23 October nationwide initiative

YPIP urges printers to throw open doors to young talent

10 September 2024

Companies & suppliers

YPIP was set up to inspire the next generation of print employees

The Young People in Print (YPIP) team, a group of volunteers set up to inspire the next generation of employees in the print industry, is supporting companies from across the UK to throw open their doors on 23 October to welcome visits from local schools and colleges.

Coinciding with the 10th International Print Day, an annual celebration that brings together printing professionals from around the world to celebrate the art, science, and innovation of print, the YPIP team is aiming to offer a nationwide experience.

The day will see printers and their supply chain companies – from OEMs to substrates, inks, adhesives and software businesses – run open houses, inviting local students to visit and see what the print industry is all about.

Paul Stead, sales at ASL Group and YPIP volunteer, said: “We’ve been running open houses with individual printers this year, helping them to attract students from local schools and colleges to visit and explore what the print industry can offer them.

“While this approach has been welcomed, it’s clear we need to do something on a far broader scale if we’re going to truly make an impact. International Print Day seems the logical day to say to the education and careers system in the UK that the print industry is seeking new talent, come on in and see what we have to offer!”

Joanna Stephenson, managing director at PHD Marketing and also a YPIP volunteer, added: “A large number of printers across the country have already agreed to open their doors to students on 23 October and we would love to see this spirit of collaboration and proactive promotion of our industry be replicated across the country.

“Whatever sector you’re in, this is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the print industry as a great option for a career.”

The YPIP team said it is committed to linking companies to their local careers hub so they can get local schools and colleges on board and plan the numbers visiting directly. YPIP can also provide an agenda for the day and a PowerPoint deck to support companies if required.

“All companies need to do is offer refreshments, a talk and tour, and showcase the passion and potential our industry offers,” Stephenson added. Stead said UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) is also on board and will be promoting the print industry with a dedicated page on its website, giving access to thousands of young people seeking apprenticeships.

“There’s lots going on to drive the awareness of our industry forward to students, but we need printers and their supply chains – whatever their market sector – to get involved, open their doors on 23 October and help change perceptions of our fantastic industry.”

Companies wishing to get involved can visit www.ypip.co.uk for further information and to confirm their participation.

Read the new Printweek briefing from the current issue of the magazine about the various ways the print industry can help itself to attract young talent.