The PDP pack, which is being sold for 45, aims to bridge the gap between apprenticeship schemes and management training, such as MBAs and the BPIF's Professional Certificate in Print Management.

It is designed to be simple to administer while also ensuring the training undertaken is proven to be relevant to the needs of the individual and their employers.

"Employers need people with up-to-date technical knowledge and excellent business skills, and these need to be maintained with training and personal development," said YMP chairman Andrew Denny (pictured).

"The PDP provides a flexible framework for this and, importantly, it incentivises employees by providing recognised levels of achievement to aim for."

The pack helps users to identify their training needs and preferred learning styles.

Training and learning activities, including conferences, courses and reading trade and technical titles, are awarded points. Each activity is awarded between one half and four points.

Once an individual has earned 20 points, he or she is eligible for the first level of certification. Senior certification is reached with 40 points, and 60 points earns Mentor status.

Reaching 40 points entitles the trainee to join the IP3, while 60 points, which is expected to take at least three years to achieve, grants automatic entry into the IP3.

Head of BPIF training Ruth Exelby endorsed the product: "It will give structure to the whole training arena and allow anyone, at any level, the opportunity to plan their learning, apply their learning and develop both individually and professionally."