For employers
Whether you are hiring your first apprentice or developing people you already employ, this page covers what we deliver, how funding works, what an apprenticeship asks of you, and how to get started.
What we do
We are the specialist training provider for print, packaging and manufacturing. It is all we do, and we have been doing it for over 20 years.
We deliver apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 7, NVQs for staff who are already competent, and short courses on specific skills. Training happens in your workplace and online, so your people stay on site.
Around 400 learners are on programme with us at any time, across more than 200 employers — from single-site trade printers to national groups with learners across multiple locations.
Why employers choose us
Ofsted Grade 2, matrix accredited and Cyber Essentials Plus certified.
100% of employers say they would recommend us to another employer.
We know your industry, so we are not learning it on your time.
Where to Start
Hire an apprentice
Bring new talent in. We advertise your vacancy, handle the applications and send them to you, at no cost.
Train your existing team
Most of our apprentices are staff you already employ, developing skills your business needs right now.
Accredit existing skills
An NVQ accredits experienced staff without a training programme, off-the-job hours or an end-point assessment.
Make your levy work harder
Whether you pay the levy or not, funding is available. We can also help you transfer or receive unused levy.
New to apprenticeships? Our Employer’s Guide 2026 covers funding, recruitment, onboarding and everything in between.
What we deliver
What we deliver
Three routes, depending on what you need. Most employers use more than one.
Apprenticeships
Standards from Level 2 to Level 7, covering press and production roles through to team leadership and senior management. Typically 12 to 30 months.
Available for new recruits and existing staff. Government-funded or levy-supported for most standards.
NVQs
Work-based qualifications that accredit what someone can already do. The candidate builds a portfolio from their day-to-day work and an assessor confirms they meet the national standard.
No training programme, no off-the-job hours, no end-point assessment. Employer-funded.
Short courses
One-day workshops on specific skills — team leadership, lean, customer service and print fundamentals. Run through the year, or delivered privately for a group from your business.
Useful as a taster before committing someone to a full apprenticeship.
How the funding works
There is a cost to apprenticeship training, but for most standards you will not be paying most of it. What you pay depends on your wage bill, the age of the apprentice, and the standard you choose.
Apprentices aged 16 to 24 are fully funded
For apprenticeships starting from 1 August 2026, government pays all the training and assessment costs, up to the funding band maximum, for apprentices aged 16 to 24 at the start of their training. This applies whether or not you pay the levy.
If you pay the levy
You pay 0.5% of your payroll into your apprenticeship service account and spend it on training for new recruits or existing staff. From August 2026 there is no longer a 10% government top-up, and funds expire after 12 months rather than 24 — so unspent levy is lost sooner than it used to be.
If your levy runs out
For apprentices aged 25 or over, government contributes 75% of the cost and you pay 25%. For apprentices aged 16 to 24, government pays all of it.
If you do not pay the levy
For apprentices aged 25 or over, government contributes 95% and you pay 5%. For apprentices aged 16 to 24, government pays all of it.
What you pay for in full
Three management standards
Team Leader, Operations and Departmental Manager, and Senior Leader are not government-funded. They are available at employer cost — get in touch and we will confirm pricing.
NVQs and short courses
NVQs, Personal Development Awards and our one-day workshops sit outside apprenticeship funding and are paid for by the employer.
Payments you may be entitled to
These are paid to you through us, and do not come out of your apprenticeship service account.
£1,000 additional payment
For taking on an apprentice aged 16 to 18, or aged 19 to 24 who has been in care or has an education, health and care plan. Paid in two instalments.
£2,000 hiring payment
For employers who do not pay the levy, when you recruit a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 starting from 1 October 2026. The apprentice must be a new hire rather than existing staff. Paid in instalments.
Use your levy, or lose it
From August 2026, levy funds expire after 12 months instead of 24. Anything sitting in your account from a year ago is about to disappear — and once it goes, it goes.
You can spend it on training for your own staff, or transfer up to 50% of your annual funds to another business. We can help you do either: put a programme together for your team, or match you with an employer who needs the funding. If you do not pay the levy yourself, we can help you receive a transfer.
Funding rules changed on 1 August 2026 and will change again. Tell us your situation and we will tell you what you would actually pay. You can also read the government guidance on funding an apprenticeship and financial support for employers.
What we need from you
An apprenticeship works when the employer is in it as well. None of this is onerous, but it is worth knowing before you commit rather than three months in.
Protected training time
Off-the-job training is a legal requirement and happens during paid working hours. The number of hours is set by the standard, not by us.
An involved line manager
Someone who knows what the apprentice is working on, joins the progress reviews, and gives them work that lets them evidence it.
A real job, properly paid
Work that genuinely covers the standard, a contract, the correct wage, and the same terms as any other employee.
A safe place to learn
Appropriate induction, supervision and health and safety, and a clear route for the apprentice to raise a concern with you.
The one that catches people out
Protected time. It is the thing our apprentices most often tell us gets in the way, and the most common reason someone falls behind. Agree at the outset when it happens each week — a fixed slot works far better than fitting it in when things are quiet, because things are never quiet.
100% of employers would recommend us to another employer
Why employers stay with us
100%
say their apprentices are gaining the skills they need for their next steps
4.3
average employer rating out of 5, across six measures
89%
of all employer ratings were Good or Very Good
We know your industry
We do not deliver apprenticeships in twenty sectors. Print, packaging and manufacturing is all we do, and it means we are not learning your business on your time.
Your people stay on site
Training is delivered in your workplace and online. No day release, no travel, and no losing someone to college once a week.
Accredited and checked
Ofsted Grade 2, matrix accredited and Cyber Essentials Plus certified. Our Ofsted report is public.
What employers tell us
“BPIF Training consistently maintain a strong presence and provide ongoing support for all our candidates. They adhere to their planned learning schedules while remaining flexible to accommodate adjustments on our side. Communication is effective and reliable.”
Employer, three apprentices on programme
“Our apprentice has learnt to manage his own time, and about the link between suppliers and production and how lead times affect us.”
Employer, print and packaging
“Balances the real world of work with training needs.”
Employer, labelling
“Well-structured, engaging, and supported by knowledgeable instructors.”
Employer, premedia
“Improved written communication, and confidence dealing with customers face to face and over email.”
Employer, print and logistics
“Good training from people who care about the apprentices. A strong part of the BPIF Training offer.”
Employer, commercial print
Read apprentice and employer stories
Employer Survey 2025
Recruiting an apprentice
Recruiting is the part employers tell us they find hardest, so we support you through it. There is no charge — it is part of working with us.
1. We agree the role
What the job involves, which standard fits it, and the kind of person you are looking for.
2. We advertise it
On our vacancies page and the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service, where candidates look.
3. We pass them on
We check that applicants are eligible and suitable for the standard, then send them over to you.
4. You choose
You interview and you decide. It is your business and your team, so the choice stays with you.
We recruit throughout the year, not just in September. If you have a role now, tell us and we will start.
Guides and Resources
We have written a guide to the whole process — identifying where an apprentice fits, interviewing and recruiting, onboarding them well, and supporting them throughout the programme, including their mental health and wellbeing.
Take the complete guide, or just the part you need right now.
The Employer’s Guide to Understanding Apprenticeships 2026
All nine parts in one document, covering the full journey from first considering an apprentice through to completion.
Understanding apprenticeships
How apprenticeships work, the levels, and what the commitment involves.
Business needs and recruitment
Identifying where an apprentice fits, and how the recruitment process works.
Ongoing support and performance
Assessments, reviews, and managing an apprentice’s performance.
Mental health and wellbeing
Recognising when an apprentice is struggling, and what to do about it.
Frequently asked questions
The things employers ask us most. Click a question to see the answer — and if yours isn’t here, get in touch and we will answer it.
What will it cost me?
If your apprentice is aged 16 to 24, government pays all of the training cost. For apprentices aged 25 or over you contribute 5% if you do not pay the levy, or 25% if you pay the levy and have used up your funds. See how funding works, or tell us your situation and we will confirm the figure.
Can I put existing staff on an apprenticeship?
Yes, and most of our apprentices are existing employees rather than new recruits. The condition is that the apprenticeship must teach them substantially new skills for their role — you cannot fund training in something they can already do.
How much time will my apprentice be away from the job?
Off-the-job training is a legal requirement and happens during paid working hours. The number of hours is set by the standard rather than by us. It is not lost time — much of it is learning applied directly to your work — but it does need protecting in the rota.
Do I need an apprenticeship service account?
Yes, whether or not you pay the levy. It is how funding is reserved for each apprentice, and reservations expire if they are not used. You can register on GOV.UK, and we will talk you through it.
How long does an apprenticeship take?
Between 12 and 30 months depending on the standard. Our qualifications page lists everything we deliver, and we will confirm the duration for the one you are considering.
What do I have to pay an apprentice?
At least the apprentice national minimum wage, which applies to under-19s and to anyone in their first year. After that they move onto the standard rate for their age. Most of our employers pay above the minimum. Current rates are on GOV.UK.
Can you find me a candidate?
Yes. We advertise the vacancy, handle the applications and send you the ones that fit the role, at no charge. See how recruitment works.
What if it is not working out?
Tell us early. Most problems are fixable if we know about them — a change of tutor, a different pace, or a conversation with the apprentice about what is expected. Progress reviews exist partly to catch this before it becomes serious.
How do we get started?
Get in touch and we will talk through what you need, which standard fits, and what it would cost. No obligation, and we would rather tell you an apprenticeship is the wrong answer than sell you one that does not fit.
Let’s talk about your team
Tell us what you need and we will tell you what is possible, what it would cost, and whether an apprenticeship is the right answer. No obligation, and no hard sell.
Or email [email protected] or call 01676 526060.