Industry associations unite to tackle print talent crisis

A cross-association meeting focused on addressing the growing workforce challenges across print and packaging was held last month, bringing together trade association leaders from across the UK to drive a more unified approach to talent attraction, development, and retention.

Print companies across the UK have reported recruitment challenges in recent years, especially the ability to attract and retain skilled employees.

In response, print-focused trade bodies have launched a range of initiatives to improve the image of the print industry to potential talent and to connect with the next generation in the education system.

This latest unified meeting of trade bodies, hosted by Fujifilm at its Bedford site, was convened and led by Joanna Stephenson, managing director of packaging and print specialist marketing agency, Think B2B Marketing.

Stephenson is also co-founder of voluntary organisation, Young People In Print (YPIP), an organisation championing industry collaboration and creating sustainable career pathways for the next generation of print and packaging professionals.

Representatives from leading packaging and print trade bodies attended the session including the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), Graphics and Print Media Alliance (GPMA), Sheet Plant Association (SPA), Flexo Industry Association UK (FIA UK), Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), British Coatings Federation (BCF), British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA), and the Printing Industry Confederation (PICON), alongside the YPIP team.

Discussions centred on several critical issues impacting the sector’s future workforce pipeline, including poor or outdated industry perception from the general public and the need for education system development to create career pathways.

There was strong consensus from trade bodies attending to foster greater alignment and more joint initiatives to achieving meaningful, industry-wide impact.

The event also included a presentation delivered by one of Fujifilm’s younger employees, who shared their perceptions of the industry prior to joining versus the reality of working within it today.

A collaborative action plan was developed on the day, focusing on practical initiatives to improve industry visibility, strengthen early-career pathways, and provide employers with the tools needed to attract and nurture emerging talent.

In a statement following the event, Think B2B says: “By bringing associations together in this format, YPIP has laid the groundwork for a more connected approach, ensuring the industry is better positioned to promote its strengths, modernise its image, and secure the talent it needs for the future.”