Technological development makes training crucial

Written by Colin Gillman | 08 September 2011

The print industry is changing rapidly, with new technologies emerging that promise to change the way companies operate. This must be matched by a sustained commitment to training if the benefits of new technologies are to be fully realised, says Richard Moore, Print Industry Lead at Proskills, the bridge between employers and Government on skills and training in the UK.

The print industry is in the process of radical change, with the development of new technologies promising to open up new creative possibilities and widen the scope of the industry. However, technical innovation must be matched by a sustained commitment to training if the benefits are to be fully realised.

As the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector, this is an issue which lies at the core of Proskills’ work. We aim to ensure that training is targeted directly at the needs of the commercial sector, helping equip employees with the skills they will need to deal with emerging commercial challenges and drive industry forward.

Investing in the skills of the workforce brings real benefits to both the employer and the individual. Companies who provide training to their staff quickly see their investment repaid, as people who have developed their skills feel a greater sense of commitment and loyalty to their employer, while they are also able to work more efficiently and to a higher standard than before.

This training must be targeted at commercial needs if it is to deliver benefits to the business, no easy task given the wide range of courses available. Proskills’ new Coursefinder website (www.mpscoursefinder.co.uk) holds details of thousands of courses and offers an effective solution that can help companies find the training they need.

The National Skills Academy’s Accredited Provider Network is also designed to help companies to access high-quality, targeted training. Each accredited course has been assessed to ensure it delivers the kinds of benefits that businesses expect, while Proskills can also help companies gain access to funding for training provision where available.

This is crucial to building the UK print industry’s long-term future. The print industry is a long-established part of Britain’s business landscape, and has played a major part in its social and economic development; however, it still needs to evolve in line with wider commercial changes if it is to maintain its status, something which effective, targeted training can help achieve.

By highlighting the importance of training and making the print industry’s case for funding to develop the skills of the workforce, Proskills is helping companies to prepare for a future in which skills will be crucial to commercial success. Proskills can help companies ensure training delivers real benefits to your business.

Richard Moore

www.proskills.co.uk