Young People in Print rebrands as Young People in Print and Packaging (YPIPP), urging employers to tackle youth unemployment through structured apprenticeships
The non-profit industry initiative Young People in Print has officially rebranded as Young People in Print and Packaging (YPIPP). The updated title reflects the deepening integration between the commercial print and industrial packaging sectors, highlighting a unified effort to address severe recruitment challenges, systemic skills shortages, and an ageing regional workforce.
Coinciding with the rebrand, the organisation has issued an urgent call to action for employers across the supply chain, following the publication of a landmark government report into youth unemployment. The national study revealed that at the end of 2025, nearly one million individuals aged between 16 and 24 were classified as not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The findings detailed how widening regional inequalities, disjointed local transport links, and a lack of structured community support networks are combining to prevent young people from entering the modern workforce.
YPIPP states that these statistics must serve as an immediate wake-up call for the print and packaging sectors. The industry is currently experiencing a critical transition phase, marked by a rising demand for technical, manufacturing-led, and sustainability-focused skill sets that are essential for long-term commercial viability.
Jo Stephenson, Managing Director at Think B2B Marketing and YPIPP board member, said, “This report is not print and packaging-specific, but we ignore it at our peril. It makes clear that traditional routes into employment are breaking down, leaving a large pool of potential talent disconnected from industries that need them. That talent is out there, but too many young people have no clear, accessible route into print and packaging.”
Stephenson emphasised that the industry must take responsibility for its own lack of visibility, noting that while young attendees at outreach events demonstrate a strong desire to work, they remain largely unaware of the diverse career trajectories available within the modern graphics and packaging landscape.
To bridge this gap, YPIPP is advising businesses to move away from passive recruitment methods and instead implement active, localised engagement strategies. Recommended practical pathways include forming direct partnerships with local schools and colleges, hosting organised factory site visits, offering short-term taster sessions, establishing pre-apprenticeship mentoring schemes, and utilising supported placements or trial shifts to break down entry barriers.
Operating as a cross-sector non-profit, YPIPP coordinates with businesses, regional organisers, and specialised training providers to build accessible career pathways through workshops, seminars, and community outreach campaigns. A second government report containing specific policy recommendations for tackling youth unemployment is due for publication in the autumn.
Stephenson added, “Print and packaging companies can’t solve this crisis on their own, but they can play a major role in its solution and use their expertise to become a model for other industries to follow. That means working together, strengthening links with education, supporting apprenticeships, and giving young people a clearer view of the unlimited possibilities presented by this industry. If we want to secure the future of print and packaging, we need to open the door to young talent today.”