The Publishing Professional Apprenticeship - a win-win opportunity

13 September 2024

By Rebecca Durose-Croft - Managing Director, Westchester Publishing Services and EPA Developer for AIM Assessment.

The publishing industry is changing at an immense speed. Having spent almost 20 years in this profession, as an Editor, Project Manager and now Managing Director, I can’t remember a time when we have all needed to have our fingers on the pulse, as much as we do right now! New technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, along with changing consumer habits mean publishers need to adapt quickly in an appropriate, effective and realistic way. Bringing a Publishing Professional apprentice on board, or supporting a current employee to join the apprenticeship scheme, could be a great way to ensure this is possible.

Staying ahead of the curve

In the last decade, the publishing industry has seen some massive changes. It's not just about print anymore, as e-books, audiobooks, and digital content become more and more popular. A Publishing Professional apprenticeship comes with up-to-date knowledge and skills that can help in-house teams navigate these changes and stay ahead of the competition.

Fresh skills, new ideas 

The Publishing Professional apprenticeship covers everything from digital marketing to content creation, data analysis, and project management. When organisations hire an apprentice, or bring an employee into this role, they will inevitably bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. This can lead to the innovation which helps businesses to move forward. 

Boosting energy and morale

An apprentice can bring a lot of enthusiasm to in-house teams. Their eagerness to learn and to take on new challenges can be contagious, boosting morale and productivity. By investing in an apprentice, organisations show that they care about the future of the company and the industry as a whole.

Supporting hybrid environments 

When I landed my first job at Oxford University Press, I was in-house five days a week. I joined every meeting I could, to absorb the information and learn not only what was happening at the business, but how to engage with senior members of staff and stakeholders. The Publishing Professional apprenticeship allows these conversations and learnings to take place, whether apprentices are remote, hybrid or fully in-house.  

In short, bringing in or supporting an employee to take up the Publishing Professional apprenticeship is a win-win opportunity. It helps organisations to stay current, brings in new skills and ideas, and supports long-term growth, whilst nurturing the future talent and leaders in the industry.

Find out more about the Publishing Professional apprenticeship standard.

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