Building Pathways into Print From apprenticeships and graduate schemes to in-house training and career development, businesses across print are rethinking how they attract and retain talent. We explore why investing in people is becoming just as important as investing in technology stories. One of those who has worked with the programme is Michaela Christmas, a print production operative at Moss UK and a FESPA Next Generation Committee member. Christmas completed her industry training with Learn2Print – with more details on the provider to follow later in the feature – before taking on her first industry role. “The training provided me with a breadth of knowledge about the industry and multiple print processes throughout it,” she says, adding: “This was an invaluable part of my training as I gained knowledge that I couldn’t have had without the classes. The training programme also supported hands-on learning through my workplace, identifying skills I was learning, and reinforcing knowledge that I still use throughout my career now.” Also working with the FESPA Next Generation is Clark Shannon, compliance manager at Simpson Print and another FESPA Next Generation Committee member. Shannon admits he was unaware of the range of roles available in print – and how an apprenticeship opened his eyes to these opportunities. “The apprenticeship provided me with real in-depth experience as to what I may see in my field of work and gave me an insight into how to be a good compliance officer,” he says, adding that it gave him While this remains a challenge, the good news for the industry is the rising number of schemes seeking to not only raise awareness of the opportunities for people in print but also offer a route into the industry. FESPA UK’s Next Generation is one example. Launched in 2023, the programme is a talent development initiative aimed at 18 to 30-year-olds working in, or looking to enter, the print, graphics, and signage industries. “The FESPA Next Generation isn’t a formal training programme,” says Sarah Lees of Compass Business Finance and ambassador for the initiative. She adds: “It’s about bringing people together, creating connections, and giving younger professionals access to conversations they might not otherwise have. “One of the biggest challenges is attracting new people into the industry, engaging them, and helping them understand just how much it has evolved. There are so many exciting opportunities across print, graphics, and signage, but a lot of people still don’t know they exist. We also have a huge amount of experience within the industry, and it’s important that we create opportunities for that knowledge to be shared with the next generation.” Despite being in its relative infancy, the initiative already has many success TRAINING AND ENTRY POINTS | ROB FLETCHER Print has never been an industry that stands still. New technologies, evolving customer expectations, and increasing automation continue to reshape the market – both in the UK and around the world – with businesses having to adapt at pace. While investment in the latest presses and finishing equipment often dominates headlines, many argue that the industry’s greatest asset remains its people. However, finding the next generation of skilled employees is becoming increasingly challenging. An ageing workforce, changing perceptions of manufacturing careers, and growing competition for technical talent mean businesses must work harder to attract new recruits – all while developing the skills of their existing teams. While there is no single solution, companies are taking various approaches to attract new talent. Apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and ongoing investment in upskilling existing employees are helping bridge the skills gap and increase the knowledge of existing staff. Bringing People Together Addressing one of the current core issues with drawing people to print, Suzi Ward, managing director of FESPA UK Association, says it is “terrible” print is not covered more in schools and colleges. 72 Issue 362 - September | October 2026 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk
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