BPIF calls on sector to drive the future of print

As well as informative presentations, the event featured several panel discussions
As well as informative presentations, the event featured several panel discussions

The BPIF has heralded last week’s virtual event to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) a success and issued a call to arms for business leaders to check its online resources dedicated to supporting current and potential employers and apprentices.

More than 70 delegates took part in last Tuesday’s event, which went virtual for the first time after the BPIF decided to press ahead with its support for NAW.

“It is hugely important for us to run events like this and support National Apprenticeship Week to give young people, and those starting out, the best insights into our industry,” said BPIF head of marketing Anaïs Bellemans.

The event was opened by BPIF Training managing director Karly Lattimore, who talked about the impact of the pandemic on apprenticeships, and BPIF president Ian Wilton who shared his journey in print, from apprentice to managing director.

The morning was broken into two streams, one for employers and the other for apprentices.

Employers sessions covered topics from getting the most out of the apprenticeship levy, how to recruit an apprentice, how apprenticeships aren’t limited to first jobbers, but can also be used to develop established employees careers, and a briefing on the government’s Plan for Jobs initiative.

While apprentice sessions featured a series of case studies from former apprentices including Solopress joint founder Aron Priest and an introduction to print.

The morning also featured panel discussions, speed networking, and 1-2-1 sessions.

Bellemans said: "It was an informative and engaging morning - widening enthusiasm for print and allowing involvement between employers, apprentices and our own training team."

Many of the sessions are available for on demand viewing at www.britishprint.com/NAW2021.

"To all businesses out there - you have the opportunity to get involved with various initiatives to attract people into the sector and drive the future of print – get in touch with Karly.lattimore@bpif.org.uk and see how you can get involved," said Bellemans.