20 July 2015

Find out how an apprentice can benefit your company

SME's in the printing industry are employing the largest number of apprentices in the UK; as discovered by a recent Close Brother Business Baraometer survey. The survey, as cited in PrintWeek, found that 41% of print industry SME's employ apprentices; compared to 34% in the engineering sector and 20% in the retail sector.

Managing director of the Print Division at Close Brothers Asset Finance, Basil Bannayi said: "It would seem that print businesses that participate in apprenticeship schemes see clear benefits in doing so. It's particularly relevant for print firms to think about the skills they need to keep up with a rapidly changing industry."

How can the BPIF help me find an apprentice?

The BPIF are the ‘go to' learning provider for the printing, packaging and graphic communications industry. But are you aware that we will also assist you in the recruitment of your new apprentice?

Once you have completed your vacancy template we are then able to advertise for free on far reaching advocate websites such as, National Apprenticeship Services and Not Going to Uni.

Providing knowledgeable and consistent support from recruiting an apprentice, to accessing funding, all the way through to completion of your newly trained skilled staff, the BPIF are here to help.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a work-based programme aimed at improving the skills of employees, concentrating on both technical competencies and inter-personal skills. Apprenticeships reward companies with motivated and competent employees, whilst providing apprentices with a regular income as well as the demonstrable skills to advance in their chosen career.

How much does an apprenticeship cost?

For the employer, the apprenticeship is largely free. The company will be required to pay the apprentice their wages, and the training for the apprentice is as follows:

• Level 2/3 Apprenticeship - training is free (for member companies)
• Level 4/5 Apprenticeship - there is a £500 registration fee for a Level 4/5 Management qualification

What are the benefits to a company of hiring an apprentice?

Companies who offer apprenticeship places recognise their effectiveness at increasing productivity, improving the overall performance of the business and increasing their competitive position in the industry.

• 92% of employers who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
• 77% of employers believe apprenticeships make them more competitive
• 76% of those employers who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive
• 57% of employers report that apprentices progress into management positions within the company

What's next? How do I get in touch?

The BPIF offer a range of different apprenticeships, ranging from Level 2 courses in Machine Printing, Digital Print Production & Customer Service to Level 5 Principles of Leadership and Management.

Get in touch with BPIF Training today: [email protected]

To read the full article by PrintWeek, please click here.