The print industry is more than just ink on paper—it’s a dynamic, evolving field with long-term career potential. It’s certainly wrong to assume print is fading; industry trends and talent retention data tell a different story. From career mobility to mentorship and innovation, print offers professionals following almost any career path numerous opportunities to grow and succeed.
What our Rising Star Award winners tell us
Tracking past winners of our Rising Star Awards, between 2021 and 2024, reveals encouraging, positive retention trends within the industry:
- 82 (42%) remained in their current roles
- 45 (24%) progressed their career by moving to other companies within print
- 26 (13%) earned internal promotions
Our winners’ experience indicates that once within the sector, it proves to be a great place to build a career. Against this backdrop, understanding what keeps young talent engaged can help print businesses build stronger career pathways.
Why young talent stays in print
At the 2024 Print Show Knowledge Zone, past Rising Star winners shared key factors that influenced their decision to stay and grow in the industry.
Print is thriving
Despite misconceptions; print is alive with innovation and opportunity. “Before the industry, I was blind to how much print was around us,” says Isabel Shanahan, Mac Operator at ImageCo. The diversity of print applications—from packaging to large-format graphics—makes it an exciting space to explore.
Industry visibility matters
Companies must actively engage young job seekers where they explore careers. “We have to be visible to encourage people to join us,” notes Gabby Solarek, Account Manager at Eight Group. By showcasing print’s impact across industries, businesses can attract fresh talent.
Strong employer branding
An engaging, up-to-date online presence helps companies stand out. “Making sure your company profile online is up to date is important,” says Aaron Toombs, Prepress Operator at BCQ Solutions. Highlighting exciting projects and company culture makes a difference in attracting and retaining employees.
Career growth & development
Structured training and mentorship are crucial for retention. “Young people need to be trained right and mentored correctly,” Aaron emphasises. Career development opportunities should be clearly communicated, ensuring professionals see a future in print.
Jessica Wallace, Head of Client Services at Citipost Mail, shares her motivation for staying and growing within the industry: “I want to be able to move up the ladder in this fantastic industry to pave the way for the younger upcoming talent! I just want to champion all things mail and print.”
Additionally, many professionals recognise the importance of continuous learning to advance their careers. Carys Vickers, Marketing and Communications Officer at New Writing North, highlights the role of training in her growth: “I chose training that will help me develop more of a specialism in my career, and that will push me out of my comfort zone to help develop skills I don’t currently feel very confident in.”
Investing in cross-department experiences, skill-building, and ongoing learning strengthens employee commitment and ensures print professionals are equipped to adapt to industry advancements.
For those looking to build a stable and rewarding career, the print industry remains a great place to grow, innovate, and succeed. As Gabby puts it, “Print is modern-day magic.”
Take the next step in your print career
Are you passionate about building a future in print? Our Rising Star Awards provide funding of up to £1,500 towards a course or training programme to help you gain new skills, grow in confidence, and progress your career in our thriving industry. Find out more on our Rising Star hub page.
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