12 April 2017

The BPIF’s new initiative with Wallace Hind is all about bringing new talent and skills throughout the sector

A recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce of more than 1,400 businesses across the UK identified circa 84% saying digital and IT skills are more important to their business than two years ago, and 51% said they were significantly more important. It highlighted around 52% of those surveyed have a shortage of staff with digital skills and 21% have a significant shortage with 3% having a critical shortage.

The most important skills are computer skills, communication and connection through digital channels and management of digital information. A common concern amongst business owners and management teams across our sector is how and where to gain new and fresh talent to help take their businesses forward. Demand for different but complimentary skills and knowledge is led by the changing emphasis on data and IT technology led solutions and system integrations.

Almost a quarter of job vacancies last year were caused by the widening skills crisis across the UK, while 14% of employers report skills gaps in their existing workforce, a report by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has found.

Whilst some of these skills come down to training and education overall most sectors are experiencing a relevant skills shortage and we know in our own industry the profile of a machine operator has changed and the skills and knowledge needed by staff has changed. BPIF training offers a range of courses and qualifications to upskill the need to recruit from outside of the sector and bring in relevant but complimentary skills and experience is great.

The new initiative with Wallace Hind seeks to open up a different recruitment pathway from non-print sectors including the highly competitive graduate market. This new pathway is specifically targeted at giving BPIF members a head start when seeking either new employees with specialist technical and sales skills or in retaining & developing key talent.

Contact your HR or Regional Director or Tracey Fitzgerald 01604 683304 | 07780 995661 | [email protected]