Business | Talking Point
YPIP board member
Yorkshire area on providing work experience for students in print and packaging businesses in the area. We hope to see the UK open for students again on this year’s International Print Day on October 25.
What percent of the workforce is classified as young people? We would classify anyone younger than 25 entering the sector as a young person and the data on the actual make-up of the sector is not that clear at the moment. The BPIF has done a good job in the past of assessing the demographics of the industry, suggesting an average age of 48 for employees. Saying that though, I work with a printer who has two 70+ year olds and one 80+ year old working in his business as he’s struggling to attract and train up sufficiently skilled staff. This is the issue.
How does the group attract new members? We’re an open group. We have a small collective of us that lead the initiatives, but anyone is able to join and support. Just follow us on LinkedIn or send a message to our website
www.ypip.co.uk and we (board members below) will reach out to support you. • Paul Stead – ASL • Kelvin Bell – Vpress • Lucy Swanston – Nutshell Creative • Elizabeth Bowerman – Thistle and Rose Print Consultancy • Jo Stephenson – Think B2B Marketing • Del Simmonds – Dayfold Group
How important are groups like this, not just for young people in the business but for the industry altogether? Incredibly important. While trade associations do a fantastic job, sometimes being a small, volunteer-led group means you’re more accountable and giving back to the sector that has put food on your table for many years. I think our team feels incredibly passionate about that – giving back and making the future of the sector brighter.
How does the group operate? We meet monthly on Microsoft Teams and have an active WhatsApp group where we chat about what’s next, ideas, successes and for general activity. It works well. Not too much formality – a more doing attitude and approach.
How did you get involved?
I’m the one in the group that has a slightly different remit in that I represent more of the packaging industry – whereas the others are predominantly from the commercial print sector. I’d been asked to speak at some online events during COVID where I met Kelvin and Paul and, to be honest, they knew I was a ‘doer’ and passionate about my trade. They contacted me to get involved to help balance the group and it’s been fantastic working with them ever since.
What would your best piece of advice be for young people starting or just about to start their career in print? My team laugh at me, but I always say go to your boss with a question and two answers and ask for their advice on which answer is best. Never simply go in with a question. You have a responsibility to learn. Be curious. Take all the knowledge and advice from those who’ve been in the game for years and use their experience to your advantage. There really are no stupid answers – only those that have not been well thought out. The print industry is dynamic, complex, fun, evolving and a great place to work. If you are curious, proactive and positive, the world is your oyster.
What events do the YPIP host? We host open days for the education system in print businesses. We are action-oriented not discussion-oriented. We leave the industry events for those who do it well. But, we do speak at events about how people can get involved, what it’s all about and how we need to change things as a sector.
www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | 19
WE HOPEFULLY INSPIRE AND EDUCATE
YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE THE PRINT INDUSTRY A CHOICE FOR THEIR FUTURE
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