Inspiring the Next Generation: How Young People In Print Supports International Day of Print

The print industry is alive with innovation, creativity, and opportunity and yet for many young people, it’s still a hidden world.

At Young People In Print (YPIP), our mission is simple: to bridge that gap. We connect schools and colleges with print and packaging-related businesses to open young people’s eyes to the exciting careers available and to ensure our industry continues to thrive for generations to come.

Through YPIP, we’re building vital links between education and industry. We work with print companies across the UK to create opportunities for young people to step inside real workplaces, see the latest technology in action, and meet the people who make it all happen. These experiences are often transformative. Once students see the colour, the craft, and the cutting-edge innovation behind every printed product, they start to imagine themselves as part of it.

But our work doesn’t stop with school visits. We also provide practical support for employers who want to engage with young people but aren’t sure where to start. From helping businesses list entry-level opportunities to connecting them with local schools or colleges, YPIP acts as the link that brings everyone together. Our platform highlights the huge range of roles available - from design and production to data, sustainability, logistics, and leadership - showing that print is a vibrant, evolving industry with something for everyone.

At its heart, YPIP is about people. We believe that by nurturing curiosity and creating real connections, we can inspire the next generation to see print not as an old industry, but as a modern, sustainable, and dynamic one powered by technology, creativity, and collaboration.

Celebrating International Day of Print – 9^th October 2025

This October, we’re proud to champion International Day of Print - an international celebration dedicated to showcasing the importance of print and the people behind it. It’s a day for our industry to come together, open its doors, and welcome in the next wave of talent.

Across the country, printers will be inviting local schools, colleges, and communities to visit their sites*, take part in interactive workshops, and see the process of print up close. These open events are more than just a celebration; they’re a crucial part of securing the future of print. When young people see how technology, sustainability, and creativity come together in print, they begin to understand just how relevant and exciting our industry is today.

YPIP supports International Day of Print by helping to coordinate these activities, connecting businesses with education partners, and sharing the incredible stories that come out of the day. We believe that every press visit, every classroom talk, and every shared story plays a part in inspiring the workforce of tomorrow.

Building a Sustainable Future for Print

The long-term success of print depends on collective effort. We all have a role to play - from employers and educators to trade bodies and individuals. Supporting young people isn’t just about recruitment; it’s about storytelling, mentorship, and showing that print continues to innovate and adapt.

Our message is clear: be visible, be proactive, and be proud of print. The more we share our passion and invite others to experience it, the stronger our industry becomes.

So, this International Day of Print, let’s celebrate the craft, creativity, and community that make our industry special. Let’s open our doors, share our stories, and inspire the next generation to see print not as a thing of the past, but as a future full of potential.

Because together, we’re not just keeping print alive, we’re driving what it becomes next.

To find out more about YPIP and how it can support you to attract and retain young talent, get in touch.

* Due to the constraints of the educational curriculum, International Print Day is used as a vehicle to invite and collaborate but resulting open days happen throughout the year.