Printers can help out by offering students guidance and advice in designing promotional and display products for the Fairtrade Foundation, while highlighting the career opportunities in the industry.

Simon Lewington, marketing director of The Print Room, who won the Best Twinner at this year’s PrintIT! awards, said: "The experience was extremely beneficial and we have already signed up to support our schools again this autumn. I would urge printers to do the same.

Nick Cahm, production manager at TMP Midlands, said: "Interaction with a school in our area is something I am very interested in. I think printing is a great industry that can really capture the imagination of both young and old."

As a 'twin', the printer deals directly with a local PrintIT! school and agrees a plan of engagement. This can range from a simple visit to the school to discuss aspects of the project with students, to organising a tour by the school of the printing plant.

If you would like to twin with your local PrintIT! school or find out more about 'twinning' and what it entails, please contact Paul Evans on 07745 410103 (email paul.evans@proskills.co.uk), or Jan Cassidy on 01235 432017 (email jan.cassidy@proskills.co.uk)

A guide to twinning and a Powerpoint presentation are available on the PrintIT! website at www.printit.org.uk .