INDUSTRY / NEWS PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine 10 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2024 - Issue 347 Learn2Print, a provider of training in print and graphics, has announced its Learner of The Year for 2023. Geneve Gurr, a member of MacroArt’s print and fabrication team since 2021 has progressed through the company’s training programme leading to her winning the accolade from Learn2Print. As a provider of industry-recognised qualifications, Learn2Print works with a variety of companies within the printing industry to upskill workers as well as to safeguard staff and offer new jobs and opportunities. Sponsored by Heidelberg, the award recognises an individual in print who exhibits ‘exceptional’ qualities and achievements within their learning journey. Gurr’s six tutors all recognised her progression, eagerness for knowledge, and high work standards making it a unanimous decision for her to win the award. Learn2Print surprised Gurr and the MacroArt team, which is based in St Neots, Cambridge, by visiting to announce the news along with presenting a trophy, gift voucher, flowers, and a certificate in recognition of Gurr’s achievements. Speaking about the award, Jonathan Bray, managing director of Learn2Print, explains: “Our award is now sponsored by Heidelberg which has recognised what we do for the industry and now also has apprentices on board with us. It has really become a highly recognised and prestigious award.” Speaking about the win, Gurr says: “I am delighted to be awarded Learner of the Year by Learn2Print. I didn’t know when I started with MacroArt in 2021 where this journey would take me, but with the support of everyone here I’ve been able to make huge strides in this industry and I can’t wait for what’s next!” Recently MacroArt expanded its training programme with a partnership with Inspire 2 Ignite, which focuses on bridging the gap between NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) youths in the UK. Learn2Print reveals its Learner of the Year [L to R] Jonathan Bray from Learn2Print and Geneve Gurr, Mark Rose, and Lee Garnett of MacroArt By David Osgar Following on from International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), Carole Noutary, Beyond Printer Director at Domino Printing Sciences, has proposed business strategies to promote diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) roles. Noutary says that despite progress in gender equality and growing interest over the last decade, women are still underrepresented in STEM fields. Statistics highlighted by Noutary show that women make up less than 30% of the global STEM workforce. A recent report by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found four key factors to the gender gap were stereotypes, unconscious bias, lack of role models, and work-life imbalance. In this case, the demanding hours and the masculine assumptions and traits of many roles can mean women remain more likely to choose options like part-time work to handle family responsibilities. Addressing how businesses can address this imbalance, Noutary says: “Businesses can play a crucial role in instilling the belief that women not only belong but can thrive in the STEM industry by promoting effective female role models and encouraging women working in STEM to share their stories.” Domino discusses women in STEM Women make up around 17% of STEM roles in the European Union, and only 14% in India The Printing Charity, a dedicated support organisation for the printing industry, has launched its 15th Rising Star Awards offering anyone aged 18 to 30 the chance to obtain up to £1,500 in funding. Previously known as the Print Futures Awards, the scheme allows applicants the chance to enhance their career skills in categories such as communication, resilience, presentation skills, leadership and management, and core skills. The awards are open to anyone working in any position within the wider print industry, primarily including print, paper, packaging, graphics, and publishing, all of which are supported by the charity. If successful, applicants will use the grant of up to £1,500 to invest in training on industry-recognised qualifications from professional bodies. The Printing Charity encourages potential candidates to speak to their manager, mentor, HR team, or trusted colleague before making an application to help identify skills gaps or personal goals. More information and the application form can be found on the Printing Charity’s website. For more information email awards@theprintingcharity. org.uk. Applications will close on Friday, April 5th. Printing Charity Rising Star Awards open The Printing Charity supports the estimated 98,000 people working in 7,200 companies in the UK By David Osgar By David Osgar
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