Aztec Label employee completes BPIF apprenticeship

James Le Gresley, 19, spent the last two years working to attain the Level 2 Award in Printing and Graphic Communications - Machine Printing. The BPIF training course takes in all aspects of managing print production, and although it runs over a 24-month period, it can be completed sooner dependent on the individual learner’s time away from the press and their understanding of course content.

‘We’re very proud that James not only successfully completed the course, but that he did it well within the two-year timeframe,’ said Colin Le Gresley, managing director of Aztec Label. ‘James showed a keen interest in learning about the business from an early age and so this course was the perfect way for him to gain the professional qualifications and grounding that will help him in his future career.’

As well as the on-the-job training, James Le Gresley undertook all BPIF coursework and meetings on site to complete his apprenticeship at the Aztec Label facility. ‘We purposely put James through many different departments of the business, taking in everything from platemaking and press operating through to finishing,’ added Colin Le Gresley. ‘Now that he has qualified, James has immediately taken up responsibility for running an eight-color Nilpeter FB3 flexo press.’

‘It was great learning about platemaking using high tech equipment like the Esko CDI and Dantex water wash plate maker,’ said James Le Gresley. ‘I learned a lot about running all of our production and finishing equipment by being hands on in a real production environment, which will stand me in good stead for the future, whatever my role turns out to be. Although my current main role is as a shift-based flexo press operator, with my training and my BPIF qualification I can also step into any of the other roles when needed.’

‘I spoke with James regularly throughout the course and would see him every six or eight weeks to discuss how he was finding his training,’ said Steve Power, training coordinator with the BPIF. ‘Health and Safety and communication are the foundations of the course and he clearly knew his stuff, always completing his written assignments to a good standard. He also did well in the three technical certificate exams to back up what he had been learning.’