The entry age of the scheme has been lowered to 16 and the closing date for entries has been extended to tie in with Picon's PrintIT! initiative.

"We've extended the dates until after the PrintIT! finalists have been selected so they can consider taking their opportunity in print further," said BPIF deputy chief executive Cicely Brown. "And we will be promoting it in participating schools."

Organised jointly by the BPIF and the Printers' Charitable Corporation (PCC) the scheme offers 12 scholarships worth 2,500 each. Applicants must be aged 16-30 and UK citizens who can prove their need for support to undertake an approved programme of learning to pursue a career in the UK print industry.

Entries for the award, which is now its third year, close on 15 March 2006. In June this year the scheme, which is funded by the BPIF Benevolent Fund, made awards to seven people at a ceremony at the Army & Navy Club, London (pictured).

For further details contact Terry Ulrick at terryulrick@tucommunications.co.uk.