade or skills of print, is learning the core lessons of being an employee, and Smith adds: “Apprentices also learn how to be an employee, developing an understanding of time keeping, communication, taking personal responsibility for tasks, attention to detail and quality. These are ‘soft’ skills that are much easier to learn in a physical production setting than in a college classroom.”
Showing young people the options available to them, and the benefits they will draw from different paths is crucial at the stage they leave school or college. As Smith points out, many skills simply cannot be obtained in a classroom, as evident in the increase in practical courses and small classes.
Universities in the UK can often differ greatly as to whether they offer a more traditional academic learning experience, or a more practical work-based approach.
The independent charity, UCAS, set up to help students with information, advice, and admissions services, makes it clear that it’s not simply a case of university or an apprenticeship, as they overlap so much.
Smith adds: “Getting younger people into the print industry is essential. The sector started moving towards wide-format inkjet printers in the late 90s, so people who had joined the industry during that time are most likely in their 40s and 50s. While experience is essential in wide-format print, it’s vital that young and fresh minds are introduced, and tomorrow’s print company owners are given a foundation to work from.
O Factoid: In 1993 the 'Modern Apprenticeships' scheme was introduced which made apprentices employees of the company and therefore eligible to be paid a wage O
“It’s also important to consider that there are many who cannot afford higher education and without the presence of apprenticeships, the future of the industry would be in jeopardy. Brett Martin grew significantly as a company between 1970 and 1990. Our experienced workforce now needs to be complemented by younger staff who can learn from the knowledgeable members of the team and flourish themselves in the coming years.”
The future generation
The importance for companies, educators, and governments to keep industries relevant and alluring is crucial to keep our economy and workforce thriving.
Investments in future solutions such as digital technology, robotics, and eco-friendly options are ways to allure school leavers and keep industries evolving. Ensuring these opportunities are given nationwide is also important as it helps diversify industries and spread out work throughout the UK or further afield.
With more emphasis than ever on carbon footprints, companies are looking more and more to local solutions, and should be avoiding costly and damaging imports.
Director of Print Scotland, Garry Richmond, comments: “I believe that print will have a renaissance during the bid to have net zero emissions and reduce plastic waste. Paper is recyclable and degenerates in the soil. Paper and board come from sustainable replanted forestry. The industry will remain a good career choice for young people as we progress towards a greener planet.”
Neil Lovell, chief executive of The Printing Charity, adds: “It’s all about bringing the roles to life for young people so they can see what’s involved. Our sector has some of the most diverse options open to young people, whether you are highly creative, love the idea of working with clients or customers, or if you are technically minded and enjoy seeing projects through to completion and everything in between.
Chief executive of The Printing Charity, Neil Lovell, has seen the impact and importance of apprenticeships
“Making apprenticeships compelling and amplifying young voices who are already working as apprentices are important as part of the sector’s outward facing clarion call.”
Lovell, whose work at The Printing Charity helps support those in the print industry with practical, emotional, and financial support, has seen the benefit of supporting young people in the industry.
The charity’s Rising Star awards offers people between the ages of 18 and 30 funding of up to £1,500 to support development and training in the print sector.
Lovell comments: “Our sector is evolving and will always do so and the skills needed will change too.
Apprenticeships are vital to the future success of print. The industry has many challenges because it is so broad in its scope.
“There is competition for apprentices on every corner. So, it’s easy to see why a young person might not be aware of our sector when other sectors that are more well known, make a compelling case. Much has been done by the membership bodies and groups to change this, but the fact is, there is always more to be done.”
One of the biggest challenges as pointed out by Lovell, is for the print industry to shine amongst its competitors. The innovations and attributes pointed out by Lovell and Richmond are testament to that.
Print Scotland, the Scottish trade association which stems all the way back to 1910, has supported members with HR support and training for decades. The association even took over the role of training provider for Print Occupations when the college was closed over ten years ago.
Richmond acknowledges the importance of appealing to young people.
Print Scotland recognises the accomplishments of young apprentices in the industry with its Apprentice of the Year Awards
“In order to inform school leavers of print as a career choice we attend employment fairs and open days at schools. If a young person is interested in a career in print, we can refer them to suitable companies in their area who are recruiting.
“It is projected that by 2030, as much as 40% of the current print workforce will be on or at retirement age, therefore if we do not train fresh new enthusiastic young people, we will face a period of skills hardship. This is of course compounded by the fact that school leavers do not readily think of print as a career, we need to attract young people to the trade and give them skills that will contribute to a long career and of course future sustainability of the industry.”
Richmond also acknowledges that apprenticeships or candidates do not always work out, but the more people attracted to the industry, the talent that can be sieved through into all industries.
“We have seen that when the right candidate is selected that they often excel and do extremely well becoming a solid part of the production or administration facility. Of course, there are early leavers along the way which we try to minimise, but that is not due to calibre of candidate but more that they simply don’t like the factory environment during their probationary period.
“Employers should consider a work experience week prior to fulfilling the apprentice vacancy as this would help alleviate future problems.”
Richmond concludes by discussing the importance of our industry in the wake of the pandemic and other global challenges: “I don’t think our industry is the first consideration when leaving school. It is up to all of us in the industry to carry the message out there that a young person can have a rewarding career in the industry.
“We have come through the 2008 financial collapse, we have seen banks close, the retail sector shrink with shopping moving online, as well as a global pandemic. Yet the print industry is still here and continues to be an important form of communication which is tactile and very often preferred.”
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