Registration has opened for the Next Generation training workshop being run by Fespa UK at the Coventry Transport Museum on 21 February.
Tailored for those aged 18-30 in the print, signage, and graphics industry, the day will aim to equip participants with skills for success, focusing on nurturing sales techniques, enhancing communication skills, understanding the target audience and building confidence through practical exercises. Delegates will also have networking time.
Kennedy Ross will be providing the training sessions and has been chosen by Fespa UK because of its attention to detail and engagement with young participants. Also attending will be The Printing Charity, providing a short Q&A on its Rising Star Awards and how to get involved, as well as the Next Generation Initiative supporters Zund UK, SwissQPrint, Compass Business Finance and Vivid Laminating Technologies.
"We are excited to continue investing in the next generation of talent within our industry. This training day is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the skills and talents of young professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to take on all the challenges that are faced in print, signage, and graphics, particularly those that come with communication and sales. We have carefully picked out our training providers so that the workshops are impactful and resonate with all our attendees,” said Jay Burfield, membership development executive at Fespa UK and chair of the Next Generation committee.
The Next Generation project kicked-off in 2023. “Without opportunities like this younger members of our team who want to progress could remain stagnant in their roles and would take longer to learn new skills required to advance their careers. What we have already seen from the inaugural meeting, which two of our team members attended, is the positive effect it has throughout the business. I strongly believe becoming a leader in our industry requires a good network of peers and support outside your own business, and what a great opportunity for these young recruits to grow their own professional contacts,” said Simon Wheeler, managing director, Stylographics.
Isabel Shanahan, Mac operator at Imageco, and a member of the Next Generation committee, added: “I believe the Next Gen committee and our events are important because they provide a wider sense of community and friendship within the industry. The use of events are a perfect opportunity for like-minded young people to socialise and create new connections within the industry."