Entrants have until 27 May to enter the awards, which gives grants of up to £1,500 each to help people aged 16 to 30 who work in or are training for a career in printing, publishing, packaging or graphic arts in the UK. 

The grants pay for any costs associated with a relevant training course.

The awards are also open to young people already working in those sectors who want to develop their workplace skills, and apprentices and those studying for NVQs in print-related organisations who need financial help while studying and working. 

As well as getting much-needed funds the winners get a chance to see inside the House of Lords, where the awards reception is held.

Print Futures Awards secretary Dr Mark Johnson said: "The Print Futures Awards have the potential to help increasing numbers of young people to train for careers in printing, publishing, packaging and graphic arts.

"Skilled staff are vital for business, but funding training can be a challenge. We are keen to hear from young people working in those sectors, who would like to undertake training to benefit their career, as well as apprentices and those studying for NVQs in print-related organisations, who need financial help while studying and working. 

“We’re also asking employers to encourage eligible staff to apply.”

The number of awards given has been steadily rising since the scheme was launched in 2013. There were a record 37 awards last year, and 80 applications were received in total.

This is an increase on the 24 awards given out in 2014, which itself was increased from 15 in 2013 on the back of an injection of funds from the John Crosfield Foundation and additional support from the St Bride Foundation.

The awards are sponsored by The Printing Charity, the BPIF, The St Bride Foundation, Saxoprint, Unite, The Book Trade Charity and The Journalist's Charity, which joined as a sponsor this year.