As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 shines a spotlight on Skills for Life, we are highlighting the vital role apprenticeships play in the packaging sector in addressing long-term skills gaps, tackling an ageing workforce, and attracting the next generation of talent.
At Harrison Packaging, we view apprenticeships as a long-term investment in people and skills.
A sector facing a demographic challenge
The UK print industry employs around 100,000 people and supports thousands of businesses across the UK. However, industry bodies, including the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), have highlighted that a significant proportion of the workforce is approaching retirement age.
Without action, there is a threat of skills erosion, loss of technical knowledge, and reduced productivity across the sector.
This is where apprenticeships play a crucial role.
Why apprenticeships work for print packaging manufacturing
Apprenticeships provide a proven solution to the industry’s biggest challenges by combining:
- Hands-on, job-specific training
- Industry-recognised qualifications
- Knowledge transfer from experienced professionals
- Industry-led qualifications delivered around real production environments, ensuring skills are relevant, current, and future-focused
- Clear progression routes from entry-level roles to senior technical positions
Apprenticeships at Harrison Packaging
We have a strong track record of developing talent through apprenticeships, with all current and former apprentices completing print-specific programmes through BPIF Training.
Several of today’s skilled operators began their careers on the apprenticeship route at Harrison Packaging:
- Lewis joined us in September 2014 as a Level 3 Apprentice Lithographic Printer. He has since progressed to become a Lead Operator within the Print Department and is currently mentoring one of our print technician apprentices.
- Lloyd also joined us in September 2014 as a Level 3 Apprentice Lithographic Printer and is now a Number 2 Printer, also providing mentoring and support to a current print technician apprentice.
- Harry joined the business in September 2021 and completed his Pre-Press Technician Apprenticeship in December 2024. He has since progressed into the role of Ink Technician, where he oversees the ink department.
Alongside these success stories, our current print technician apprentices continue to demonstrate the value of structured, industry-led apprenticeships.
- Paige joined us in July 2023 as an Apprentice Print Operator, while Scott joined Harrison Packaging in November 2022 as a Guillotine Operator before progressing into the Print Department as an Apprentice Print Operator in August 2023.
Last year, Paige and Scott attended the BPIF Cartons Awards Evening, a national industry event at which Paige won the Outstanding Achievement Award, and Scott was Highly Commended in the Operational Colleague of the Year Award.
This recognition reflects the dedication, skill, and professionalism they bring to their roles every day, as well as the strength of the apprenticeship framework supporting their development.
Leadership perspective on apprenticeships
Craig Turnbull, Managing Director at Harrison Packaging, is a strong advocate of the apprenticeship route:
“Apprenticeships are fundamental to the long-term health of our business and the print industry as a whole. They enable us to develop skills, retain critical knowledge, and give people a genuine career, not just a job. We are seeing real, measurable benefits as a result of our apprenticeship programme.”
A holistic approach to skills development
While apprenticeships remain central, we recognise that training must extend across the entire workforce.
We are working in collaboration with NC Group Ltd, a training provider specialising in manufacturing, engineering, and leadership development, which is delivering a tailored, business-wide workforce development strategy.
With over 100 employees, our focus on People Sustainability underpins the wider Harrison Packaging business strategy. Industry research consistently shows that organisations investing in skills development benefit from higher engagement, improved retention, and stronger overall performance.
If you are interested in joining Harrison Packaging or learning more about our apprenticeship and training programmes, contact us today at recruitment@harrisonpack.com or call 01642 754600.