The response from the print industry to a call for views on apprenticeships has led to the Trailblazer Consortium being able to “communicate a really robust message about the sector’s needs” according to its coordinator Ursula Daly.
More than 50 operations responded to the recent call for feedback on the topic as the consortium (which includes the BPIF, The Printing Charity, Unite the Union, CDi Yorkshire, Ryedale Group, Oxuniprint, BCQ Group, Multi Packaging Solutions, Westferry Printers, Page Bros and De La Rue) continued to press its case for an appropriate approach to the new Print Apprenticeship Standards, which will replace the existing Frameworks
The consortium was disappointed with the SFA response in December 2016 that, rather than offering a ‘core plus options’ approach, the standard should be simplified to a ‘one size fits all’ approach. In the consortium’s view this would have led to a reduction in the quality of an apprenticeship as an individual would be required to become ageneralist across pre-press, press and bindery, rather than its preferred approach, which was to develop a specialism in one area while at the same time having a general understanding of the other areas.
Industry feedback is said to have strongly supported the consortium’s approach, and the Institute for Apprenticeships (IFA) has now given initial feedback that it will support the ‘core plus options’ approach.
Daly said: “The level of responses went way beyond anything we dared hope for. I can’t overstate how appreciative we are, and the consortium members are greatly reassured by the level of support across the industry."
The Fespa UK Association lobbied for a change in the initial proposal. Peter Kiddell said: “We are delighted with the work the consortium has done in expressing the concerns and recommendations of our members. Now that the issue has been agreed Fespa UK will provide support to companies who wish to adopt the new Print Apprenticeships. Congratulations to the consortium and Ursula for their determination and success.”