Photo: UNESCO-UNEVOC/Mohammad Rakibul Hasan – World Youth Skills Day
Every year on 15 July, World Youth Skills Day reminds us of the power of skills to transform lives. It’s a day to celebrate the potential of young people and the importance of equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in work and life. At The Printing Charity, we see that potential come to life through our Rising Star Awards, a programme that supports young talent across the print, paper, packaging, publishing, and graphics sectors by providing up to £1500 in funding for the training and development they need to progress in their careers and shine.
Skills that shape careers
From leadership and marketing to sustainability and design, the courses chosen reflect the diversity and drive of the next generation.
Rising Stars have pursued a wide range of courses to support their career journeys, from leadership and management to digital marketing, SEO and agile project delivery. Gabby Solarek, Trainee Account Manager, Eight Days A Week Print Solutions, for example, took training in assertiveness and time management, saying it “transformed how I work and communicate.”
Others have explored graphic design and motion graphics to enhance their creative output, while some have focused on sustainability and environmental training to lead green initiatives in their organisations. As Abbie Wagstaff, who is a Digital Marketing Executive at Signs Express Ltd and a 2024 Rising Star Winner explained: “I used my award to complete a Digital Marketing Diploma. It’s opened doors I never thought possible and helped me bring fresh ideas to my team.”
Real stories, real impact
Every Rising Star has a unique trajectory. Some are stepping into leadership roles, others are bringing new skills to their teams, and many are using their training to spark innovation and change. Together, they form a constellation of emerging professionals guiding the industry forward. As Award judge Emma Fells puts it, “It’s not just a course, it’s a career catalyst.”
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 £1500 towards a course or training programme to help you gain new skills, grow in confidence and progress your career in our thriving industry. Next year’s applications will open in Spring. Find out more on our Rising Star hub page.
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