The company, which is based at circa-2,300sqm premises in Kings Heath, Birmingham, is looking to offer up to four new apprenticeship roles as it continues to grow.

The latest details from the government’s Skills Trend Deck 2021 showed a drastic decrease in businesses offering apprenticeships in the last few years, although it is hoped the number will increase post-pandemic. There were 322,500 apprenticeship starts in 2019 and 2020, 70,900 less than in 2018 and 2019.

LG Davis said this is a trend it would like to see change, particularly in print as it is keen to help young people see the flexibility and variety of skills on offer in the industry.

It has already appointed one apprentice, 18-year-old Josh Hannon, and is keen to speak to other young people who would like to get a background in print with an accredited one-year apprenticeship scheme covering everything from design, production, and warehousing to innovation and technology.

Managing director Liz Smith, whose father Ron O’Donnell started LG Davis in 1962, said: “Print is definitely back in fashion as demand for direct mailing campaigns and printed materials increase. However, it unfortunately has a predominantly older workforce.

“If we are to continue to grow as an industry it is important we not only pass on all those decades of experience and knowledge but also learn and continually grow by investing in new people who can shape the future growth.

“We are excited to be able to continue to offer new apprenticeship opportunities and are proud to support the future generation of workers who will continue to inspire and innovate the industry.”

Hannon is supporting the team within the warehouse, helping with LG Davis’ stock and deliver initiative, which offers customers the benefits of the cost reduction of bulk buying supplies while storing stock and managing delivery to meet demand.

He said he was looking forward to finding out more about all areas of the business as he was passionate about setting up his own t-shirt printing business in the future.

“I never really knew anything about how printing worked before getting the apprenticeship and it certainly wasn’t a career I had ever thought of in this way.

“However, it is a great way to learn a variety of skills and the apprenticeship gives me the flexibility, experience and solid foundations that I can easily go into any career.”

LG Davis supports businesses across the UK with services ranging from print, design, and branded merchandise to personalised workwear, stationery, and office furniture.

In July it acquired local business Positive Print to grow its commercial offering in the Midlands and further enhance its in-house services and capacity.

The 44-staff business operates a fleet of B2 litho presses – from five-colour through to single-colour, as well as digital printers, wide-format machines, and a raft of finishing equipment. It installed a Xerox Iridesse with metallic and clear capabilities as well as inline bookletmaking in early 2019.