62 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 250 - December 2023 / January 2024 So, what advice does Beese and DecTek have for other companies thinking about going down the route of apprenticeships? Beese explains that while these schemes certainly offer a whole host of benefits, he advises that there is a need for tolerance with a young work force while they adapt to the working environment. “They are aware of untapped markets where there are trading opportunities to explore, they are also very competent in new technologies such as AI,” Beese says, adding: “We have found that in their quest for knowledge they ask many questions, encouraging our workforce to re-evaluate their processes and functions. “We need to invest in youth; they have a long and challenging future ahead. But when fine-tuned they have so much energy and inspiration to run behind but then take the lead.” Showcase the Industry Another leading advocate of apprenticeship schemes is MacroArt, a specialist in branding and signage. The company currently has three apprentices: two print technicians and one install technician. Over the last four We encourage our students to become self-propelled in life and to meet their objectives whilst becoming dynamic assets within the company, aligning and growing together years, it has had a total of seven apprentices – all of which Lee Garnett, continuous improvement manager at MacroArt, says have developed and thrived with the company. “While they receive a bespoke training program throughout their apprenticeship, we ensure they all get experience across the whole business, with inductions through our studio, client services, and commercial areas,” Garnett says. “We want to support the local talent in our area while also showcasing the industry to the younger generation. The print and signage industries are not something that appear at careers fairs; many young people don’t know how rewarding a career in the print industry can be. “It’s also a great investment for us. Training apprentices is as costly as investing in training for current workers. So, it makes sense to invest in the future in all departments.” As for the benefits that companies can expect from going down the apprenticeship route, Garnett says the stand-out advantage is the commitment between all parties involved. He explains that finding candidates who are passionate and fully committed to the program is key and sets the ideal groundwork for both the business and them to benefit. “I think the single most important reason other businesses should consider apprenticeship schemes is that it allows you to invest in the longevity of your business with regards to creating the next generation of well-trained team members,” Garnett says. With this, Garnett goes on to offer advice to companies looking at these schemes. Above all, he says businesses must have patience and be willing to invest the precious commodity of time. Garnett goes on to say that young people, often with perhaps very little experience going into the apprenticeship, need support to smooth off those rough edges they’re naturally going to have. APPRENTICESHIPS DecTek has run approximately 12 successful apprenticeship programs 12 ▲ [Above left] George Beese (right), son of DecTec director Mike Beese is currently working as an apprentice of the company ▲ [Above right] MacroArt regularly attends school careers fairs to spread the word about opportunities in print and signmaking
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