kaizen tools, process visualisation using lean principles and problem-solving tools and techniques. Within its business skills, the BPIF delivers a range of programmes including team leading and management apprenticeships up to level five, customer service and sales, and business administration. Also, the newly introduced Supply Chain Practitioner programme has been launched in response to industry feedback and is aimed at developing skills in procurement, planning manufacturing, forecasting, customer service, and logistics – all skills needed for a modern print business. “We are committed to ensuring that our programmes meet the needs of our industry,” Lattimore says. Plenty of benefits Elsewhere and another organisation championing apprenticeship schemes is the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA). Both IPIA members, Spectrum Print & Plastics and Eight Days a Week Print Solutions (EDWPS) have both employed apprentices and were part of the IPIA’s gateway to the government’s Kickstart scheme. Kath Doran, managing director of Spectrum Print & Plastics, says the business had a two-pronged approach to getting involved with apprenticeships. It worked with GC Business Hub, which involved a qualification when the course was complete and a mentor with experience from the manufacturing sector to coach and support the employer and the apprentice throughout the course. “The course by the Business Hub was tailored around the role in the workplace, while we also worked directly with the colleges,” Doran says, adding: “In this case, the apprentice was already enrolled on a course that they were interested in, so there was some buy-in and commitment from the start. This also ensures the apprentice gets a recognised qualification at the end of the course. “There is a dedicated college mentor for the length of the course, and we found working with the colleges very rewarding and gained more than we expected. We were invited to talk at open evenings to potential future students and parents with experience from an employer and apprentice perspective, which helped promote print as a viable career option. All this gave 54 ticeship. With significant funding available to support apprenticeship programmes, apprenticeships are a cost-efficient way of tackling the skills shortages in our industry.” So, how do you go about getting involved and how can the BPIF help? Lattimore says that for anyone who might have engaged in apprenticeship training in the past, they will know there is a fair amount of work to be done in ensuring that your business is set up to take on an apprentice. “Funding needs to be reserved, contracts need to be in place, vacancies must be advertised, and this is all before the apprentice even begins,” Lattimore explains, adding: “This being said, BPIF Training can support with all of this, guiding you through the whole process. “Whether you are an apprenticeship levy-paying organisation that is uncertain about how to allocate your levy pot, or if you are a smaller printer who needs support to access funding, we are able to support you to develop your workforce and create the print industry of the future.” The BPIF is a Grade 2 Ofsted provider, the biggest provider of both print and print-related apprenticeships in England, with over 400 apprentices currently on the programme. The BPIF currently offers trade and business skills across two sectors for apprenticeships. Under the BPIF’s trade suite are four apprenticeship programmes, the first of email: news@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 341 - March / April 2023 which being the Print Operative and Print Technician programmes, which are all-encompassing offering three specialisms: pre-press, press, and post-press. Next, the Signage Technician apprenticeship is aimed at those looking to develop capacity in their business to design, manufacture, fabricate, and install signage. Finally, the Lean Manufacturing Operative standard is applicable in all manufacturing businesses and focuses on developing and supporting improvement, using continuous improvement methods, The British Printing Industries Federation is a Grade 2 Ofsted provider 2 Nick Hewer, one of the original aides to Lord Alan Sugar on the ‘The Apprentice’, spoke at The Print Show 2022 Factoid FOCUS ON / APPRENTICESHIPS ◄ [L to R] Callum Draycott and Sam Riley were taken on by EDWPS as part of Kickstart and now have full-time jobs there ▲ Karly Lattimore, managing director of BPIF Training, says apprentices can help mitigate the increasing skills gap in print
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