Taking place from 1-5 February, the calendar of events will help celebrate the value of apprenticeships and will feature briefings and employer events.

Burke said: "The printing industry has always been a great industry to work in. But with an ageing workforce and an industry that is becoming increasingly high-tech and competitive, there is a recognition that the industry always needs new blood."

He added that the industry workforce should also be developing its skills in order to help weather the current economic climate and prepare for technical innovation, as well as changes in consumer demand.

"Unions such as Unite are increasingly backing apprenticeships as the way forward, particularly in recruiting young print workers and providing them with relevant qualifications and a career progression," Burke said.

In order to further promote apprenticeships to union representatives, the Trades Union Congress is offering a variety of two- and three-day courses through its 'Unionlearn' programme.

Courses such as Apprenticeship Awareness cover a range of issues from negotiating terms and conditions to working with employers on apprenticeship schemes.

"With the average age in the printing industry at around 48 and take-up of print apprenticeships lagging significantly behind other sectors, it is more important than ever for the industry to promote apprenticeships," he added.