Business | Talking Point white back ground transparent
talks to... Karly Lattimore,
The BPIF currently has over 400 apprentices enrolled across nearly 200 employers but is that enough to futureproof our industry? As we bemoan growing skills gaps I talked to the head of the BPIF’s training unit about getting greater uptake in the large- format print space.
I have quoted you in the past Karly as rightly pointing out that “the print and graphics communications industry is constantly evolving, and it is vital that we provide training and development opportunities to help our employers stay competitive.” Yet it seems we are not getting enough apprentices on board. Why do you think that is? Lack of awareness continues to be a key barrier to the uptake of apprenticeships. Many companies do not fully understand the benefits that apprentices can bring, whether as new recruits or through retraining opportunities across various areas of the business. More recently, economic instability and uncertainties appear to have deterred some companies from investing in apprenticeships. Additionally, attracting young talent to the industry remains challenging, as the large-format print sector is often mistakenly viewed as outdated or less exciting compared to technology and digital-focused careers. This misconception can prevent potential apprentices from seeing the advanced technologies and creative opportunities the industry offers. Time again, when attending school leavers fairs, we see career advisors lack the necessary information or resources to guide students toward apprenticeships in our sector, with many young people only aware of a small range of apprenticeship opportunities. One of our key aims is to strengthen partnerships with schools, colleges, and career services to provide essential resources and support that help direct more young people toward our sectors valuable apprenticeship opportunities. We’re dedicated to ensuring that the print industry is recognised as a viable and progressive career pathway and we strive to support as many employers as possible in accessing apprenticeship funding, supporting growth and development within the sector. Our ambition is not only to highlight the opportunities within the industry but also to future-proof its workforce by providing high quality vocational training.
How relevant is the federation’s current training programme for this readership - the large-format print sector? We recognise that the large-format printing is a specialised field requiring distinct skills and knowledge - understanding wide-format technologies, materials and specific ink types.
20 | August/Septmber 2024
Our apprenticeship programmes are designed to equip apprentices with these specialised skills. The industry is always evolving, with advances in printing technology such as UV printing, eco-solvent inks, and high- speed digital presses. We make sure our curriculum keeps pace with these innovations so that our apprentices have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills. We partner with companies in the large-format print sector to ensure our programmes are relevant. These partnerships give us insights into current industry needs, trends, and best practices, keeping our training aligned with what the market demands. We also recognise that technical skills alone aren’t enough. Apprentices need to develop broader business skills such as project management, client communication, and leadership. Our apprenticeship programmes cover these critical areas. For example, our newly introduced process leader apprenticeship standard bridges technical expertise and leadership roles. The success of the industry is our priority, and we’re committed to providing the sector with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.
Do you feel the BPIF has enough of a dialogue with those running print companies about their needs when it comes to training? We strive to engage with businesses about their training needs, but we know there’s always more we can do. Feedback is valuable to us, which we gather through surveys, industry meetings, and advisory boards, constantly evaluating these to ensure they are effective and meaningful and lead to sustained developments in our training. Our partnerships with large-format print companies
are crucial. These collaborations help us stay informed about the evolving training needs, allowing us to refine our apprenticeship programs to better serve both specific business requirements and broader industry trends. We’re now looking to enhance these efforts. By hosting
industry forums, webinars, and roundtable discussions specifically for the large-format print sector, we hope to create more opportunities for open dialogue where businesses can voice their needs and concerns.
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