The BPIF gathered together 11 print apprentices to launch an awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships to school leavers.
The apprentices produced a four page brochure with a theme of ‘the biggest industry you’ve never thought of….’, to highlight how print is used by everyone, everyday and also to engage the reader’s curiosity and make them turn the page.
The task was to work with a designer to produce a piece of collateral in aid of National Apprenticeship Week to promote apprenticeships in the print industry to schools.
With the current average age in the print industry at 48 the apprentices set to work designing a piece of collateral that they felt would attract young school leavers into print.
The day was filled with debate and discussion, with many reasons emerging as to why each had chosen an apprenticeship. Daniel Pelly, process apprentice from De La Rue, described how he enjoys ‘getting paid to learn and meeting people he never would have done before.’
Liam Walton, lithographic printer, Hobbs said an apprenticeship was the best option for him as it is ‘a great environment to learn in’, while Will Lee, apprentice printer, BCQ Group chose an apprenticeship to ‘develop new skills while being in a full time working environment’.
Inside they included information on why the printing industry offers exciting job opportunities and why apprenticeships are a great route to a career. The apprentices decided on all aspects including paper, style and finishing. This brochure was then kindly printed by BCQ Group and mailed to 500+ schools across the UK.
BPIF programme director, Ursula Daly, explained, ‘It is so important that school leavers are given information about apprenticeships, it is the schools duty to allow students to make informed decisions and to do this they need to be aware of all of their options.’
Chris Knowles, managing director BCQ Group, added, ‘There is a huge value to having apprentices at BCQ, they bring new fresh ideas into an established industry.’
