Eckersley Print Group has been recognised for its training efforts, particularly in regard to its apprenticeship programme, at the Regional Queensland Training Awards, winning Medium Employer of the Year for the North Coast region.
Across a range of categories, the annual Queensland Training Awards recognise individuals and organisations that strive for, and have achieved success, best practice and innovation in vocational education and training (VET).
In 2023, the Eckersley Print Group recognised the shortage of young people pursuing a career in print, so it embarked on a journey to change that by putting a programme together to attract young people into the industry.
The programme is competency-based and encourages apprentices to complete their apprenticeship at their own pace, while facilitating for them dedicated training facilities with all the equipment needed to study and complete their course work. The company said it is committed to "building a resource library far superior than the technical trainers provide".
Mentoring is also an important aspect of the programme, with each apprentice being appointed a senior staff member to help foster and support them through their course and employment. The company also helps by equipping apprentices with the tools needed for the trade – from work boots to tools.
The company has also adopted a holistic approach to training, giving apprentices an understanding of all aspects of the business, and not just their specific trade, encouraging them to add and expand on their skill base.
On top of that, each month, a lunch is hosted with the directors of the business so the apprentices can communicate their experiences in the industry, and the directors in turn, can bring that to the industry.
“The Eckersley Print Group is proud to receive the award, which recognises the programme we have implemented to attract and retain young people in the printing industry,” Tom Eckersley, managing director at Eckersley, told Print21.
“We are committed to continuing the programme into the future to bolster our longevity in the industry and we hope the exposure has highlighted the benefits of this programme to the industry as a whole.”
Eckersley Print Group is also a finalist in the same category for the Queensland State Training Awards, which will be held on 13 September.
