Apprenticeships: Building Skilled, Confident and Future-Ready Talent

National Apprenticeship Week 2026

Apprenticeships are shaping careers across the print, packaging and manufacturing industries, helping people gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to build long-term futures in the sector. For National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we are taking a closer look at the experiences of apprentices currently training with BPIF Training.

Their case studies show how apprenticeships create opportunities for people at all stages of their working lives. They highlight the practical benefits of earning while learning, the support provided by employers and training teams, and the real progress apprentices make as they develop technical, professional and leadership skills.

The stories shared below offer a clear picture of how apprenticeships work in practice, what apprentices value most and why employers continue to see apprenticeships as an essential part of workforce development.

Why Apprentices Choose Apprenticeships

Each apprentice has their own reason for starting their learning journey, but common themes run throughout the case studies.

Several apprentices joined because they wanted a structured route into management or a clear path to progress within their role. Beth Watt explained that combining her customer service background with a recognised qualification allowed her to build on strengths she already had, calling the programme “a great opportunity to add a recognised qualification to my CV”.

For others, the apprenticeship offered a new direction. Alexandra Roziakova said she had not planned to work in print, but the experience encouraged her to stay and progress. She said, “I like to learn new skills and I have a strong desire to be a manager one day.”

Joseph Wheatcroft chose the apprenticeship because he wanted formal leadership development, explaining that the programme gave him the skills he needed to become “a good leader and supervisor”.

Other apprentices described wanting more confidence, more responsibility and a clearer understanding of how to develop in their current role. Apprenticeships provided a structured way to achieve these goals.

Developing Skills That Matter

Across all case studies, apprentices describe significant improvements in their skills, knowledge and behaviours. These developments support both personal growth and the needs of their employers.

Many highlighted their growth in planning and decision making. Beth spoke about learning to pause, think and use tools like SWOT and RACI to assess situations before acting. This shift from reacting quickly to planning carefully changed how she approached challenges.

Time management and goal setting also featured strongly. Alexandra said that learning to set clear goals helped her improve her productivity and confidence at work.

Leadership apprentices, such as Joseph, explained that they developed an understanding of how to adapt communication and coaching styles to suit different team members. Recognising different learning preferences helped them become more effective leaders.

Other apprentices described improvements in communication, confidence, teamwork, problem solving and understanding technical processes. These skills are put into practice daily, helping apprentices strengthen both their own performance and the wider team around them.

A Day in the Life: Apprentices at Work

A typical day looks different for each apprentice, but their case studies show the consistent value of hands-on experience.

Some apprentices are engaged in customer-facing work, which includes quoting, developing packaging designs, arranging orders, recruitment, customer communication and internal meetings. These roles help them apply their learning in areas such as communication, negotiation and relationship management.

Others work on the production floor operating machinery, carrying out quality checks and working within fast-paced manufacturing teams. Alexandra described how her role changes regularly, with apprentices rotating across different machines to build broad technical skills and avoid repetitive tasks.

Leadership apprentices like Joseph split their day between delegating tasks, coaching team members, solving operational problems and ensuring production targets are met.

These examples show that apprentices are not observers. They are active contributors trusted with responsibility and encouraged to develop confidence in real working environments.

What Apprentices Enjoy Most

Across every case study, apprentices speak positively about their experience and the aspects they value most.

Beth said the most enjoyable part of her apprenticeship has been “self reflection and personal growth”, particularly seeing how her learning has changed her approach at work.

Alexandra enjoys applying her new skills in practice and working closely with her manager, explaining that this support has helped her shape her career and broaden her understanding of the industry.

Joseph values being able to strengthen his department by coaching his team and improving his leadership skills. Seeing his progress reflected in the confidence of others is a major source of pride.

Apprentices also mentioned the importance of supportive colleagues, a positive learning environment and the satisfaction of being able to contribute meaningfully to their workplace.

The Role of Employers

Employer support plays a significant part in every apprentice’s success. The case studies highlight how valuable it is when workplaces invest in developing their people.

Employers provide:

• A safe and encouraging environment for apprentices to learn in

• Real responsibility that stretches skills and builds confidence

• Coaching and guidance from experienced colleagues

• Opportunities to work across different parts of the business

• A culture that recognises the contribution apprentices make

This partnership between employer and apprentice ensures that learning is applied effectively and supports both personal and organisational growth.

Future Progression and Career Aspirations

Apprentices share strong ambitions for their future roles.

Some expect to progress into management or supervisory positions. Others want to continue developing their technical expertise or take on more responsibility in their teams. Many explained that completing their apprenticeship has given them a clearer career direction and the confidence to aim higher.

They see their apprenticeship as a foundation for long-term success, giving them the skills they need to grow within their employer or the wider industry.

The Benefits of Apprenticeships

For apprentices

• A recognised qualification earned while working

• Confidence and improved self awareness

• Practical, hands-on experience in real job roles

• Strong communication, teamwork and leadership skills

• Greater understanding of technical and operational processes

• Clear progression routes and future opportunities

For employers

• Motivated and skilled teams

• Improved productivity and stronger problem solving

• Leadership development aligned to business needs

• Reduced recruitment challenges through internal development

• A future pipeline of talent shaped by the business

• Enhanced staff loyalty and retention

Apprenticeships offer an effective way to strengthen capability across the workforce and support long-term organisational success.

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026

The case studies shared by apprentices training with BPIF Training show the real and lasting impact that apprenticeships can have. They demonstrate commitment, confidence and ambition from learners, and a clear willingness from employers to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals.

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, these stories highlight the value of apprenticeships in building a stronger, more resilient and better skilled workforce for the future.