Business | Talking Point


MD, BPIF Training


We’re committed to ensuring the large-format print sector is well-represented, and we’re always looking for new ways to support business training needs and welcome any suggestions on how we can better the needs of the industry and this insight is invaluable in helping us shape the future of training in the sector.


I know the BPIF has at times found it difficult to find trainers to support with the delivery of apprenticeships within the sector. Is that currently an issue - and what kind of support do you want? The print industry often faces a limited pool of available experts due to its strong track record of staff retention. However, we take pride in our workforce, who have excelled in their craft and are now passing on their expertise to others. Ensuring we have top-notch delivery staff is essential. Establishing stronger partnerships with large-format print companies can help create a pipeline of experienced professionals who can transition into training roles. We’d love to see businesses encouraging their senior staff to take on mentorship and training responsibilities as part of their career development.


This time last year the BPIF was celebrating its training offering being rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, which is fab, but it also means there’s room for improvement. Has much changed over the last 12 months? We were all extremely proud to achieve our good grade at the last inspection, particularly as the only prime provider of print apprenticeships to do so. However, this achievement does not allow us to rest on our laurels, we are now firmly on our road to outstanding and aim to achieve this by our next inspection. Despite our success, we have continued to implement improvements immediately following the inspection. We have expanded our curriculum to include more specialised courses and updated content that aligns with the latest industry standards and technological advancements. This ensures our apprentices receive relevant and current training, preparing them for the evolving demands of the print industry. Our partnerships with industry leaders and companies have been strengthened, ensuring a more collaborative


approach to training. We continuously gather feedback from employers and integrate their insights into our programmes. We have also increased our focus on providing comprehensive support for apprentices, including personalised training plans and enhanced mentorship opportunities. This includes supporting apprentices with their wider personal development goals and encouraging them to consider taking part in wider social impact projects.


What would you like to see happen now to improve apprenticeship take-up? With the help of the industry, we are looking to prioritise several initiatives all aimed at improving the uptake of apprenticeships within the sector and future proofing businesses. We are developing more targeted outreach campaigns to increase awareness about the opportunities and benefits of apprenticeships. By highlighting success stories and career prospects within the large-format print sector, and wider industry, we aim to attract more interest and showcase the advantages that apprentices can bring to businesses. We’re also looking to increase our presence at job


fairs and school career days in partnership with print businesses. This will allow us to showcase the dynamic and technologically advanced nature of the large-format sector, making it more appealing to potential apprentices. Providing ongoing support and resources for apprentices is another key focus. This includes career counselling, skills development workshops, and networking opportunities to help apprentices navigate their career paths within the industry effectively. We will continue to advocate for government policies that support apprenticeship programmes, including securing funding for training providers, apprentices and their employers, and streamlining processes for businesses to participate in apprenticeship schemes. Continuing to work closely with industry bodies to set and maintain high standards for apprenticeship programmes ensures they meet the evolving needs of the sector and provide high-quality training and career development opportunities.


WE ARE


COMMITTED TO ENSURING THE LARGE-FORMAT PRINT SECTOR IS WELL


REPRESENTED


www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 21


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