In an industry that thrives on precision, craftsmanship, and speed, the future of print depends on the next generation stepping forward with confidence and skill. Apprenticeships have long played a vital role in building that future. For Tom Brazier, an apprentice at KGK Genix, choosing this path has been both challenging and transformative. After finishing college, Brazier faced the same decision as many young people. University was an option. So was staying in education. But he wanted something different. “I saw it as a great opportunity,” Brazier explains, “I had finished college and I wanted to get a skill.” For Brazier, the appeal was clear – rather than continuing with classroom-based learning alone, he wanted hands on experience and a qualification that would open doors within the industry. An apprenticeship offered the chance to earn, learn, and gain real responsibility from day one. In a sector like print, where technical knowledge and practical understanding must work side by side, that combination is powerful. First Steps on the Shop Floor Walking onto the shop floor for the first time can be intimidating. The pace is fast. The machinery is complex. There is a strong sense of teamwork and routine. “It was daunting at first,” Brazier admits, “but I was welcomed and I enjoyed it pretty quickly.” That early support made a significant difference. Being part of a team that values learning and patience helped Brazier settle in. What could have felt overwhelming soon became exciting. Print production environments demand focus and accuracy. There is little room for error. For a new apprentice, absorbing that culture takes time. But it also builds resilience and discipline. Learning the Craft: Skills Developed Over Three Years With his apprenticeship now more than halfway complete, Brazier has gained a deeper understanding of what it really takes to produce high-quality print. One of the most important lessons has been about finishing. “I understand now how important finishing is to the final quality of the print,” Brazier says. It is easy for those outside the industry to focus on the press alone, but finishing, from cutting and folding, to binding and packaging, plays a critical role in how a product looks and feels. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Through daily hands-on work, Brazier has developed technical skills, attention to detail, and an appreciation for how each stage of production connects. He has also seen how print technology combines precision, speed, and problem solving. Every job is different. Materials vary. In this edition of Fresh Perspectives, KGK Genix, a provider of wide-format print solutions, highlights the experience of one of its print apprentices, Tom Brazier, who reflects on why he chose his route, what he has learned on the shop floor, and why he believes apprenticeships are essential for the long-term health of the print and signage industries An Honest Reflection on Apprenticeships in Print ▲Tom Brazier, apprentice print technician at KGK Genix FRESH PERSPECTIVES | TOM BRAZIER 24 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 264 - April | May 2026
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