Northside Graphics is creating a bespoke Training Academy that will offer apprenticeships for young people aiming to get into the print industry.

The Belfast-based company, founded in 1988, claims to be Northern Ireland’s oldest and largest digital printing company and currently employs over 50 staff at its Dargan Crescent site.

The company has undergone significant expansion in recent years, fuelled by its export strategy and e-commerce offering. Operations director Richard Campbell explained that further growth in the past year, despite the pandemic, has enabled the company to progress its plans for its new Training Academy sooner than expected.

‘We have always provided a training ground for young people within the industry and have, for many years, supported apprentices in partnership with Belfast Met,’ Mr Campbell said. ‘Plans to formalise our specialist Training Academy had to be put on hold last year due to Covid-19 and we anticipated revisiting them within the next two years. 

‘However, throughout the pandemic the company continued to perform steadily and, with demand for our service quickly recovering in line with the easing of lockdown measures last year, we were able to recruit an additional six employees. Strong projections for the year ahead mean that we have been able to bring forward our plans and officially launch our Northside Graphics Training Academy this month.’

Northside will start by recruiting five apprentices aged between 16 and 24. The apprenticeships will be full-time, with permanent positions commencing 1 September and be offered in conjunction with Belfast Met.