An Honest Reflection on Apprenticeships in Print
In this edition of Fresh Perspectives, KGK Genix, a provider of wide-format print solutions, highlights the experience of one of its print apprentices, Tom Brazier
Nathan Mclauchlan – Welsh, recruitment consultant for MTWO (Matching Talent With Opportunity), talks about his introduction to the print and signage industries, as well as how we can bring younger people into businesses
I joined the print industry just over two years ago, but being in recruitment, it feels much longer. Flash back to two years ago and it was a tossup whether I would be part of a packaging or print team, and it was purely down to chance that I found myself in the industry.
Like most people I speak with, I hadn’t heard of print or signage before working in the space. Sure, you have your assumptions, my mind would go straight to an old-fashioned newspaper factory if you had asked me a few years ago, but I think we all know, and you quickly learn – there’s much more to print than just that.
I remember when starting out I had a little list in front of me when speaking with candidates, highlighting all of the different brands of printers, finishing equipment, and different roles and duties. The production side was where I found myself having the most conversations at the beginning, learning all the different names, probably stumbling my way through initial qualifications at that point, purely learning the ropes and finer details about the industry.
If you told me two years ago that I would have moved on from the first recruitment business I worked for (with one of the leading factors being how involved with the print industry the new business is) I would have thought you were joking. Being completely truthful, as a fresh 20-year-old with no responsibilities, I didn’t care what industry I recruited in, I just wanted to try and earn as much money as possible at that point.
I hear it day in and day out, people falling into the industry by chance, falling in love with the capabilities, seeing their designs, their prints, their installs come to life in front of their eyes
Little did I think over the next two years I would become so invested and intrigued by print, going out of my way to dig deeper, learn more, and find new ways to get myself involved in the industry (albeit often from a distance at my desk). The industry I fell into by chance, was now something I was following when deciding the next steps in my career.
But it’s not just me, as a recruiter I hear it day in and day out, people falling into the industry by chance, falling in love with the capabilities, seeing their designs, their prints, their installs come to life in front of their eyes. Print has a way of really grabbing you without you realising, and by the time you do, you’re in too deep.
We all know recruitment is a bit of a dark art, but I count myself very lucky to be in the middle of the industry. No, you won’t find me on a printer or a scissor lift (although I would love to give it a go), but I do have the opportunity to get unique insights from both candidates and clients points of view. I get to play a key part in helping a business grow, or helping shape someone’s career with their next perfect role.
Something that’s been a hot topic over the past few months, and something I feel quite strongly about, is how can we get more young people into print.
Being 22 and in the middle of the industry when it comes to hiring new people, or people wanting to be hired, I feel I can give a pretty good view on how we can tackle this issue, as well as what is already happening.
What is brilliant to see, is how many businesses are actively going out of their way to hire younger people, whether that be through apprenticeships, utilising industry bodies such as FESPA or The Printing Charity, or mucking in themselves and hiring with entry level roles.
On the flip side with candidates, the number of people I am speaking with now who have joined the industry over the last few years through alternate routes, that weren’t available previously, is brilliant, and we are definitely moving in a very positive direction. It’s something I see reflected in our own business too, which makes it even better to be part of.
I am fortunate that my manager, Matt Hanley, has really invested himself into the print industry, getting heavily involved with things like the Rising Star Awards, doing numerous talks at different shows, and even creating a podcast with some other brilliant print professionals.
I have seen firsthand how welcoming this industry is and how it is looking to welcome fresh talent into the industry. If anyone reading is looking or knows of anyone looking at how they can be a part of the space, I will gladly make time to have a conversation and point them in the best direction.
I hear it day in and day out, people falling into the industry by chance, falling in love with the capabilities, seeing their designs, their prints, their installs come to life in front of their eyes
As a business, MTWO are partnered with some brilliant clients and surrounding industry friends, so if you are a print or signage business looking for fresh ideas on how you can help future proof the industry, my phone or inbox is always welcoming for those kinds of conversations.
As previously mentioned, it was complete chance I ended up in print, and I think that’s the case for most people I speak with, but that’s the beauty of this industry, you come into it with no understanding or some very wrong preconceptions, and you very quickly find yourself fully immersed.
I absolutely wouldn’t change a thing, and I look forward to watching and playing a part in future proofing the print and signage industries.
