It is quite apt that we begin this feature as the new series of ‘The Apprentice’ starts on the BBC. While perhaps the television programme these days features young people seeking a path to fame rather than business success, nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to actual apprenticeship schemes, especially those in print. In recent years, Print Monthly has carried a whole host of stories telling of the successes of apprenticeships. Whether it is a company hiring apprenticeship staff to fulltime roles, or long-serving staff speaking of their journey to a current role having started out as an apprentice, there are many good things to be said about these schemes. So, how do you go about introducing an apprenticeship programe to your business? We speak with a number of industry organisations to find out the best way forward. Addressing the skills gap One of the leading supporters of apprenticeships in print is the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF). Karly Lattimore, managing director of BPIF Training, says apprentices, whether this be taking on an apprentice in a business or using the apprenticeship scheme to retrain a workforce, can certainly go a long way in mitigating the increasing skills gap in print. “It’s widely accepted that our industry has an ageing workforce and a growing skills gap,” Lattimore says, adding: “It’s important to recruit or retrain to take advantage of those that are close to exiting businesses because they have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with the new generation that will otherwise be lost. It’s not just the technical apprentices, apprenticeship programmes in business skills and management can increase leadership capacity in the workforce too.” Lattimore goes on to say that introducing apprenticeship schemes into a business can add a whole new approach to a workforce, bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective. She adds that investing in workforce development can motivate existing staff by demonstrating long-term planning, leading to increased employee satisfaction and increased productivity. “Hiring an apprentice and progressing them within your organisation also aids staff retention, providing your business with skilled employees for the future, thus reducing recruitment costs,” Lattimore explains. “In fact, with BPIF Training, more than 95% of apprentices who achieve their apprenticeship programme remain with the same employer upon completion, often progressing on to a higher-level apprenYOU’RE HIRED! With the popularity of apprenticeship schemes on the increase in recent years, we take a look at these initiatives, their core benefits, and how print service providers can get involved 53 FOCUS ON / APPRENTICESHIPS Issue 341 - March / April 2023 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk
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