A new student survey shows that PrintIt!, the initiative to get youngsters interested in careers in print and packaging, is having a real impact. 74% of last year’s entrants felt they were well informed about printing after the PrintIt! competition compared to just four percent before.
“Raising awareness of careers in the industry amongst young people is key to the future of this vital manufacturing sector in the UK,” said Ian Aspley, general manager, Proskills UK.
PrintIt! Is an annual competition, managed by Proskills UK, in which students design and plan a print-based campaign on behalf of Fairtrade. More than 120,000 young people have taken part in the programme since 2007, gaining an understanding of sustainability issues and of the range of careers available in print, paper and packaging. Each student submits a project to the national PrintIt! competition which culminates each year in an awards ceremony where all the finalists, industry figures and print professionals come together to celebrate the students achievements.
A key element of the programme is the ‘twinning’ process, where schools form links to local companies, helping students to gain an insight into the practical side of the industries.
“It’s only through engaging with schools, exciting these young people and showing them what dynamic and creative industries print and packaging are, that we will attract the best talent,” added Tony Lock, PrintIt! chairman and managing director, Duplo UK.