◄ Marcus Clifford, business coach, mentor, and consultant for the print industry ▼ [L to R] Chris Durham, commercial director at Ronset, and James Long, who recently completed his BPIF print apprenticeship while at the company Clifford highlights recent initiatives by the likes of the Independent Print Industries Association’s (IPIA’s) ‘New Narrative for Print’ to shift the perception of print and encourage young people into the industry. “The print industry stands at a fascinating crossroads – a sector rich in heritage but deeply embedded in modern creative communications, marketing, and visual media. No longer defined solely by ink on paper, today’s print businesses are sophisticated service and manufacturing enterprises." Clifford raises the question of how print businesses will fill skills gaps in areas like IT, marketing, process improvement, and enterprise management – skills not traditionally associated with the industry. “Attracting good people into your business involves having a holistic strategy. It’s part of your mission: your environment has to create meaning and purpose and opportunity,” says Clifford who uses business service company, Paragon, as an example of an organisation which is offering scope and opportunities. The company says: “At Paragon, we believe that our greatest asset is our people. To stay at the forefront of our industry and ensure long-term sustainability, we continually invest in the development of our workforce, processes, systems, and infrastructure.” Paragon offers learning opportunities, an apprenticeship scheme, and senior leadership programs. When it comes to what BPIF offers, Walkington says: “There are a number of practical resources available to both employers and those exploring a career in print. BPIF Training offers apprenticeships from Level 2 to senior leadership courses at Level 7, alongside free workshops for apprentices on topics such as manufacturing, customer service, and colour management.” Walkington adds: “We also provide tailored career guides and frameworks to help employers connect with local schools and colleges. These tools are designed to make it easier to attract new talent, build internal capability, and promote long-term career development in the industry.” A recent success story via the BPIF apprenticeship scheme was at digital printing firm, Ronset, which celebrated James Long becoming a certified printer at the company. The company said it was incredibly proud of Long who worked “diligently” throughout his apprenticeship, finishing the course early and ahead of schedule. Chris Durham, commercial director at Ronset, commented: “James is technically very good with an eye for detail, a smashing lad, and a credit to himself.” Rewarding New Talent Elsewhere in the UK, Print Scotland has long been known as a voice for the Scottish graphic communications industry. Each year the organisation recognises apprentices in print with the Scottish Apprentice of Year Awards. Last year’s ceremony awarded a variety of winners in pre-press, press, and postpress, who, according to Print Scotland, have all overcome a number of challenges and hurdles to get where they are today. Speaking at the time of the awards, Garry Richmond, director of Print Scotland, said: “Refreshing and enhancing our talent bank of printing expertise is vital as an increasing cohort of highly experienced print professionals reach retirement age. “With this new stream of print apprentices present today, whose ability, aptitude, and potential we recognise in the distribution of these awards, we can be cautiously optimistic about the future of our industry.” Speaking recently to Print Monthly, Richmond says: “We are currently facing a skills gap with a great number of skilled workers going into retirement. Some estimates predict we will be at a 9% deficit on skilled labour force requirements; therefore, we need robust succession plans to secure the future of the industry.” When it comes to employing new talent, Richmond advises: “Engage with local schools and use a three-to-six-month probation period to ensure they will stay the course as an apprentice. If they are based in Scotland we can assist with the selection process, ensuring the candidate has the right qualities to succeed.” When it comes to advice for new starters into print, Richmond suggests young people need to “stick with it” as many are put off in the early days of starting a job, as their heads get turned by higher paying opportunities, despite the fact those jobs don’t provide them with real skills and development opportunities. Across the pond, PRINTING United Alliance, a trade association for the global printing industry, has also seen the new challenges facing print businesses when taking on new starters. Joe Marin, senior vice president of member services at PRINTING United Alliance, says: “There’s definitely a shift happening. TRAINING AND ENTRY POINTS Without investment in people, the industry risks falling behind at a time when it's evolving faster than ever In the BPIF’s most recent Printing Outlook survey, 71% of respondents selected wage pressures as a top business concern 71% 48 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354
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