28 February 2020

BPIF inspires during national apprenticeship week

We are thrilled to release the videos from National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), click here to hear directly from our apprentices and learn more! 

Promoting print to over 6,000 students at Leeds Apprenticeship Fair, and facilitating a visit to the innovative Antalis Academy for our apprentices – we loved celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2020! A recent survey conducted by Docebo revealed that a third of UK workers don't feel qualified for their current job and more than half don't think their co-worker is either. This is why it is more important than ever to celebrate the power of apprenticeships. An apprenticeship is not just for entry level positions, but can be undertaken by people of all ages.

In fact, the BPIF has over 100 learners on management apprenticeships ranging between the ages of 18 and 63. These managers are implementing strategic changes within print businesses and increasing profits. Throughout this year’s NAW, the BPIF hosted a range of events and activities to help celebrate the fantastic opportunities print apprenticeships offer.

LEEDS APPRENTICESHIP RECRUITMENT FAIR

On Monday 3 February, the BPIF kicked off National Apprenticeship Week by attending the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair with several members. They discussed specific apprenticeship opportunities and career paths at their respective businesses, as well as promoting the wider print industry to school leavers. The Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair is the largest apprenticeship exhibition in the North, and was a great way to engage with students about the opportunities and career paths that can be undertaken in the print industry. 

#larf2020

ANTALIS ACADEMY APPRENTICE VISIT

On Tuesday 4 February, the BPIF attended an inspiring event at the Antalis Academy. The Antalis Academy is a centre of excellence for digital and printing technology, based in Leicester. It’s a unique facility equipped with the latest digital kit, offering live demonstrations and real life application case studies to help inform and educate. The theme of the event was sustainability, and apprentices heard from inspirational speakers in the industry, including Graham Bromley from Hobbs, Kelly O’Sullivan from Sainsbury’s/Argos, Jonathan Tame and Greg Selfe from Two Sides, and Neil Lovell from The Printing Charity. The day ended with a round table discussion led by PrintWeek on ‘the future of apprenticeships’ and ‘apprenticeships role in the sustainability of the industry’. Apprentices also benefited from a tour of the Academy and had the great opportunity to network with industry peers. All travel expenses for apprentices were kindly paid for by The Printing Charity.

"I really enjoyed my trip to Antalis. It was great to hear about how Antalis supports sustainability in the printing industry, and I enjoyed the tour around their warehouse. It was nice to network with other apprentices and hear from other businesses on how they are becoming more sustainable."

Alice Murray, Account Manager, Fine Print Services Limited

On Wednesday 5 February, BPIF visited Allerton High School as part of the Building My Skills Programme, which is a yearlong structured employability skills programme. The BPIF delivered presentations on opportunities and careers in the print industry to over 100 year 12 students, following this up with advice and guidance on how to create quality CV and covering letters.

On Thursday 6 February, as part of National Apprenticeship Week, BPIF visited South Hunsley School in Hull to support Pam Wainman of Jadan Press in providing speed interviews to 55 year 13 students on apprenticeship opportunities and careers in the print industry. CVs from interested students will be circulated to BPIF members in the region to facilitate the possible employment of apprentices.

RECOGNISE SOMEONE WHO'S EXCELLED THIS YEAR

Kathy Woodward Award for Learning

This is a £1,000 Award, sponsored by Webmart, that supports individuals in the print, packaging and graphic design industries to further their careers.

APPLY HERE

Victor Watson Trophy

This Award recognises a Young Person of Outstanding Achievement. Nominate any young person under the age of 31 who is employed in the printing industry.

NOMINATE HERE 

#NAW2020 #LookBeyond #BPIF4NAW2020