PRINTITRESELLER.UK 43 these things are secondary to the idea of coming in to affect positive change, which is ultimately more important to the long-term goals of the business. The real appeal lies in being part of a sector that’s changing and being given the space to influence that change. We try to show that a career in print doesn’t mean sticking to old ways of working. Quite the opposite; we need people who are ready to help businesses leapfrog their competitors with smarter thinking and tech-led solutions. Young people are naturally curious and keen to improve things. Print gives them a platform to streamline processes, improve sustainability, and help customers work more efficiently. Steve Pearce: Clear communication is key. We do our best to make sure that not just the nuts and bolts of a print career are described to prospective younger recruits, but the wider requirements of a role and the significance of the work they do. If there is a clear purpose to their role, they will be more likely to be engaged and to want to learn everything there is to know about things like hardware, channel programmes or the print supply chain. Danny Molhoek: Few industries offer such a broad exposure – from hardware to software, large enterprises to small and medium businesses, a variety of industries and business models, private and public sectors and all profiles of end-users from all over the world. We emphasise the opportunity to cybersecurity experts. To enable access to opportunities in this evolving industry for young people of all abilities and backgrounds, we must ensure that the digital skills space develops to accommodate all levels. PrintIT Reseller: A career in print offers opportunities to work with global companies, learn about hardware as well as software, end-user engagement, channel structures and programs, as well as manufacturing, logistics, supply chains etc. How do you make this appeal to the next generation? Catherine Kennedy: For young graduates, the opportunities to be employed on structured graduate programmes is diminishing. The number seeking employment remains high, and many are competing for a limited number of graduate job positions. Offering structured graduate training programmes could be a way to appeal to young people looking for their first role in the industry. Caz Butcher: We’re serious about supporting early-career talent. That includes structured onboarding, direct exposure to customers, clear development pathways, and strong support from experienced knowledge and people leaders. We also create space to ask questions, experiment, and learn through collaboration. That’s how capability and confidence grow. Print might not be seen as the flashiest part of tech, but it’s essential, global, and full of opportunities. And at PaperCut, new talent doesn’t just join the journey – they help PaperCut shape where it goes next. Nick Taylor: We bring these opportunities to life by showing young people the bigger picture – that a career in print is a gateway to working across diverse sectors and technologies. Furthermore, we pair these opportunities with the work-life balance, inclusive culture, and personal development young people value. The career path might start in print, but it can also lead to a whole world of other possibilities. Shaun Wilkinson: It comes down to how we frame the opportunity. Supply chains and logistics might not be what excites someone at the start of their career, but is Lexmark’s use of cloud technology, advanced cybersecurity safeguards, AI and the IoT. The print industry has the potential to become one of the greenest industries. In times of climate change and heightened awareness of the need to protect our planet, especially by the Millennial and Gen-Z generations, it is Lexmark’s focus on the circular economy and remanufacturing, that attracts young talents who want to make a positive impact in this world. For young professionals who want to marry innovation, technology and sustainability with real-world applications and impacts, the modern print industry offers a compelling and often overlooked opportunity. Rebecca Rodger: In my experience, new recruits are highly attracted to AI‑driven automation, augmented reality, cloud-based print management, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives. Cloud-based print management, for example, is a growing interest as it offers transferable skills that are useful across various industries. One of the key advantages we have as a sector is the accessibility we can offer across all skill levels. For example, we offer a range of apprenticeships from digital and tech solutions degree apprenticeship, Level 4 electromechanical apprenticeship and Level 3 engineering apprenticeship. We believe in creating diverse entry routes into the digital space, as not all young individuals emerge from school as superb coders or VOX POP continued... Steve Pearce Rebecca Rodger
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