The print industry is as diverse as it is expansive, making it the fifth largest employment sector in the UK. Yet it is an aging workforce with young people perhaps not seeing a clear pathway into print. That’s where Young People in Print come in; they are an organisation looking to champion the industry to the youth while also supporting those already thriving in it. Jo Stephenson, managing director of Think B2B Marketing and YPIP board member, explains more.
Jo Stephenson, managing director of Think B2B marketing
Where/when did you get your start?
I worked in substrate production (plastic films) for 14 years and then moved to Sun Chemical in 2007, where I was working in the liquid inks business for the flexo and gravure side of the print industry, as well as sheetfed inks.
What skills have you developed, and what are your opinions on the industry?
I’m in a very fortunate position having worked in so many different sectors of the industry – commercial print, sign and display, and packaging – cartons, flexible packaging, labels and corrugated. As such, I’m often asked to speak at conferences and expos on the broader print and packaging industry trends, needs and challenges. Most people are working within one market sector. There isn’t many of us that can talk to the broader industry, which is a lovely position to be in. From a commercial and marketing background, today I work with numerous businesses on their strategy and marketing needs helping them frame their companies and products in a way that appeals to their target customers.
Print and packaging are fantastic sectors – it’s just such a shame that broader society doesn’t seem to recognise its contributions today. It’s simply not recognised by the non-industry media. If there is ever an economic issue, the media and government talk to the needs of the engineering, technology, aerospace or automative sectors for example, but never print and packaging. Its perceived as small, old fashioned and out of date, when the reality is completely different. It’s a vibrant, growth sector with huge opportunities for careers and economic value but seems to slip through the net when it comes to selling its value, despite being the fifth largest employment sector in the UK.
What is the YPIP (Young People in Print)?
A small group of volunteers came together a couple of years back frustrated that there is a lot of talk in the industry (and not a lot of action) with respect to attracting and retaining young talent into print and packaging.
We chatted about how the industry is suffering from its brain drain and aging workforce over a glass of wine, and how while we are all talking about it, very little is actually being done that is really making a difference. We got together, made a plan, talked to the education sector and here we are.
We work with education and careers hubs to connect local print businesses to the education system to provide opportunities to ‘see’ what the print and packaging industry is actually like. As the old saying goes, ‘you have to see it to be it’.
Young people have no idea what great opportunities the print industry offers. There is no educational route into the industry today bar some apprenticeship routes post school and we wanted to showcase what the industry is actually about by enabling them to visit printers, see the technology and people in action, and discover what career opportunities were available. We hopefully inspire and educate them to make the print industry a choice for their future career.
What work does it do today?
We began by working with printers to open up their facilities to small school groups. While this worked relatively well, we wanted to create real change not just drip feed the industry. We came up with the idea in 2024 to encourage multiple printers to open their businesses all on the same day – International Print Day on October 8 – and we were delighted that 74 printers signed up. The UK print industry was open to the education system on that day for teachers to take their students to a local printer to discover what print is all about, how future careers could be considered and how these companies work with brands, retailers and businesses to produce outstanding printed products.
With this success, we, as a group, are continuing to encourage printer engagement. For example, we are currently working with Equalex on a government-funded pilot in the Wakefield, West Yorkshire area on providing work experience for students in print and packaging businesses in the area. And, we hope to see the UK open for students again on this year’s International Print Day on October 25.
What % of the workforce is classified as young people?
We would classify anyone under 25 entering the sector as a young person and the data on the actual make-up of the sector is not that clear at the moment. The BPIF has done a good job in the past of assessing the demographics of the industry, suggesting an average age of 48 for employees. Saying that though I work with a printer who has two 70+ year olds and one 80+ year old working in his business as he’s struggling to attract and train up sufficiently skilled staff. This is the issue.
How does the group attract new members?
We’re an open group. We have a small group of us that lead the initiatives, but anyone is able to join and support. Just follow us on Linkedin or send a message to our website www.ypip.co.uk and we will reach out to support you.
- Paul Stead – ASL
- Kelvin Bell – Vpress
- Lucy Swanston – Nutshell Creative
- Elizabeth Bowerman – Thistle and Rose Print Consultancy
- Jo Stephenson – Think B2B Marketing
- Del Simmonds – Dayfold Group
How important are groups like this, not just for young people in the business but for the industry altogether?
Incredibly important. While trade associations do a fantastic job, sometimes being a small, volunteer-led group means you’re more accountable and giving back to the sector that has put food on your table for many years. I think our team feels incredibly passionate about that – giving back and making the future of the sector brighter.
How does the group operate?
We meet monthly on Teams and have an active WhatsApp group where we chat about what’s next, ideas, successes and for general activity. It works well. Not too much formality – a more doing attitude and approach.
How did you get involved?
I’m the one in the group that has a slightly different remit in that I represent more of the packaging industry – whereas the others are predominantly from the commercial print sector. I’d been asked to speak at some online events during Covid where I met Kelvin and Paul and, to be honest, they knew I was a “doer” and passionate about my trade. They contacted me to get involved to help balance the group and it’s been fantastic working with them ever since.
What would your best piece of advice be for young people starting or just about to start their career in print?
My team laugh at me, but I always say go into your boss with a question and two answers and ask for their advice on which answer is best. Never simply go in with a question. You have a responsibility to learn. Be curious. Take all the knowledge and advice from those who’ve been in the game for years and use their experience to your advantage. There really are no stupid answers – only those that have not been well thought out. The print industry is dynamic, complex, fun, evolving and a great place to work. If you are curious, proactive and positive, the world is your oyster.
What events do the YPIP host?
We host open days for the education system in print businesses. We are action-oriented not discussion-oriented. We leave the industry events for those who do it well. But, we do speak at events about how people can get involved, what it’s all about and how we need to change things as a sector.
