The Awards are open to young people aged from 18 to 30 and this year individuals from printing, publishing, packaging, and paper to printmaking, graphic arts, journalism and bookbinding applied.

While this year’s scheme was heavily impacted by the Coronavirus crisis and the resulting lockdown, it still received 125 applications, which, while down on last year’s circa 200 applications, was something the charity’s CEO Neil Lovell said he was really pleased with in the circumstances.

“It was probably higher than I thought it would be, because when we would usually ramp up the application was right in the middle of lockdown, but everyone was distracted, naturally, so we’re delighted that so many people found the time to apply,” said Lovell.

“It’s always a positive experience but this year probably more so, because it was nice to have conversations with young people about what they wanted to do in the future and how this funding would help them.”

Of the 125 applications, 63 were invited for interview, which this year, due to social distancing, were conducted over video on Microsoft Teams.

“We’re really proud to have achieved 44 winners this year. We could have postponed the awards, for obvious reasons, but decided it was important to keep them running and we are really pleased we did as this year’s winners are a positive reminder of the talent and potential of young people working in the sector,” said Lovell.

Ordinarily the winners would be invited to a reception at the House of Lords next month, but due to the current restrictions that can’t happen this year.

However, Lovell said he hoped that many of this year’s winners will be able to attend next year’s reception.

This year’s 44 winners have been profiled on the charity’s website, where they have been split into “rising stars in” publishing; specialist skills; visual delights; engineering & production; customer service and journalism.