Creative impulses

Rising star: Jordon Conroy, general operative, Nuneaton Signs

Alongside his day-to-day work, Conroy is a mentor for supported interns and work experience students

Jordon is 26 and has worked at Nuneaton Signs since 2021. The Warwickshire business became a social enterprise six years ago, and currently 66% of employees have a disability.

The firm also offers supported internships, with Jordon recently stepping up to be an intern buddy.

What did you study, and did you have a particular career in mind?

I studied art at college. I like to be creative; I wanted to be a painter.

How did you find your way into the industry?

I had a job trial. I first came in with my sister to see what it was like

Did you know anything about print beforehand?

I didn’t know you could print the things we do – I’ve learned a lot

What does your role entail?

I wrap up signs. On the back of the road signs I add a label

What’s the most enjoyable or interesting thing about it?

I’ve enjoyed talking to people, I’m also a mentor for supported interns and work experience. I enjoy meeting different people and helping them

Do you have an ideal career path mapped out?

When I was young, I always wanted to help people. But what I would like to do at Nuneaton Signs is be a fire marshal

What would be your dream job (print related)?

To be a designer because I like to be creative

What would be your dream job (not print related)?

Fire fighter

Who do you view as an inspiring person?

I am inspired by our head of HR, Mo, because he helps people and also helps people to behave. I’m also inspired by Ant and Dec because I like their show, and they seem fun

Do you have a ‘side hustle’?

I did a swimathon for charity, I raised lots of money for Marie Curie. My first swimathon I did 16 lengths and that was easy but last year I did 100 lengths!

Which box set would you recommend?

Gladiators

What’s your most-used app?

An app for stretching. To show me how to stretch before a run

What has surprised you most about working in the printing industry?

How many different types of signs and materials there are

What could the industry be doing more of to entice young people into print?

I think that supported internships are a good way. They help people with autism and other disabilities to meet people and try a job

If you ruled the world...?

I am very strict with recycling, so I would make sure people were to recycle and look after animals on land and in the sea. To make the world a more green and blue place