At Harrison Packaging, we have a long history of supporting apprenticeships as we recognise their importance for attracting and developing talent for our business and the sector.
The UK printing industry represents a turnover of £13.7 billion and employs around 98,000 people across 7,200 companies, so it plays a key role as an economic contributor and employer across the UK.
In fact, according to Statista, there are more printing companies in the UK than McDonalds in Western Europe!
All this said, the printing industry is experiencing an ageing workforce! So collectively, we must attract young talent to safeguard the future.
The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), which includes BPIF Cartons and Training, often talks about an ageing workforce, stating that many industry members are fast approaching retirement. This will leave the industry with a critical skills gap, and it believes that apprenticeships are one of the main solutions moving forward.
Whilst apprenticeships provide many benefits for the industry, they also offer advantages for the individual. Combining hands-on experience with structured training enables individuals to earn as they learn, and they benefit from working alongside experienced professionals, enjoying support and a wealth of knowledge, all whilst gaining a recognised qualification and career pathway.
About Harrison Packaging
Founded in 1882, Harrison Packaging is one of Europe’s oldest independent carton manufacturers, supplying printed carton packaging solutions to the food, beverage, household, and pharmaceutical sectors. With significant investment in world-class technologies, including a Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 X press and a focus on sustainable practices, we are creating innovative and sustainable packaging that enables brands to stand out on the shelf.
Our customers include leading brands such as Taylors of Harrogate, Steel River Drinks, AU Vodka, Portmeirion Wax Lyrical, and Pro Care.
We are committed to People Sustainability, focusing on and investing heavily in continuous improvement, staff development, and well-being with apprenticeships central to this vision – helping us close skills gaps, elevate capabilities and offer exciting career opportunities within the sector.
Apprenticeships at Harrison Packaging
As part of our celebrations for National Apprenticeship Week, we are delighted to introduce you to our current apprentices, each embarking on an exciting career journey to develop their skills and careers within the business. Each works towards industry-recognised qualifications with leading training providers, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced and innovative environment.
Here is what they had to say about their apprenticeship experience so far:
Saif – Apprentice Cut & Crease Operator
“My apprenticeship at Harrison Packaging is with BPIF Training. I have learnt about the Cut & Crease process, each day building in confidence. The training I have received has given me the skills to help with the training of new team members, which I am very proud of. I am excited about completing my qualification and becoming fully trained in March 2025.”
Harvey – Apprentice Cut & Crease Operator
“I am completing an apprenticeship with BPIF Training to qualify as a Cut and Crease Operator. With the support of Harrison Packaging and my training provider, I have gained technical and practical experience and confidence. I expect to complete my training in the next few months.”
Paige – Print Technician
“Being the first female printer at Harrison Packaging is something I am extremely proud of. I learn new skills daily and have gained hands-on experience with the LSX press. My apprenticeship with BPIF Training has given me an incredible opportunity, and I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Harrison Packaging working in the print industry.”
Scott – Print Technician
“I started at Harrison Packaging as a Guillotine Operator. When the opportunity for a Print Apprenticeship with BPIF Training came up, I applied and was successful. Since starting the apprenticeship, I have gained so much experience and can now run the LSX press. The apprenticeship has been a great way to push myself and my career in the business.”
Paige pictured on the right of picture one, and Scott pictured operating the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 X press.
Future Apprenticeships
Our commitment to apprenticeships will continue, and when our current cohort completes their studies, we will recruit further talent. We expect the scheme to expand further due to its success and already have plans for an additional apprentice for the business. Our Facilities Technician Matthew has recently embarked on a Level 3 Engineering Technologies Diploma and will progress to an HNC Apprenticeship within the next 12 months with the training provider NC Group.
Matthew second from right with Managing Director Craig Turnbull and NC Group.
Apprenticeship Success Stories
With a strong track record of apprenticeship success, apprentices have advanced into key roles within the business following their studies.
Harry has just recently completed his Level 3 Print Technician Apprenticeship with BPIF Training. The three-year apprenticeship enabled him to develop an understanding of the print production process, including industry best practices, quality control, and health, safety, and environmental standards. He is now an Ink Technician.
Matthys completed a Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship and is now a Pre-Press CAD Technician within the studio.
Lloyd and Lewis both started as Apprentice Lithographic Printers in 2014. Lewis is now the Number One Printer, while Lloyd is the Number Two Printer – they both completed a Level 3 Printing Apprenticeship with BPIF Training.
Harry is pictured with Studio Manager Phill Hardy and Matthys is pictured with Technical Manager Craig Martin.
People Sustainability
With over 100 employees, we are committed to investing in people and know it will enable success. Research suggests employee development supports well-being, job satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Apprenticeships are a core element of our People Sustainability strategy, equipping individuals with valuable skills and securing the future of our business and industry.
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we reflect on our commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the next generation of print and packaging professionals.
If you are interested in joining our team or learning more about the apprenticeship scheme at Harrison Packaging, contact us today!
Our Apprenticeship Partners
We thank our training partners for their support:
BPIF Training is the UK’s leading provider of apprenticeships for the print and associated industries. Learn more at www.britishprint.com/training or contact training@bpif.org.uk.
NC Group is a specialist training provider delivering engineering and technical apprenticeships to support workforce development. Find out more at https://ncgroupltd.co.uk/ or contact info@ncgroup.co.uk.