Parliamentary undersecretary of state for skills Phil Hope (pictured left) unveiled the scheme, which aims to improve skills levels in print and four other sectors, at the event aboard HQS Wellington, which is moored on London's Victoria Embankment, last night.

He said that Proskills would "take a leading role in promoting skills and training for the process and manufacturing industries sectors that form a vital part of the UK economy."

Proskills is a joint venture between the Government and employers and covers the print industry as well as paint and coatings, extractives, glass and building products.

Stephen Falder (centre), Proskills chairman and marketing director for HMG Paints, said: "By working through Proskills, we in the process industries have a unique opportunity to influence Government strategy and pull together all the ingredients to make a step change in the skills of our workforce."

Terry Watts (right), Proskills chief executuve, added: "Raising skill levels is, I believe, a pre-requisite for achieving business success today."

Proskills is based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, where it employs 17 staff. It started operating on 1 August after receiving its Sector Skills Council licence in July.