1 July 2005

New recruits reinvigorate BPIF Training

This summer BPIF Training will be taking on 3 new members of staff to support a reinvigorated department. Currently delivering 58% of the current market share of apprenticeships in the whole of the printing industry with 435 apprentices, BPIF Training has achieved its goal of increasing apprenticeships and has shifted the balance from apprentices making up 45% of those in training in March 2004 to 54% now. This year the department has delivered on goals such as the dramatic reduction of overheads, successful Adult Learning Inspectorate inspections and basic skills inspections, the introduction of the technical certificate and the increased recruitment of trainees. The new members of staff will assume the role of training coordinators, joining the 14 other training coordinators spread out around the country. ‘TCs’ visit trainees in the workplace to support and assess their work-based training and portfolios and to provide guidance to employers. John Campey, who joined us from BPIF member company Richard Edward on 13th June replaces recently retired John Lynas in Kent and will cover for Natalie Gill, currently on maternity leave for Essex and Surrey. John, an ex-printer with extensive experience in the industry has a fantastic set of technical skills to bring to the department and, having gone through the apprenticeship scheme himself, an excellent understanding of the needs of young trainees. “I’m looking forward to finishing my induction and getting out into companies and meeting trainees. I have over 20 years of experience in the industry and feel I have a lot to share with those just starting out.” Says Campey. Experienced training specialist, Andy Collins will be joining the BPIF to cover the North of London and the eastern region from the 18th July following the retirement of Peter Taylor. “I’ve worked in the industry all my life, “ says Collins, “from production roles to sales roles to training roles. With 30 years of varied trade experience I feel there’s a lot I can bring to my new role.” In the last few months the department has also welcomed training co-ordinator Andy Bracey who brought with him previous NVQ training and extensive digital print experience. Head of BPIF Training, Ruth Exelby sees this as an exciting time for the department, “We’re thrilled with our new recruits and with the wealth of knowledge they will add to the department. Whilst it’s always sad to say goodbye to respected members of staff its great to have the opportunity to reinvigorate the department with new ideas and experience, which is what the new training coordinators will bring.” The BPIF training department continues to expand and is now actively seeking a training coordinator for the South West of England to oversee the training and assessment of young people in the region.