The BSGA appeared on Sign 7TV during the Sign and Digital UK show at the NEC last month and spoke passionately in praise of the scheme that brings young people into the industry.

In a statement the trade organisation says: “The implications for a competent and qualified workforce is enormous should this funding be withdrawn. A PDF has been produced by Cogent, explaining the benefits behind apprenticeship schemes and the cost implications.”

Ian Lockhart of Cogent also warned Scottish sign-makers that the finance for apprenticeships north of the border were in danger and needed businesses to send a simple email to say they supported the scheme to him.

Helen Murray also of Cogent said properly trained staff benefitted sign-making firms by giving them a wider skill-set and helped them to expand and become more profitable.

On the BSGA website the organisation says: “Under the BSGA’s Code of Conduct it is incumbent on members to ensure that staff are fully trained for the roles they are to fulfil and the Association continues to make every effort to ensure that the required training opportunities are available to sign businesses. 

“The Association also actively encourages members to make full use of all the facilities that are available.  In these times of increasingly restricted government funding, there is a danger that if training is not taken up, funding will be withdrawn.  It is, at the present time, as matter of ‘use it, or lose it.”

For further information on how to go about securing places for apprentices at your business or other qualifications, go to the BSGA website for contact details. http://www.bsga.co.uk/principal-activities/training-and-education/

To simply support the apprenticeship scheme just send an email to apprenticeships@cogent-ssc.com

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