The personalised cheque print specialist group, which comprises of Hinckley-based Checkprint and Tall Security Print in Runcorn, has been involved in apprenticeship training for the past 12 years.

Tall sales director Peter Andrew said the firm first became aware of the skills shortage in Cheshire when the business was established in 1991.

"We took on our first apprentice in 1993, and since then have made a drive towards nurturing home-grown talent," said Andrew.
The firm's apprentice training scheme is run in conjunction with Manchester College of Printing.

Andrew said that since its inception, eight apprentices have been trained by the company, six of which are still with the group.

Each apprentice is given six months' training across all departments within the company, enabling employees to move around the business, and provide cover during sickness or holiday periods.

"It gives us so much flexibility by having employees that are trained in a number of areas," said Andrew. Machine printer Chris Unsworth has just celebrated 10 years' service with the company, having started out on its apprenticeship scheme.

"I would recommend a modern apprenticeship to any school leaver as there are good job prospects and a variety of machines to progress your career on," said Unsworth.

In addition, Tall has an outreach programme where it goes into local schools and takes on between four to five school children for work experience during the year.

Tall is now embarking on its search for the next apprentice who will start with the company in September this year.

Story by Andy Scott