Joint training charter launched

If you want the sort of training that can boost your pay, your job security and your employment prospects, then make sure your company signs the new joint Training and Development Charter launched by the GPMU and print employers' organisation BPIF and soon to be promoted to the whole industry by the National Training Organisation.

It's a response to the vital need for urgent action to plug the skills gap in the industry. Companies which sign the charter commit themselves to offer high-quality training to their staff to enable them to work more effectively.

And they also pledge to offer their workers genuine opportunities to extend their basic skills in communication, numeracy and information technology skills, as well as problem-solving, teamwork and self-sufficiency. The charter is there to help you get the training you want and need, whether it's job-related or broader-based.

Charter companies will help draw up a personal development plan for every employee, including a training programme leading to the attainment of agreed goals.

Progressive employers realise training is vital for the future of the industry as a whole: and that means real opportunities for you. If you work outside printing, you can still use the charter to lobby for quality training: it's a model that can be adapted for all sectors of our industries.

Ask your chapel rep if your company's adopted the charter. If they haven't, then make sure your rep knows you think it's a good idea which should be raised with the company.