With the aim of shining a light on career opportunities in the print and events industry, St Neots-based MacroArt is working in partnership with Learn2print, a training provider to the printing and graphic communications industry.

The wide-format printer has prepared a new brochure that sets out the range of apprenticeships within the business, from pre-press and press roles to print finishing.

Courses are expected to run for 26 months, with a six-month end point assessment by GQA, giving apprentices the chance to gain experience across several departments and potentially culminating in a future career with the business.

One of MacroArt’s recent graduates, Callum Thorne, is already working to become a fully trained project manager within the company, while Ben Sullivan, a technician apprentice, has described his apprenticeship experience at MacroArt as “a great journey”.

“When I first started at MacroArt, I was very anxious and lacking in confidence,” he said.

“However, over the duration of my apprenticeship, I have received brilliant support from all staff and great training from my manager and other mentors and gained so much confidence, together with great knowledge and skills.”

Lee Garnett, continuous improvement manager at MacroArt, said the company offers a bespoke training package for apprentices tailored to enhance skills quickly and build confidence in new starters.

“We have a strong skillset in-house and a friendly, inclusive environment to help anyone settle in well and feel part of a team. All we look for, and all applicants need, is a can do, will do attitude from any walk of life.”

MacroArt’s new initiative seeks to provide an array of new options for school leavers, among others, who may not have considered a career in the print industry, while helping MacroArt to discover new talent.

In addition to the full apprenticeships, MacroArt is also collaborating with Learn2print to produce a range of short courses, developed to meet personal and industry needs.

MacroArt managing director Michael Green said: “The future of any business lies in the constant supply of keen, enthusiastic new starters, and we are fortunate to be able to find such a rich source of talent within our local catchment area.

“We are committed to developing talented people from the local community and beyond and look forward to welcoming our next apprentices through this drive and seeing how they can help continue to develop the Art of MacroArt.”

Schools, colleges, universities, and individual candidates looking to find out more about its apprenticeships can contact MacroArt direct at: apprenticeships@macroart.co.uk.

In late May MacroArt installed the UK’s first Durst P5 TEX iSUB dye-sublimation machine, which prints direct-to-fabric in one step.

The business also runs printers from EFI, Epson, and Canon at its 4,000sqm facility alongside a wide range of cutting and finishing kit.