The Government could impose a statutory training levy on the print sector if firms do not address the growing skills shortage problem.


The DfEEs Building a Stronger Network consultation document on the future of National Training Organisations states where there are serious skills problems in a sector, and the social partners agree that this is the best way
forward, the secretary of state for education & employment has indicated his willingness to use existing powers... to provide GB-wide statutory backing for appropriate skills funding arrangements.


Industry opinion is fiercely divided on the matter. John Bambery, chair of the Print & Graphic Communication National Training Organisation, said: We are facing a skills meltdown but its always seen as a not today, but tomorrow job, and thats the problem. If every company voluntarily put 100 in, we actually wouldnt have this problem.


The Print NTOs overheads are covered by a mixture of funding from industry associations, the GPMU and government; but most of its backing comes via the BPIF. The perception is still that its a BPIF clone. It is 80% funded by the federation, yet has to represent the whole of the industry so why arent the other 75% of printers paying?


Story by Jo Francis