UK trade association leaders met to address the print and packaging talent crisis, focusing on industry perception and early-career pathways.
A cross-association meeting focused on the print and packaging industry’s workforce challenges has taken place, bringing together senior trade body leaders to establish a coordinated approach to talent. The session, held at Fujifilm’s Bedford site, was led by Joanna Stephenson, co-founder of Young People In Print (YPIP).
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), Graphics and Print Media Alliance (GPMA), Sheet Plant Association (SPA), and the Flexo Industry Association UK (FIA UK). Other major bodies present included the 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).
The discussions focused on a shared recognition that skills shortages and recruitment hurdles are sector-wide issues that cannot be solved by individual organisations in isolation. A presentation by a younger Fujifilm employee highlighted the gap between public perception and the reality of modern, technology-driven print environments, setting the stage for a debate on the industry’s image.
Several critical challenges were identified during the session, ranging from outdated public perceptions and competition with other sectors to the need for better integration with the national education system. The group also discussed the necessity of providing employers with better tools to retain skilled staff and the importance of refining training and development provisions.
While many associations highlighted existing programmes, there was a strong consensus that greater alignment is essential for meaningful impact. The meeting resulted in a collaborative action plan focusing on practical initiatives to improve industry visibility and strengthen early-career pathways.
The YPIP team facilitated the dialogue, aimed at breaking down silos and encouraging shared solutions across the print and packaging industry. The participants committed to an ongoing partnership, with the group scheduled to reconvene later this year to review progress and identify further opportunities for joint action.