Print Scotland has warned that Scotland’s print industry could face a significant skills shortage unless disparities in apprenticeship funding between Scotland and England are addressed.
The trade body issued the warning during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, highlighting a large difference in training support for print-related apprenticeships across the two nations.
Under the current system, a Print Industry Occupations apprenticeship in Scotland receives a training contribution of £3200 for those aged 16–19 and £1200 for those aged 19–24. In England, comparable print technician apprenticeships attract funding closer to £10,000, leaving a gap of almost £7000 per apprentice.
Industry representatives say the difference places Scottish businesses and training providers at a disadvantage when trying to recruit and train the next generation of skilled workers.
Richard McCombe, managing director of Graphic Warehouse and vice president of Print Scotland, said the discrepancy raises concerns about how technical skills are valued.
“How can a Scottish apprentice be worth less than half of their English counterpart?” he asked. “The qualification level is comparable. The industrial skill level is comparable. But the funding support is nowhere near comparable.”
Mr McCombe said the industry remains committed to developing new talent but warned that employers are increasingly expected to shoulder a greater share of training costs.
The concern is shared across different parts of the print supply chain, including packaging and label production.
Michiel Molenaar, president of Print Scotland and managing director of packaging specialist Kennedy Smith, said sectors such as packaging play an important role in supporting key Scottish export industries.
“Packaging supports some of Scotland’s most successful export industries, including food and drink and pharmaceuticals,” he said. “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, managing director of CV Labels and Print Scotland board member, added: “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, managing director of Print Scotland, said both employers and training providers are already feeling the pressure created by the current funding structure. He said: “Businesses across Scotland want to recruit apprentices and invest in the next generation. But the current funding structure makes that increasingly difficult to sustain.
Print Scotland has called for a review of apprenticeship funding bands, closer alignment with comparable technical frameworks, greater parity with English funding levels, and stronger incentives for SMEs to recruit apprentices.
“Scottish businesses are ready to invest in young people,” Mr McCombe said. “But without proper funding support we are asking employers and training providers to carry a disproportionate burden.”
