What did you study?
While at college I studied graphic design and communication, and also photography at NVQ Level 2
How did you find your way into the industry?
I was looking for an apprenticeship local to where I live, and found an advert to join John Dollin Printing as an apprentice print finisher
Did you know anything about print beforehand?
No, nothing whatsoever and I was very surprised when I started my apprenticeship at how diverse and interesting the role actually is
What does your role entail?
Every day is very different. I can start the mornings on the press and then be in the office in the afternoon producing job bags. I am also a senior apprentice so I also manage and advise our younger apprentices
What’s the most enjoyable or interesting thing about it?
The people I work with are great, very encouraging and supportive. I also like the diversity of the role
Do you have an ideal career path mapped out?
When Anthony Thirlby took over JDP [with business partner Andy Rae, in March] he was insistent that we had a career plan set out over the next two years with goals and opportunities. The end-result after my two years would give me a title of workflow controller and a dedicated salary
What would be your dream job (print related)?
To own my own print company
What would be your dream job (not print related)?
I always aspired to do something creative like photography so print isn’t that far off
Do you have a ‘side hustle’?
I dabble in crypto currency, trading stocks online and I have set up my own AI marketing bot
What’s top of your playlist at the moment?
505 by the Arctic Monkeys
What’s your most-used app?
HP’s PrintOS
What has surprised you most about working in the industry?
I think the advance in technology since I started has been amazing
What could the printing industry be doing more of to entice millennials into print?
I think college and school visits to showcase work and perhaps tours of the factory for apprentice age children should be encouraged so that people can see that print is not boring and in fact is very diverse with many opportunities
If you ruled the world...?
I would eradicate world debt
