B&B has a proud history of promotion from within and training skilled workers new to the printing industry. There are many examples of valued employees who have risen through the ranks from entry-level positions to become senior operators and managers. To enhance our training program, we are now launching a formal Apprenticeship Program.
The Bradford & Bigelow Apprenticeship Program is available to new team members and current employees qualified for advancement.
It will be structured in three levels.
The Junior Apprenticeship Program is designed to train new hires who are skilled in electrical or mechanical disciplines but are new to the printing industry. It will expose them to printing and binding techniques and methods, and, upon completion, will qualify them to be Roll Tenders in the Web Department or Helpers in the Bindery.
The Career Builder Apprenticeship Program is the middle step between Junior and Senior levels. This is where Bindery Helpers and Web Press Roll Tenders with at least one year of experience in those roles can continue their ascension through the tiers of the printing and binding departments. A higher level of technical skills is mastered and more responsibility is gained as their career progresses.
The Senior Apprenticeship Program is focused on experienced personnel who are one step away from being Senior Operators in the Web, Digital, or Bindery Departments. Helpers, Junior Operators, and experienced employees in the Web, Digital, and Bindery departments are eligible to be considered for the Senior Apprenticeship Program.
The curriculum of the Junior Apprenticeship Program will include a combination of classroom-style learning and on-the-job training as specified by the functions of the type of position. The target length of this training is 12 months.
On The Job Training – One Calendar Year of watching, doing, and leading the skills of the position as listed on the Apprenticeship Checklist for the position.
Job Shadowing – A total of four weeks in this apprenticeship period will be spent observing various job functions in their department to evaluate their personal preference and best fit for advancement.
Safety Skills – Completion of the Health and Safety Institute online Production Full curriculum.
Printing Industries of New England Online Learning –
| Prepress Orientation – video via The Print University with written test at completion | 7.5 hours |
| In-plant Printer – video via The Print University with written test at completion | 8.5 hours |
| Bindery/Finishing Orientation – video via The Print Univ. with written test at completion | 3.5 hours |
| Idealliance Color Management Professional: Offset Print Course (Press and Digital Only) | 3-4 hours |
The curriculum of the Career Builder Apprenticeship Program will also include a combination of classroom-style learning and on-the-job training as specified by the functions of the type of position. The target length of this training is 12 months.
On The Job Training – One Calendar Year of watching, doing, and leading the skills of the position as listed on the Apprenticeship Checklist for the position.
Coaching from a current Trimmer Operator or Assistant Press Operator – The complexities of the next step in career development will be discussed as the apprentice is groomed for their new role. Periodic evaluations of their progress will help determine areas for improvement and focus.
The curriculum of the Senior Apprenticeship Program will require the previous completion of the Junior Apprenticeship Program or Career Builder Apprenticeship Program or equivalent professional experience and will include mostly hands-on instruction in the watching, doing, and leading of the skills involved in the position. The target completion time period is 12 months but is proficiency based, so it may be completed in as few as 6 months or may take up to 18 months, depending on the progress of the apprentice.
Managers will meet with apprentices once monthly to gauge their progress. Performance will be evaluated with formal review every quarter (3 months). Upon completion of the Apprenticeship Program, graduating students will be issued a certificate of successful completion and will be favorably considered for any future openings of that job. There is no guarantee of a promotion as a result of completing the Apprenticeship Program.
If an employee successfully completes the Junior Apprenticeship Program or the Career Builder Apprenticeship Program and there is no current open position available for their promotion and associate pay raise, they will receive a $1000 bonus. If an employee successfully completes the Senior Apprenticeship Program and there is no current open position available for their promotion and associated pay raise, they will receive a $2500 bonus.
We encourage all Team Members to apply for these programs to enhance your career and financial future.