We are delighted to announce that Mateusz Sapko, Apprentice Pre/Press Digital Operator at Blackmore, has won the BPIF Apprentice of the Year award. The award was handed to Mateusz at the Apprenticeship Graduation and Awards Lunch, run by the UK’s leading trade association for print, the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), which took place on 10th November at London’s St Bride Foundation. This recognition reflects his exceptional dedication, commitment, and outstanding contributions to the apprenticeship program.
Blackmore's Managing Director, Andrew Robbins, said “We are very proud of Mat being recognised by winning this award. It is very well deserved and a credit to the work he has put in and the support the team here and the BPIF have provided to help with his development. It is a real accolade for Mateusz to be recognised by the UK’s leading trade association – well done!”
Andrew added “The Apprentice of the Year award win comes hot on the heels of Blackmore’s recent Environmental Impact award win at October’s Dorset Business Awards. So as a business, we are extremely pleased to have won 2 major awards in the space of 1 month!”
Blackmore’s award-winning apprentice, Mateusz Sapko, said "I am so happy and thankful to Blackmore for recognising my hard work over the last 2 years, since I started my Apprenticeship and employment with them. My success wouldn't have been possible without the people that I work with on a day-to-day basis.”
“I didn't expect to be nominated for this award and the fact that I became the winner seems unreal. I just wanted to say thank you again and I hope for even greater successes in the future together with Blackmore."
Blackmore’s apprenticeship roles span at least 24 months. The apprentices spend 20% of their time over the course of the apprenticeship on “off-the-job” training, which takes place during normal working hours. The training is provided by the BPIF, of which Blackmore is a member. Although starting their career at Blackmore as an apprentice, they are taken on as permanent members of staff, so once they complete the apprenticeship, they will be highly trained employees in their chosen field.
Carol Wright, Compliance Administrator at Blackmore, said “According to the BPIF, the average age of the UK print workforce is 43 years old. So it’s essential for us to recruit young employees to lead us forward into the future. We are also always keen to encourage staff onto an Apprenticeship who have lots of experience but may want to improve their skills. The BPIF trains our apprentices – they are the leading printing and manufacturing training provider, so they understand our business inside out.”
If you are interested in an apprenticeship with Blackmore, or if you would like to discuss a print project, please get in touch today!