TRADE body Print Scotland has warned that Scotland risks a ‘skills cliff edge’ unless apprenticeship funding disparities with England are ‘urgently addressed’.
During Scottish Apprenticeship Week, leaders from across Scotland’s print, packaging and label industries have claimed Scottish businesses and training providers are a serious disadvantage.
Print Scotland said that, under the current system, a print industry occupations apprenticeship in Scotland attracts just £3,200 in training contribution (age 16–19) and only £1,200 for 19–24-year-olds. In England, comparable print technician apprenticeships attract funding closer to £10,000.
Richard McCombe, MD of Graphic Warehouse, representing the large format print and signage sector, and VP of Print Scotland, said, “How can a Scottish apprentice be worth less than half of their English counterpart? The qualification level is comparable. The industrial skill level is comparable. But the funding support is nowhere near comparable.”
The issue is shared across the wider print supply chain. Michiel Molenaar, president of Print Scotland and MD of Kennedy Smith, representing the packaging sector, added, “Packaging supports some of Scotland’s most successful export industries, including food and drink and pharmaceuticals. These industries depend on highly skilled technical operators. If apprenticeship pipelines weaken because funding does not match the real cost of training, that will ultimately impact the wider economy.”
Susan Carr, MD of CV Labels and Print Scotland board member, representing the label printing sector, said the disparity is becoming increasingly visible to employers. “Label and packaging production relies on precision manufacturing skills that take years to develop. Apprenticeships are the most effective way to build that capability. When Scottish employers see similar apprenticeships in England receiving significantly higher funding, it raises serious questions about how Scotland values technical skills.”
Garry Richmond, MD of Print Scotland, said the organisation sees the pressures facing both employers and training providers. “Businesses across Scotland want to recruit apprentices and invest in the next generation. But the current funding structure makes that increasingly difficult to sustain. Without adequate support, both employers and training providers face real challenges in maintaining apprenticeship placements.”
Jim McKenzie, apprenticeship assessor with Print Scotland and a member of the organisation’s board, works with apprentices and employers across Scotland. He warned the issue could have long-term consequences.
“Across print and manufacturing we are seeing large numbers of experienced professionals approaching retirement. Apprenticeships are the only sustainable way to replace those skills. If funding does not properly support those placements, the pipeline of new talent will inevitably shrink.”
Print Scotland is calling for a review of apprenticeship funding bands; alignment of print funding with comparable technical frameworks; greater parity with English apprenticeship funding; and stronger incentives for SMEs to recruit apprentices.
“Scottish businesses are ready to invest in young people,” Richard McCombe said. “But without proper funding support we are asking employers and training providers to carry a disproportionate burden. Celebration during Apprenticeship Week is important – but celebration alone will not prevent a crisis”
