Burnley printing firm making its mark in training the next generation

And Peter Scott Printers, working with North Lancs Training Group, has wasted no time in making its mark, hiring apprentice Waqas Ahmed.

Waqas has been enrolled on a forklift training course with bosses at the firm quick to compliment his positive attitude and determination.

Apprentices at the firm can expect to learn about all aspects of the business, from digital and lithographic printing, finishing and cutting to foil blocking and embossing.

Chris Sherratt, of North Lancs Training Group, said: "When we choose an organisation to place an apprentice, we make sure the company has a good reputation and is offering a balanced apprenticeship scheme.

"Peter Scott Printers is now in its 60th year of trading. That makes them one of the oldest and most experienced printing companies in the North of England. It provides an ideal environment for an apprentice because they can share an enormous amount of knowledge and experience."

Finding staff with experience and knowledge of the commercial printing industry is no easy task in today's world of online communications. That's why the printing firm is taking matters into its own hands.

Joanne Hindley, commercial director of Peter Scott Printers, said: "We're the only printing company in the area providing the full range of services we do. It can be tricky to find staff with the right skills to do the job, even with Lancashire's legendary workforce. It's a very specialised skill set, and not the sort of thing you can learn overnight.

"Starting an apprenticeship programme made a lot of sense. This way we can train up a new member of staff with the precise skills we need. It's great for the apprentice too because they come away with a brand-new career path ahead of them."