The Women in Print initiative, set up by the East Midlands Print Media & Graphics Network (EMPMGN), aims to improve career opportunities for women in print and related sectors in Nottinghamshire.

EMPMGN chief executive Paddy Crabtree (pictured left) said: "There are a lot of women in office-based roles and in finishing, but in design, pre-press and on the pressroom floor they're as rare as hen's teeth.

"We want to make the industry a level playing field for both men and women, starting from training upwards."

He stressed that the aim of the scheme was not to push men out of jobs.

The BPIF, the GPMU, the Print Education Forum and two local print colleges, South Nottingham College and Leicester College of Print, are partners in the scheme. Funding has also come from the European Social Fund.

The scheme, officially launched by Sheriff of Nottingham Derek Creswell (centre) and Helene Reardon Bond (right) of the DTI's Women and Equality Unit on 21 October, will have its inaugural meeting on 8 December.

Crabtree said that the scheme would initially launch in Nottinghamshire before later expanding to neighbouring counties in the East Midlands region.

Contact 0115 914 6259 or info@printsector.net.

Story by Josh Brooks