25 September 2014

BPIF Apprentice nominated for Trainee of the Year at the Printweek Awards 2014

The Printweek Awards Shortlist has been announced and Jonathan Taylor of De la Rue, BPIF Apprentice, has been nominated for the Trainee of the Year Award. We had a chat with Jonathan prior to the awards to see what he thought of his apprenticeship and his nomination. 

What made you decide to do an apprenticeship in print?

I worked in retail since leaving high school and felt I needed a new career direction as retail was never the direction I wanted to take. I always looked towards manufacturing as a preferred career path as most of my family are in some form of manufacturing; my dad, who works for De La Rue himself, made me aware that his company were looking to recruit print apprentices. When I looked into what was involved in printing and heard feedback from my dad I found that it was a highly skilled job with a steep learning curve, but at the end of it all I would have a specific set of skills that few have.

 What is your favourite part of your apprenticeship? 

I love learning all the different machinery and that no two days are the same.

How does it feel to be shortlisted for the Printweek Trainee of the Year Award? 

I still can't believe it, it's a great achievement and I feel honoured to go to have been shortlisted.

What do you consider to be your biggest achievement since beginning your apprenticeship? 

Reaching the final of 'Printweek Trainee of the Year Award' and reaching the top 6 in the Manufacturing Awards is the biggest achievement so far.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to a friend and if so why? 

Yes definitely, it's a great career and such an enjoyable job.

What will you do if you win? 

I think I will definitely be celebrating and then start my application for next year.

Chris Gannon, Manufacturing Process Manager commented "I believe that Jonathan is more than just an apprentice. As an employee within our manufacturing facility he epitomises a model printer, an employee who demonstrates all of our company values and an example to others across our manufacturing process. Reflecting over his progress in his 10 months with the company, I realise that his achievements have been outstanding and worthy of recognition, not just from within De La Rue, but also from the wider industry. Endorsing Jonathan for this nomination required no thinking as I consider it to be a logical step in his progression."

The BPIF wish Jonathan the best of luck at the Printweek Awards on 20^th October.