Print & Printed Packaging

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:

• Qualifications,
• Essential Skills
• On/off the job training

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Pre-Press is 43 credits.

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Machine Printing is 56 credits.

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Print Finishing is 42 credits.

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway, Digital Pre-Press is 63 credits.

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway, Machine Printing is 63 credits.

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway, Print Finishing is 57 credits.

Entry requirements

Apprenticeship applicants are welcomed from a range of diverse backgrounds and it is anticipated that they may have a range of differing experiences, achievements and/or qualifications. The demonstration of relevant, transferable prior learning will form an important part of any employer's Apprentice selection process.

Examples of requirements that will be considered as a suitable basis for entry include:

• Previous work experience or employment, supported by a portfolio of evidence or
• Voluntary or community based work or
• Proof of completion of non-accredited courses or
• Achievement of Awards, Certificates or Diplomas in a related industry such as

Manufacturing, Engineering, Construction or Creative industries or

• Achievement of a 14-19 Diploma in Manufacturing & Product Design or Construction & the Built Environment or Creative and Media or
• Welsh Baccalaureate - Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced Diploma or
• GCSEs: Typically, 4 GCSEs D - F for a Level 2 Apprentice and A* - C for a Level 3. These should include English and Maths.

 Literacy and numeracy skills are highly desirable, and this Print Apprenticeship does facilitate the development of these skills and learning support can be tailored to provide Apprentices with the individual assistance they require. Employers are especially interested in applicants who can demonstrate a positive, “can do” attitude with a willingness to work hard and develop new skills and knowledge.

 Work in the Print industry varies greatly according to the employer's business. There are a variety of jobs on offer but they are all split into 3 main areas

• pre-press
• printing
• finishing.

Pre-press tends to be mainly computer and office based and both printing and finishing are highly practical and skilled areas of work. In all areas you must have an eye for detail and complete work to the highest standards. Companies of all types and sizes across the country rely on their printed products to "sell" their products and services. Poorly printed products have a direct effect on their business, therefore this role in the printing industry is crucial!

Some processes are automated and others are carried out by hand. Apprentices should be aware that, for many of the job roles within the Print industry, they may be required to work in a factory based environment and overtime, shift work and weekend working may be required by some employers.

 The range of job roles available is very varied and ranges from packaging technologists, web publication designers and desk top publishing editors and related qualifications or experience of working with these technologies in other sectors would be an advantage.

The Print sector has experienced many changes in working practices with the introduction of new, cutting edge technologies. Many processes are now controlled and monitored by sophisticated technology systems and involve both basic and complex manufacturing processes.

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 2: Pre-Press

Level 2: Pre-Press Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Minimum total learning hours = 465 hours

• Competence = minimum 118-155 hours/ minimum 19 credits
• Knowledge = minimum 93 hours /  minimum 12 credits

Or

• Knowledge = minimum 138 - 149 hours /  minimum 20 credits

The minimum pathway duration time for completion is 24-36 months.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 2: Machine Printing

Level 2: Machine Printing Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Minimum total learning hours = 556 hours

• Competence = minimum 209-243 hours/ minimum 32 credits
• Knowledge = minimum 93 hours /  minimum 12 credits

Or

• Knowledge = minimum 138 - 149 hours /  minimum 20 credits

The minimum pathway duration time for completion is 12-18 months.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 2: Print Finishing

Level 2: Print Finishing Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Minimum total learning hours = 461 hours

• Competence = minimum 114-145/ minimum 18 credits
• Knowledge = minimum 93 hours /  minimum 12 credits

Or

• Knowledge = minimum 138 - 149 hours /  minimum 20 credits

The minimum pathway duration time for completion is 12-18 months.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 3: Digital Pre-Press

Level 3: Digital Pre-Press Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Minimum total learning hours = 570 hours

• Competence = minimum 157 hours/ minimum 37 credits

• Knowledge = minimum 89 hours /  minimum 19 credits

The minimum pathway duration time for completion is 24-36 months.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 3: Machine Printing

Level 3: Machine Printing Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Minimum total learning hours = 579 hours

• Competence = minimum 176 hours/ minimum 37 credits

• Knowledge = minimum 89 hours /  minimum 19 credits

The minimum pathway duration time for completion is 24-36 months.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Level 3: Print Finishing

Level 3: Print Finishing Qualifications

Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh

On/Off the Job training

On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

Minimum total learning hours = 541 hours

• Competence = minimum 141 hours/ minimum 31 credits

• Knowledge = minimum 89 hours /  minimum 19 credits

The minimum pathway duration time for completion is 24-36 months.

On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)

• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
• 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number

Other additional requirements

None

Progression

Progression into the Level 2 & Level 3 Pathways:

Work based qualifications such as NVQs / SVQs / AVCEs (Vocational A' Levels) and BTEC

Diplomas related to Print sector careers are widely available and all provide a good basis for entry to this pathway. GCSEs and A Levels also provide a solid base to build on, with subjects such as Art, Science and Design and Technology all seen as useful by Print sector employers, along with English, Mathematics, IT and Business Studies.

Applicants who have successfully completed a Foundation Level 2 Apprenticeship in Print and Printed Packaging would be considered suitable for progression to an Apprenticeship at Level 3.  A Foundation/Higher or Advanced Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design will provide an excellent route into the Print manufacturing sector. In addition, the Construction and Built Environment Diplomas also provides an excellent platform for individuals interested in progression into the Print industry. The principal learning from these qualifications has been incorporated into the Welsh Baccalaureate and could form a suitable route.

Some career pathways within the Print industry can be offered without qualifications, if a good impression is created at interview. Showing enthusiasm, good communication skills, providing proof of a mature attitude and problem solving skills can all help your chances. Many skills can be developed while you are employed if you have the right attitude. Previous work experience in the Print industry, or a related discipline, is also a valuable foundation for entry into this  pathway.

Progression from the Level 2 Pathway:

• Continuing to develop your craft and technical skills and experience in Pre-Press and striving to "be the best" in your chosen occupational route and have pride in your work.
• Participating in relevant in-house company training or external learning, where available and/or offered.
• Broadening and developing your skill base by progression into other job roles within the Print and Printed Packaging industry - "horizontal progression"
• Progressing into higher level jobs within the Print and Printed Packaging industry such as Lead Printer, Production Supervisor or into other functional areas such as design, research and developing product ranges and production methods, marketing, sales, planning, procurement, finance or warehouse and distribution.
• Undertaking a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Print and Printed Packaging.
• Undertaking a related Engineering Apprenticeship.
• Undertaking a Higher/Advanced Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design, Construction and the Built Environment or the Creative and Media.
• Undertaking Assessor and Verifier qualifications.

Progression from the Level 3 Pathway:

• Continuing to develop your technical skills and experience and strive to "be the best" in your chosen occupational route and have pride in your work.
• Participating in relevant in-house company training or external learning, where available and  / or offered.
• Broadening and developing your skill base by progression into other job roles within the Print industry - "horizontal progression"
• Undertaking the Level 4 Print Leadership qualification.
• Progressing to a related Engineering Apprenticeship.
• Undertaking a Higher/Advanced Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design, Construction and the Built Environment or Creative and Media.
• Progressing into higher level jobs within the Print industry such as Shift Manager /  Department Manager.
• Undertaking Assessor and Verifier qualifications.
• Undertaking further training in Management & Leadership, Lean Manufacturing or

Business Improvement Techniques.

• Progressing to an industry related undergraduate programme e.g. Engineering, Science or Business Studies. Entry may require additional training/learning.

Equality and diversity

It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics

This Print and Printed Packaging Apprenticeship aims to promote diversity, opportunity and inclusion by offering high-quality learning opportunities. The delivery of the Apprenticeship must be in environments that are free from prejudice and discrimination where all learners can contribute fully and feel that their contribution to the industry is valued. There must be no discriminatory practices in the selection and recruitment of Apprentices to this programme.

ISSUES

A recent Labour Force Survey shows that 71% of the current Print workforce is male and only 9% are under the age of 25. Workers in the Printing industry tend to be full-time and directly employed. Work is often shift based, especially at lower levels. The Print industry

operates an open recruitment policy but is currently not attracting, in sufficient numbers, female applicants, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants or those with a difficulty or disability. The industry recognises that it is not making the most of this pool of untapped talent, which could help the Print industry to meet their current and future skills gaps and shortages.

Another key challenge for the Printing industry is that its current workforce is ageing. 69% of workers are over the age of 35 and there is a particular shortfall of employees aged 16-24.  Effective succession planning needs to start now in order to meet future gaps in the workforce as older workers leave the industry – attracting younger people into the industry will be key to addressing this issue.

The “Skills That Work For Wales” strategy identifies that there is further work to be done to address the needs of young people not in education, employment or training, people with complex needs (such as offenders and ex-offenders) and adults who are unemployed or economically inactive.

BARRIERS

The reasons for the imbalances in the current make up of the Print industry workforce are largely down to its historical poor image and a misconception that jobs in the Print industry are carried out in dark, dirty, inky and potentially dangerous environments. On the contrary, nowadays the Print industry is very high tech and largely controlled by sophisticated computer technology.  The wide range of challenging and varied career opportunities within the Printing industry are not widely known. It is not currently a career of choice for many first time job seekers or for those considering a career change. This is especially so in the case of young people.

However, the Print industry of the 21st Century is very dynamic and progressive and has undergone major changes in its working practices as a result of the introduction of cutting edge technologies and processes. The Printing industry needs to raise awareness of its innovativeness and diversity and to overcome the current misconceptions.

ACTIONS

Entry to a career in the Printing industry is non-exclusive and there are no significant barriers to entry and progression within any of its occupational roles.  As a way of addressing the issue of attracting young people into the industry, Proskills has developed a number of Schools Into Industry Programmes. These are industry-backed programmes designed to educate and engage young people in the world of process manufacturing and to raise awareness of the exciting and challenging career opportunities available within these industries.

PrintIT! was the first of the industry-based project for schools and has been running very successfully in England for over 5 years. It is an industry-based project and competition for schools, mapped to the national curriculum and Diplomas. It aims to encourage learners to consider a career path related to the UK printing and paper industries as students plan a print-based campaign and, in the process, gain an understanding of a range of careers available in the modern, high-technology printing and related industries.

The schools into industry programmes are currently running very successfully in England and, following a number of pilot schemes, there are plans to make them available to schools in Wales.  The Proskills career website www.prospect4u.co.uk has been developed to help raise the profile and set the skills standards and qualifications for the process and manufacturing sector and ensures that the skills system delivers against the current and future needs of the industries it represents.

Proskills regularly attend regional and national careers fairs and skills events to promote Apprenticeships. This provides an ideal opportunity to actively address equality and diversity issues within all of their industries.

The Print Apprenticeship is seen as a vital route to encourage and facilitate a greater diversity of individuals into the industry and a current marketing plan is in place to widely promote Printing Apprenticeships and to increase take-up figures by raising awareness of the opportunities available within this exciting and developing industry.

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory.  But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.

 Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government

DfES-ApprenticeshipUnit@gov.wales

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