18 September 2015

BPIF call for further industry input in apprenticeship trailblazer

In March 2015, we announced that the employer-led submission to develop new apprenticeship standards for the printing industry had been successful. James Buffoni of Ryedale Group and the Chair for the winning consortium, is currently in the process of leading a group of print employers and leading sector organisations, including the BPIF, in designing the new apprenticeship print standards for Pre-Press Operator, Press Operator and Post-Press Operator.

Buffoni explains, “This new standard has been designed for employers by a strong employer-led consortium – it is therefore a practical document designed to help employers to remove risk of recruiting an apprentice by providing a framework through which they can identify, attract and engage with young people, as well as providing a standard of expectations for their development.”

“The trailblazer scheme has helped to clarify 3 main points: firstly a confident message about why contemporary print is attractive - we need to show young people that contemporary print is alive and kicking. Secondly it clarifies the journey that fresh, young talent and employers can make to work together successfully in three specific print roles. Thirdly the Trailblazer standard plugs that gap by identifying – in plain English - what skills, knowledge and behaviours that a young person would need to succeed in that role.”

Through many focused meetings, the consortium has produced a first draft of the standard which has been distributed to a small group of printers who registered interest when the process of review was started. Feedback gained from this initial consultation has been taken on board by the consortium, who have now produced a document - the content of which they are seeking input from the industry on.

Ursula Daly, BPIF Programme Director, states “this standard upon which all new apprenticeships will be based will benefit the whole industry and therefore your input is critical. Please take the time to review the document, pass it on to your staff and ask their thoughts, all feedback is valued.’’

This standard is intended to be a concise document (no more than 2 sides of A4) written in clear and simple language that describes the full competence for the occupations in terms of skills, knowledge and behaviours. The language used has been chosen carefully so that all new and potential apprentices and their families will be able to understand what is involved in these roles.

You can view the document at www.britishprint.com/printstandard

Please send any feedback to [email protected] before the 30 November 2015.