Blackmore is delighted to announce that two of our apprentices have successfully passed their apprenticeship scheme with merit. Mateusz Sapko, who also won the ‘BPIF Apprentice of the Year’ award in November 2023, started as an Apprentice Pre-Press/ Digital Operator. Bailey Medlen came on board as an Apprentice Bindery Operator. Since completing their apprenticeships, they are continuing to work at Blackmore as Pre-Press/ Digital Operator and Bindery Operator respectively.
Blackmore employs a total of 62 members of staff, with Mateusz and Bailey being 2 of 4 apprentices who have completed their apprenticeships here over the past few years.
As part of Mateusz and Bailey’s apprenticeship training, they spent approximately 20% of their time throughout the apprenticeship on “off-the-job” training, which took place during normal working hours. The training was provided by the BPIF, of which Blackmore is a member.
Mateusz’s line manager and Pre-Press/ Digital Manager, Dominic Evans, said “Mat has made himself an integral part of our team from day one. Quick, intelligent, and calm against all trials.”
Bailey’s line manager and Bindery Manager, Graham Painter, said “Bailey has worked hard to complete his apprenticeship. To pass with merit reflects the hard work he has put in. He excels most when he is checking work, ensuring it meets the customer’s requirements. He is an important part of our team and integral to our ongoing success.”
Andrew Robbins, Managing Director at Blackmore said “We are delighted that Mat and Bailey have successfully completed their apprenticeship training and are now highly trained employees within our team. It is very well deserved and a credit to the work they have both put in, as well as the support the team here and the BPIF has provided to help with their development.”
Andrew adds “We are always looking for new apprentices to come and join our team at Blackmore. Printing is a great career option. At Blackmore, there are always new skills to learn as we continue to invest in new machinery and sustainable printing techniques. For example, we recently added a new environmentally friendly printed packaging service, which is now a growing area of our business.”
If you would like to find out more about starting an apprenticeship with Blackmore, please do get in touch: cwright@blackmore.co.uk