Training company Maximum Impact has developed Greenshoots, an initiative to enable print firms to recruit graduates to be trained on-site for 12 months.


It has developed the scheme to counter problems in attracting and recruiting graduates to the industry, developing staff and retaining them.


Maximum Impact is conducting an audit of firms needs in sales, marketing and customer service. It will then contact colleges to find suitable candidates for the positions required.


We hope to have 10 placements in the first year, said Maximum Impact managing director Bill Davis.


The training firm has already been in contact with companies such as GreenShires and 1st Byte.


We think its a great idea, said 1st Byte managing director Lawrence Dalton. Its hard in digital printing to get sales people.


The Dorset-based training specialist has contacted a number of colleges to invite them to participate in the scheme, and has named London College of Printing (LCP) as its first partner college.


But LCP deputy dean Barrie Linford admitted to feeling cynical about companies willingness to part with cash for training.


Less than 10% of students on our part-time courses receive any company support, he said.


Recruiting a trainee graduate through Greenshoots will cost companies 20% of the candidates annual salary.


Contact: Maximum Impact 01308 424214.


Story by Jeremy Allen