Apprenticeship Week at Bakers
As well as speaking to our current apprentices, we also spoke to our previous apprentices to see how their experiences have shaped their current role at Bakers. This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating how apprenticeships provide skills for life. We are closing the skills gap, assisting young talent to grow, develop, and thrive in the print industry. Read on to discover how our past apprentices have progressed. What skills have they carried foward, and how do they continue to make an impact?
Previous Bakers Apprentices
Ronnie
“I started at Bakers as a casual summer worker after finishing college, and soon after, I was offered a Level 2 Print Finishing apprenticeship. As a Print Finisher, my main responsibilities included running jobs with cold foil, varnish, and embellishments, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Now, I’ve moved into a different department as a Digital Press Operator, where I’m learning (from Tom) to run our newest addition to Labels—the Durst—as well as the HP Indigo.
Colour matching is a key part of my role, and over the past two and a half years at Bakers, I’ve learned so much. From mastering the printing processes to taking responsibility for my work, staying organised, and working as part of a team. My skills have grown tremendously. My confidence has also improved massively, and I’m always eager to learn more.
The best thing about Bakers has to be the people—I’ve made some really good mates here!”
Connor
“While in Sixth Form, my career advisor spoke to me about apprenticeship opportunities and recommended Bakers. I applied for the Level 2 Print Operative apprenticeship—and here I am, three and a half years later!
As a Print Operative, I successfully ran the HP Indigo and handled its maintenance. Later in my apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge of labels and transition into a Production Planner role.
Since completing my apprenticeship, my career has evolved even further—I’m now a Sales Estimator for BakPac, a completely different division of the business. In this role, I’ve learned about new materials, barrier properties, pouch sizing, and the market for pouches, as well as how to communicate directly with customers.
My time at Bakers has flown by! It’s a sociable and welcoming place, and I’ve met some great people along the way.”
Tom
“I started working at Bakers seven and a half years ago when I was 18 as a Level 2 Digital Print Apprentice. During my apprenticeship, I worked a lot on our Screen TruePress L350UV, handling machine operation, maintenance, risk assessments, and coursework.
Although I’m still part of the digital team, my role now comes with much more responsibility. I train other staff on the digital presses, sign off jobs, and am the main operator of the new Durst Tau RSC 340 press. I even had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona to complete my HP Indigo Level 2 qualification.
Over the years, my communication skills have improved massively, and I now feel confident asking and answering technical print questions. I really enjoy my job—I’m good at what I do, and I find it satisfying to complete jobs from my priority list. Plus, I’ve made some friends for life here, and we’ve created a lot of great memories together.”
This year the theme of Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’.
The BPIF (British Printing Industries Federation) is the UK’s leading trade association for print. Their vision means they provide bespoke business support to the UK print industry, as well as champion the future of British Print. Offering training, development, professional service and more. The BPIF are a great support to our apprentices and us as a whole.