BPIF, Unite and PCC offer funding to budding printers

17 March 2009

Business

The BPIF, Unite the Union and the Printer's Charitable Corporation (PCC) are offering awards of 2,500 to fund budding printers as part of the Print Futures Awards.

Young people aged 16-30 that currently reside in the UK are invited to submit applications before 30 April. Print companies can also receive £1,250 if they are currently training someone on the condition that they fund the equivalent sum in 2009/2010.

The prize money is sourced from a BPIF benevolent fund and was setup to encourage education in the industry. Forms have been sent to every print training provider in the UK.

Terry Ulrick, the Print Futures Awards secretary, said: "Applicants must put up a good case as to why they deserve the money. The judges are flexible as to what the money can be spent on. Past winners have bought laptops, books, paid course fees and even funded childcare.

Mike Hopkins, director of the British Printing Industries Federation, added: "We are delighted to launch this scholarship scheme for the sixth year."

He added: "In these tough economic times for our industry we expect the awards to be of increased interest, particularly for young people seeking to get a foothold on a career in print and the graphic arts."

The Print Futures Awards was rebranded earlier this year.