BPIF Training Wrapped 2025: Strengthening Skills, Supporting People, Securing the Future of Print
As 2025 draws to a close, BPIF Training celebrates a landmark year of growth, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration. From the launch of vital new resources to the expansion of support networks, this year has been dedicated to strengthening the print and packaging industry by empowering the people within it.
Here is a look back at the highlights of 2025, our Year in Review.
January and February: Setting the Standard
The year began with a significant focus on industry awareness during National Apprenticeship Week in February. Under the theme “Skills for Life,” we showcased the long-term career advantages of vocational training, encouraging a new generation of talent to view the printing industry as a high-skill career path. This period allowed businesses to secure their future talent pipelines early in the year by highlighting the diverse opportunities available within the trade.
March: Empowering Employers
In March, we released the BPIF Training Employers Guide to act as a definitive roadmap for businesses. By providing clear guidance on recruitment, funding, and performance management, the guide empowers employers to maximize the productivity and loyalty of new recruits. It offers a structured framework that supports the learner from day one through to the final assessment, ensuring a smoother integration into the workforce and helping businesses navigate the complexities of the apprenticeship levy.
May and June: Advocacy and Collaboration
By June, we celebrated the growth of our Apprenticeship Champion Network (ACN). We welcomed new Champions who act as ambassadors for the sector across the UK, allowing employers to share best practices and solve common industry challenges together. These advocates help raise the profile of print nationally, making it easier for all companies in the network to attract high-quality candidates and share successful training strategies.
September: Leadership and Wellbeing
September saw a record intake for our Leadership and Management apprenticeships, offering pathways from Level 3 Team Leaders to Level 7 Operations Managers. This enrolment surge allows businesses to build a robust internal leadership pipeline, which reduces the need for expensive external recruitment and ensures that institutional knowledge stays within the company.
To support this growth, we introduced our Wellbeing Support Drop-in Sessions in the same month. These sessions provide apprentices with a safe space to manage stress and financial balance, which increases retention rates and ensures that staff remain motivated. This holistic support ensures that learners are equipped not just with technical skills, but with the personal resilience to succeed in a professional environment.
October: Mentoring and Social Value
In October, the Stationers’ and BPIF Apprentice Mentoring Scheme paired senior apprentices with seasoned professionals. This connection bridges the gap between industry heritage and modern innovation, giving learners unique professional insights and a direct link to the historic Stationers’ Company.
During this period, we also assessed how print apprenticeships build Social Value. With over 550 apprentices active in 2025, the industry is contributing significantly to local economies and providing vital career opportunities within regional communities. This impact demonstrates that the print industry is a key driver of regional prosperity and helps companies fulfil their corporate social responsibility goals.
November: A Celebration of Excellence
The year culminated in November with the BPIF Training Graduation and Apprenticeship Awards 2025 at Warwick University. This event celebrated the hard work of our graduates and the commitment of their mentors, providing a prestigious platform to recognize excellence within the sector. For employers, being involved in these awards enhances their reputation as a top-tier place to work, while for graduates, it provides a formal validation of their skills that boosts their professional standing and confidence.
December: Finishing on a high
In December, the BPIF Training Employer Forum gave business owners a direct opportunity to influence the direction of our training programmes. By gathering feedback from the front line, we ensured our curriculum remains aligned with current technological advancements and the specific operational needs of modern print rooms. This collaborative approach means that the training delivered is always relevant to the challenges businesses face every day.
The successes of 2025 provide a strong foundation for the coming year and we remain committed to providing high-quality training that meets the needs of both the employer and the learner as we look forward to 2026.