The Belfast-based digital printer said growth it has experienced in the past year, despite the coronavirus pandemic, has enabled the company to progress its plans for the new academy sooner than expected.

“We have always provided a training ground for young people within the industry and have, for many years, supported apprentices in partnership with Belfast Met,” said Northside operations director Richard Campbell.

“Plans to formalise our specialist Training Academy had to be put on hold last year due to Covid-19 and we anticipated revisiting them within the next two years.

“However, throughout the pandemic the company continued to perform steadily and, with demand for our service quickly recovering in line with the easing of lockdown measures last year, we were able to recruit an additional six employees.

“Strong projections for the year ahead mean that we have been able to bring forward our plans and officially launch our Northside Graphics Training Academy this month.”

Northside is initially recruiting five apprentices aged 16-24. The apprenticeships will be full-time, permanent positions commencing 1 September 2021 and will be offered in conjunction with Belfast Met, which will provide all training at the company’s premises.

All successful candidates will gain GQA Levels 2, 3, and 4 in Printing over three years as part of the training scheme.

Applications for the academy close on 30 June 2021. For more information, or for an application form, email Richard Campbell at careers@northsidesgraphics.com.

Founded in 1988, Northside Graphics currently employs more than 50 staff.