Solving the Young Talent Challenge We all know recruitment is a bit of a dark art, but I count myself very lucky to be in the middle of the industry. No, you won’t find me on a printer or a scissor lift (although I would love to give it a go), but I do have the opportunity to get unique insights from both candidates and clients points of view. I get to play a key part in helping a business grow, or helping shape someone’s career with their next perfect role. Something that’s been a hot topic over the past few months, and something I feel quite strongly about, is how can we get more young people into print. Being 22 and in the middle of the industry when it comes to hiring new people, or people wanting to be hired, I feel I can give a pretty good view on how we can tackle this issue, as well as what is already happening. What is brilliant to see, is how many businesses are actively going out of their way to hire younger people, whether that be through apprenticeships, utilising industry bodies such as FESPA or The Printing Charity, or mucking in themselves and hiring with entry level roles. On the flip side with candidates, the number of people I am speaking with now who have joined the industry over the last few years through alternate routes, that weren’t available previously, is brilliant, and we are definitely moving in a very positive direction. It’s something I see reflected in our own business too, which makes it even better to be part of. I am fortunate that my manager, Matt Hanley, has really invested himself into the print industry, getting heavily involved with things like the Rising Star Awards, doing numerous talks at different shows, and even creating a podcast with some other brilliant print professionals. I have seen firsthand how welcoming this industry is and how it is looking to welcome fresh talent into the industry. If anyone reading is looking or knows of anyone looking at how they can be a part of the space, I will gladly make time to have a conversation and point them in the best direction. As a business, MTWO are partnered with some brilliant clients and surrounding industry friends, so if you are a print or signage business looking for fresh ideas on how you can help future proof the industry, my phone or inbox is always welcoming for those kinds of conversations. As previously mentioned, it was complete chance I ended up in print, and I think that’s the case for most people I speak with, but that’s the beauty of this industry, you come into it with no understanding or some very wrong preconceptions, and you very quickly find yourself fully immersed. I absolutely wouldn’t change a thing, and I look forward to watching and playing a part in future proofing the print and signage industries. 30 Issue 262 - December 2025 | January 2026 If anyone reading is looking or knows of anyone looking at how they can be a part of the space, I will gladly make time to have a conversation and point them in the best direction ▲[L to R] Nathan Mclauchlan – Welsh with Matt Hanley, owner of MTWO recruitment agency email: editor@signlink.co.uk FRESH PERSPECTIVES | NATHAN MCLAUCHLAN - WELSH
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