The funding received the seal of approval by Rt. Hon John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities & Skills, at a launch in London today.

Print employers could take a share of the fund if they sign up to Proskills' 'Sustainable Workforce Pledge', which Proskills helped employers to draw up.

Denham said: "The Government values the immense contribution the printing industry makes to our national life, and is committed to working closely with the sector to help it attract, train and retain quality staff."

Companies that sign the pledge will get access to a more flexible Train to Gain offer with the possibility of second level two and three qualifications being part or fully funded.

The Proskills Printing Industry Board had long argued for a more flexible response to training than the standard Train to Gain offer. They reasoned that in many cases printing was a second or third career choice and, by then, new starters were not eligible for apprenticeship funding.

Companies offering on-the-job training could also have their efforts recognised by stating that they have a sustainable workforce backed up by formal and informal training.

Proskills chief executive Terry Watts said: "The industry felt that very few of its employees had no level two qualifications; a view confirmed from a small sample in a very detailed survey to identify unqualified people."

Richard Bloxam, printing industry champion at Proskills, said: "This is an opportunity for print employers to show publicly and demonstrably the importance they place on investing in the skills of their people. It is the first time the industry has ever made such a commitment."