The organisation issued a statement to PrintWeek, in response to a barrage of criticism on the printweek.com forum over Martin Elmy's resignation as PrintIT! patron in the wake of Evans' departure.

Following official confirmation of Evans' redundancy, management of PrintIT! and its team will be handled by former Proskills education manager Jo Chapman from 1 May. Chapman will take on the new position of education and schools programmes manager.

Tom Bowtell, general manager of Proskills, said: "We have been forced to make changes across all parts of the business. In the past, we had an education manager responsible for the 14-19 diplomas and a Schools into Industry programmes manager.

"We have maintained these roles in the face of previous cuts, despite there being only minimal income to support our schools activity, as they are important to maintain a pipeline of interest from people wishing to join the sector."

Bowtell added that he was disappointed news of Evans' departure had "leaked during the period we had agreed with Paul for him to decide on the details of his departure".

"Nevertheless, we would like to thank him on behalf of Proskills, the thousands of young people who have benefited from the programme, and the industry as a whole, for all his efforts over the years to developing the PrintIT! programme," he said.