01732 759725 42 to shape the way people work. That kind of purpose matters. Therefore, it’s important that we empower them to bring new ideas and ways of thinking to the table. Good change comes when experienced professionals and new recruits work together. Steve Pearce: Absolutely – it’s important to make the connection between print and the other, trendier elements of the tech ecosystem. Printers, for example, offer a potential route for hackers to access and compromise an entire business, so print security is a hugely important discipline where hungry, skilled professionals are needed. The better this is communicated to potential new recruits, the more likely interest in the industry will grow. Also, young people entering the workforce now are focused not just on a job that pays the bills, but one that delivers fulfilment in terms of sustainable and ethical practices, as well as a positive working culture. We work hard to promote our growth and transformation in this respect at Kyocera. Danny Molhoek: Print is at the forefront of technology trends, such as AI, IoT, cloud technology, cybersecurity and sustainability. MFPs have been at the intersection of the analogue and digital worlds, enabling organisations’ digital transformation journeys in a variety of surprising ways — most simply, for instance, using their scanning functionality to digitise classic paperbased processes. On top of that, there capture the imagination of the next generation. PrintIT Reseller: The industry is evolving and modernising – think AI-driven automation, augmented reality, cloud-based print management, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives. In your experience recruiting new talent, are innovations such as this attractive to potential new recruits? Catherine Kennedy: Yes – younger people do appear to have a heightened concern for environmental issues and climate change, influencing their consumer choices and career aspirations. They are more likely than older generations to prioritise sustainability, actively seeking environmentally friendly products and services. This is also reflected in their willingness to search for jobs in companies with strong environmental policies. Again, the opportunity is for print companies to ensure that their environmental initiatives are clearly communicated to potential employees. Nick Taylor: Absolutely. New recruits today are normally looking for growth opportunities and a sense of purpose, not to mention a good work-life balance. Technologies like AI, AR, and digital workflows aren’t just buzzwords – they’re visible, meaningful signs that the print industry is innovating. Young professionals want to be part of something future-focused and ethical. They want to work for a company that not only embraces change but leads it. Epson’s commitment to sustainable innovation is a powerful message, and we drive this daily with our heat-free proposition and solutions like PaperLab. These tell interested job applicants that they’ll have the chance to work with purpose. Shaun Wilkinson: Yes, these innovations are definitely attractive to the next generation, especially when you mention terms like AI and augmented reality, which are very much buzzwords for younger audiences. But the key for us when recruiting new talent is digital transformation. Young professionals are looking for roles and careers where they can make an impact. We see real engagement when they understand they’re not just supporting technology; they’re helping Danny Molhoek, Vice President EMEA Sales, Lexmark: Print today is so much more than just hardware. Once young applicants realise the magnitude of the latest technology behind print, their perception of the industry shifts positively. Rebecca Rodger, Apprentice and Talent Development Manager, Ricoh: The print industry is quietly undergoing an exciting transformation and offers opportunities for young talent to mould the shape of the sector for years to come. Often perceived as traditional or analogue, modern print is evolving into a sector powered by advanced automation, data-driven processes and sustainable innovation. From high-speed inkjet and variable data printing to AI-driven workflows, creativity meets cutting-edge technology. There is an opportunity for young people to build careers that combine digital fluency with tangible, real-world impact, something increasingly rare in a digital-first world. There’s a huge opportunity to learn future-facing skills in areas like colour science, digital manufacturing, and sustainable production, all while working on products people interact with every day. To attract this next generation, the print industry must continue showcasing itself as not only innovative but essential. With the right messaging, partnerships, and investment in skills, print can absolutely VOX POP …continued Danny Molhoek Nick Taylor
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDUxNDM=