National Apprenticeship Week: Archie Flatt’s Apprenticeship Journey at Edale
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re catching up with Archie, one of our Apprentice Print Technicians.
Apprenticeships are key to developing the future of flexographic printing and engineering. Archie’s story offers a great insight into what it’s like to learn while earning in the flexo industry.
Tell me more about your apprenticeship
I’m currently the Apprentice Print Technician at Edale. I’m involved in customer demonstrations, maintaining the press, running customer trials, colour matching, and pre-press admin – pretty much everything to do with the two demo presses we have here at Edale.
Every day is different and I can experience different areas of flexographic printing. It has helped me to build a strong understanding of how the presses work, how customers use them and how print quality is achieved.
What made you choose an apprenticeship and why did Edale stand out to you?
I wanted to learn while earning and take a practical approach to my education. Edale stood out because it ticked those boxes and it was something completely new to me. I didn’t have much knowledge of the flexo print industry, but I was really keen to learn.
What does a typical day as an apprentice print technician look like?
It usually starts with checking emails and seeing what’s planned for the day. I’ll either focus on theory work that aligns with my apprenticeship or head down to the demo area to help run a customer trial or demo. No two days are ever the same, it keeps things interesting and means I can apply what I learn straight away.
What’s one thing that surprised you about working in the flexo industry?
The travelling aspect was a really nice surprise. I’ve had the chance to visit different customers and suppliers across the UK. I even travelled to Barcelona for an industry event which was exciting! It’s not something I expected when I started, but it’s been great seeing how the flexo industry operates globally and meeting people along the way.
What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship in flexo or engineering?
I’d say go for it. The flexo industry is an amazing space to be in and it’s full of welcoming people who are always happy to help and teach you.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Winning the Future Flexo Star Award at the FlexoTech Awards last October has definitely been the highlight so far. It was an amazing feeling to see all the hard work pay off and it was very humbling to even be nominated for an award.
Supporting the future of flexo through apprenticeships
We’re proud to support apprenticeships in engineering and flexographic printing, helping to develop the next generation of talent in the packaging industry.
Interested in joining the future of flexo? You can read more about our apprenticeships here, and read more apprentice stories over on our blog.