MacroArt has a long-term commitment to apprenticeship schemes
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Much has been said and written about the concerns over a skills gap across both the sign-making and wide-format print markets. While those currently working in the industry are extremely knowledgeable and experienced in their lines of work, the major challenge for businesses is bringing in and developing the next generation of workers.
Training new staff and bringing them up to speed with the many techniques used across the two markets is a rather daunting task. However, there are several options available to sign-makers and wide-format printers to ease this process and help them to attract the best talent. One such option is apprenticeships.
Skills for Life
Open to anyone over the age of 16 in the UK, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university, or training provider, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. It is very much a win-win – a statement those companies featured here will very much agree with.
O Factoid: Apprenticeship programs are open to anyone over the age of 16 in the UK O
The interest in such schemes is also increasing. During this year’s edition of The Print Show, one session at the Knowledge Zone focused on the importance of bringing young people into print. While much of this focused on print, many of the topics covered cross over into the signage market – especially seeing as the special session was supported by FESPA UK and featured three of the leading talents from within its FESPA Next Generation Committee.
As for what companies are already running apprenticeship schemes, first up we have DecTek, a company that provides a wide range of services to the industry and currently has four digital print and manufacturing apprentices. Director Mike Beese says apprentices are the core of what the company does: fostering future young entrepreneurs to become leaders in their field.
George Beese (right), son of DecTec director Mike Beese is currently working as an apprentice of the company
“Our apprentices are involved in the very core of design, development, and production,” Beese says, adding: “They are continually given new skillsets to applied products and engage in other activities such as health and safety, forklift driving, and continuous improvement training activities – all of which are skills for life.
“Opportunity is a doorway to self-growth. We encourage our students to become self-propelled in life and to meet their objectives whilst becoming dynamic assets within the company, aligning and growing together. Over the years, DecTek has had around 12 successful apprenticeship programs.”
We encourage our students to become self-propelled in life and to meet their objectives whilst becoming dynamic assets within the company, aligning and growing together”
So, what advice does Beese and DecTek have for other companies thinking about going down the route of apprenticeships? Beese explains that while these schemes certainly offer a whole host of benefits, he advises that there is a need for tolerance with a young work force while they adapt to the working environment.
“They are aware of untapped markets where there are trading opportunities to explore, they are also very competent in new technologies such as AI,” Beese says, adding: “We have found that in their quest for knowledge they ask many questions, encouraging our workforce to re-evaluate their processes and functions.
“We need to invest in youth; they have a long and challenging future ahead. But when fine-tuned they have so much energy and inspiration to run behind but then take the lead.”
Showcase the Industry
Another leading advocate of apprenticeship schemes is MacroArt, a specialist in branding and signage. The company currently has three apprentices: two print technicians and one install technician. Over the last four years, it has had a total of seven apprentices – all of which Lee Garnett, continuous improvement manager at MacroArt, says have developed and thrived with the company.
MacroArt regularly attends school careers fairs to spread the word about opportunities in print and sign-making
“While they receive a bespoke training program throughout their apprenticeship, we ensure they all get experience across the whole business, with inductions through our studio, client services, and commercial areas,” Garnett says.
“We want to support the local talent in our area while also showcasing the industry to the younger generation. The print and signage industries are not something that appear at careers fairs; many young people don’t know how rewarding a career in the print industry can be.
“It’s also a great investment for us. Training apprentices is as costly as investing in training for current workers. So, it makes sense to invest in the future in all departments.”
As for the benefits that companies can expect from going down the apprenticeship route, Garnett says the stand-out advantage is the commitment between all parties involved. He explains that finding candidates who are passionate and fully committed to the program is key and sets the ideal groundwork for both the business and them to benefit.
“I think the single most important reason other businesses should consider apprenticeship schemes is that it allows you to invest in the longevity of your business with regards to creating the next generation of well-trained team members,” Garnett says.
With this, Garnett goes on to offer advice to companies looking at these schemes. Above all, he says businesses must have patience and be willing to invest the precious commodity of time. Garnett goes on to say that young people, often with perhaps very little experience going into the apprenticeship, need support to smooth off those rough edges they’re naturally going to have.
“At MacroArt we focus on providing an important platform for anyone with the right attitude and willingness to learn so that they can achieve and become an extremely valuable member of the team,” Garnett explains.
“It’s also important to remember that retaining young talent is just as important as training them in the first place. Offering opportunities for development and continued learning are therefore essential and have been key to our growth and it's why other businesses should invest in apprenticeship and training schemes, too.
“My experience with apprenticeships over the last 12 years has proved to be extremely rewarding. I have seen so many people from all walks of life, with zero experience in this industry, become extremely talented individuals who are still working in this trade today. That is what these schemes are all about – nurturing young talent and providing them with the bedrock of a career that they can stay in for decades and always feel fulfilled.”
And the work does not stop here for MacroArt. The company has big plans for the future of its apprenticeship scheme and is currently onboarding its next group of Level Three Print Technician apprentices to further strengthen its workforce. It is also exploring different avenues besides apprenticeships to further bolster the young talent in the industry.
“The roles people go into are so varied,” Garnett says, adding: “From becoming senior artworkers at design agencies to project managers handling large scale projects. And why have they become so successful? Because apprenticeships gave them all the right tools practically and the processes to help them succeed.”
The Next Generation
Elsewhere, Astley Signs is another company that places great value on apprentices. James Mavi, sales and marketing director at Astley Signs, says the company has introduced 12 apprentices to its team over the past five years.
Astley Signs has introduced 12 apprentices to its team over the past five years
“At Astley, we pride ourselves on providing apprenticeship schemes and developing the next generation of signage professionals,” Mavi says, adding: “We currently have four apprentices across our marketing and finance departments, and we are about to start looking at more apprentices to join the team on the shopfloor, as we have had great success over the past few years with our young talent.
“Our CNC apprentice, Reece, for example, started his apprenticeship six years ago and has now progressed to CNC team leader, which shows fantastic progression. We also had two of our sales and marketing apprentices receive awards in their respective categories at Make UK in 2022.
“Astley fully believes it is our responsibility to encourage and support initiatives and career progression within our workforce. Although thought of as the less ‘traditional’ route, apprenticeships offer an alternative for young people to commence their careers. Fostering the development of hands-on skills and industry experience, apprenticeship programmes allow individuals to undergo training, all whilst earning a salary.”
Mavi goes on to say that apprenticeships have provided generations with an opportunity to mould a skilled workforce that meets the specific nature of the business, as well as allow apprentices to see career progression. He explains that several team members have completed their apprenticeships and moved into established and valued roles within the company.
“Not only is job security increased, but opportunities for advancement are also boosted,” Mavi comments, continuing: “Individuals have more choices in their professional development – one that meets their needs and aspirations while ensuring quality, in-demand skills for employers.
“We have seen apprentices build up invaluable skills which are transferrable amongst departments, having had individuals try various areas within the organisation before choosing the role that is their best fit. This is beneficial for both the apprentice and the business, as apprentices can choose where their skills are most suited within the company, maximising efficiency.”
With this, Mavi says he has no hesitation in recommending apprenticeship schemes to other sign-makers. He explains that within the manufacturing industry especially, the company has noted a downturn in young people entering the field. As such, Astley believes apprentices, with their hands-on nature and reskilling potential, are one of the most effective solutions to begin bridging this skills gap and accumulating a dynamic workforce.
“With manufacturing companies requiring specialised skills that take time to acquire, apprenticeships allow businesses to train workers with the relevant skills that are needed to fill gaps,” Mavi explains.
“These programmes provide not only a pipeline of skilled workers but also various financial and social benefits that contribute to a company’s growth and sustainability. Apprenticeship schemes can help reduce turnover rates, as apprentices who receive training and support from their employers are more likely to stay with the company.
“Training and development have been instrumental in the overall business strategy of Astley since its inception, and so we are always on the lookout for young, skilled talent.”
These are just some examples of the successful apprenticeship programs that are in place across the UK sign industry. Could it be time for your business to consider a similar approach and help produce the next generation of signage talent?
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