13 March 2015

Print consortium to design 'world class' apprenticeship standards

The BPIF are delighted to announce that the employer led submission to develop new apprenticeship standards for our industry has been successful. The bid to lead the way in carrying out changes to apprenticeships was submitted to Government in February 2015 after feedback on an unsuccessful application in July.

Ryedale Group who will Chair the consortium due to their high profile within the industry, are supported by De La Rue as Deputy Chair, and will head up a group of print employers in designing the new apprenticeship print standards for Print Finisher, Pre-press Operative, and Printer. James Buffoni, Managing Director, Ryedale Group said, "We are excited by the challenge of developing comprehensible industry relevant standards with clear end point qualifications that are recognised as both relevant and rigorous. I am confident the consortium team has the range of expertise and the communication infrastructure to deliver on this important project".

After feedback on an initial round of applications, an extremely strong merged consortium, comprising of a range of print companies, and including the BPIF and leading sector organisations, Proskills, The Printing Charity and Unite was formed. The consortium will adopt an inclusive approach to the task and will welcome input from other organisations with closely aligned occupations and interests.

Skills Minister, Nick Boles, commented "I am delighted that Ryedale and members of the Printing Trailblazer are to join more than 1000 of the country's leading employers in designing new top quality apprenticeships. Giving employers like Ryedale the power to design apprenticeships means that apprentices graduate with the skills they need for the job they want and businesses get the talent they need to grow."

For more information please contact Amy Hutchinson, Marketing Director, at [email protected].