The BPIF’s new Apprenticeship Champion Network, which has been launched as part of National Apprenticeship Week, is designed to bring together a range of advocates from across the industry
The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has launched its newly-formed Apprenticeship Champion Network.
The initiative, which was launched this week as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, will bring together advocates from across the print industry, with the aim of supporting and promoting the future success of businesses and professionals in the sector.
The Apprenticeship Champion Network is designed to connect employers, training providers, and industry leaders together, creating a collaborative space where members can share best practices, mentor apprentices, and advocate for skills development within the printing industry.
By becoming an apprenticeship champion, individuals and businesses will be tasked with raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and the benefits they bring to both employers and learners.
The BPIF’s current apprenticeship schemes currently has over 400 apprentices in training and partnerships with more than 150 employers. According to the organisation, “the launch of the Apprenticeship Champion Network is a natural next step in strengthening the industry’s skills pipeline.”
The launch of the Apprenticeship Champion Network has been created to align with ‘Skills for Life’, a national lifelong learning strategy in England for improving adult skills. Key focuses of the initiative include lifelong learning and workforce development.
Throughout National Apprenticeship Week 2025, BPIF Training will be sharing stories of successful apprentices, employer case studies, and insights from apprenticeship champions through its online channels, aiming to showcase the value of high-quality training and career development in the print sector.
Employers can access resources for National Apprenticeship Week 2025 on a resource hub on the BPIF Training website. BPIF Training will also be releasing guides and documents throughout the week, with topic titles including Understanding Apprenticeships, Onboarding, and Identifying Business Needs.
According to a statement on BPIF’s website, those hiring an apprentice through its scheme may be eligible for an incentive payment of £3,000 per apprentice, in addition to the £1,000 incentive payment received for hiring an apprentice aged 16 to 18.
