Rising Star: Charlie James Cox, HP Indigo print operator, Berkshire Labels

Charlie is 24 and has been working in the industry since October 2020. His most recent claim to fame is that he won the Trainee of the Year award at this year’s Printweek Awards – congratulations Charlie and we love the livestreaming idea!

What did you study, and did you have a particular career in mind?
I studied computers at college so was looking for a career in IT

How did you find your way into the industry?
My uncle introduced me to Berkshire Labels having worked there for 20-plus years

Did you know anything about print beforehand?
Almost zero, the only print I was aware of was desktop printers

What does your current role entail?
Printing, colour matching and finishing labels for customers

What’s the most enjoyable or interesting thing about it?
Learning new things every day. During my time at Berkshire Labels I have been given a lot of challenges, but with the support of the digital team I have been able to overcome them

Do you have an ideal career path mapped out?
Yes, working my way up to becoming a HP level 4 operator

What would be your dream job (print related)?
To have and run my own print company

What would be your dream job (not print related)?
Content creator (YouTube and Twitch)

What’s top of your playlist at the moment?
Tekkno Train by Electric Callboy

Which box set would you recommend?
Stargate Atlantis

What’s your most-used app?
YouTube and Spotify

What has surprised you most about working in the printing industry?
It has surprised me how much time, work and passion goes into producing just one label

What could the printing industry be doing more of to entice young people into print?
Talk about print in schools. Also live stream the Printweek Awards, so that young people have the opportunity to see all the hard work that goes into producing the products they see on the shelves

If you ruled the world...?
I would make it easier for the world to share resources (food, water, materials etc)