The Print and Graphic Communication National Training Organisation (PGCNTO) has completed its Sector Workforce Development Plan, which will affect its funding for the next three years.


It surveyed 2,500 employers in the industry to discover the key issues, which deputy chief executive Ruth Exelby said were:


* To develop regional networks for employers


* Raise standards


* Assess the image of the industry


* Increase the capability of small/medium sized companies


* Ensure the provision of work-related training and qualifications


* Continue professional development for managers and potential managers


The plan will be submitted in the next two weeks to the Department for Education and Employment, which will assess the PGCNTO over the next three years on each of the issues.


"We have been working alongside the BPIF, which has been compiling the Competitiveness Study, to make sure that we all sing from the same hymn sheet," said Exelby.


The PGCNTO will be assessed on the successful take-up of the development plan by its support organisations.


The amount of funds provided would be dependent on how the government, unions and support organisations viewed the issues.


Story by Andy Scott