At Bishops Printers, our investment isn’t just in machines, it’s in people. Under the leadership of Production Director Paul Cull, we’re rethinking what apprenticeships can do: not only to train the next generation of printers, but to energise the whole team and create a culture of shared learning and growth.
This approach is already paying off. Apprentice Lavinia Tewkesbury, working closely with mentors Keith Kirby and Simon White, has been recognised as a finalist in the Portsmouth & Chichester Apprenticeship Awards 2025.
A Fresh Perspective on the Factory Floor
In the print room, “Vinnie” has become a spark of energy and curiosity. A keen amateur boxer, she brings focus, determination, and enthusiasm to every shift—and has inspired her mentors along the way.
Keith, one of Bishops’ most experienced printers with over 40 years on the job, says mentoring Vinnie has been unexpectedly rewarding. “She challenges me, asks questions, and makes me laugh. She’s changed the atmosphere in the print room,” he says. Fellow mentor Simon White adds, “Having someone like Vinnie around makes you reflect on everything you know and why it matters. It’s reminded us just how much we have to offer.”
Vinnie’s commitment and curiosity have quickly earned her admiration across the business. She joined Bishops as a folder operator, but her attention to detail and eagerness to learn saw her move into the print room, where she now runs a Heidelberg B2 Speedmaster XL75 10-colour 5/5 perfector independently. “Every shift there’s something new. I always knew I didn’t want a desk job, but I never imagined I could be a printer. Keith and Simon are fantastic teachers—it makes such a difference,” she says.
Learning That Lasts
Our apprenticeship programme follows the Advanced Standard for Print Technicians, a 28-month course combining monthly training with hands-on experience in one of Europe’s most advanced pressrooms. It’s a blend of cutting-edge technology and a commitment to craftsmanship, training, and people.
Paul Cull sees the programme as just the beginning: “Our aim is for each apprentice to one day mentor someone new. That way, we create a self-sustaining model of learning and leadership.”
The next intake in February will focus on 17–18-year-olds—young people who might not yet see a place for themselves in manufacturing. “We want them to know there is a future here, and it’s one worth building,” Paul adds.
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