“A glowing testimonial from his MD backed up his impressive achievements,” said judges. Managing director Les Abbott-Fryer’s testimonial read: “From day one Stephen has listened and learned with a patience beyond his years. It has struck me how polished his decision-making is. When you get something right – repeat it. We have used Stephen’s qualities to successfully recruit a second apprentice.” High praise indeed.

Highly commended 

Amy Craig, Security Print Solutions

“A credit to her business,” said judges of Amy, who began her apprenticeship aged 17 and is about to take on a Trailblazer management programme. Both technical and academic, Amy “will equally put on grubby overalls and clean out a plate processor”, insist bosses, while she enthuses: “I hope to keep achieving in my print career.”

Luisa Federico, Impress Print Services

Plucking up courage, she walked into Impress in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, and almost walked straight back out. No vacancies. However, Luisa used an InDesign tutorial and Impress facilities most evenings for six months before the printer could finally offer an apprenticeship, which she recently completed. “Such work ethic should be applauded,” said judges of the firm’s new junior designer.