MacroArt has partnered with non-profit organisation Inspire 2 Ignite to help attract more young people into the print industry.
Focusing on NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) youths in the UK, Inspire 2 Ignite’s organic referral programme places young people in industries best suited to their interests and skill sets. Now MacroArt will provide mentoring, workshops, and guidance to individuals identified through the programme.
"At MacroArt, we've always believed in nurturing talent and offering opportunities to young people," said Lee Garnett, continuous improvement manager. "Partnering with Inspire 2 Ignite was a natural fit for us, aligning with our commitment to support young people in our community and open doors to the print industry."
Inspire 2 Ignite was founded by Alex Hughes, who overcame his personal struggles to provide a platform to support marginalised individuals. Using career fairs, the organisation hosts immersive 'Curious Corners' which engage young minds through interactive elements such as DJ decks and thought-provoking activities. Indeed, it was this engaging approach which sparked MacroArt’s interest in Inspire 2 Ignite.
Inspire 2 Ignite now boasts 27 champions, including three from MacroArt, across 22 partners, as part of its network.
Hughes and CEO Sam Squire will be attending MacroArt’s St. Neots headquarters this month to talk to people across all levels of the business, including its ‘early career's ambassador’ team. The goal is to inspire and recruit more champions who resonate with the business’s ethos and values, promoting a supportive environment for their growth.
Squire said: “We are extremely excited about Inspire 2 Ignite and MacroArt aligning. They work with some of the biggest brands in the world and have incredible humans who care in their team. I’ve had the privilege of listening to how their culture has helped young people excel from alternative pathways and I believe it’s an ideal organisation to organically refer young people from the community to.”