Industry Insider: How to get Gen Ys onto print’s career ladder

The printing industry offers an exciting long-term career path for school leavers. I should know: I entered the industry in 2010, straight out of high school, when I accepted a pre-press apprenticeship from Sinnott Brothers.

I definitely think more young people should join the industry. There are many different trade and apprenticeship options that offer the chance to work, learn and earn. Another good thing is the diversity of jobs, making it possible to shift from one pathway to another during your career while still remaining in the industry.

So how can the industry attract more young people? A good start would be to let them know about all the opportunities I just mentioned. Most of my friends have no idea about the different avenues out there, like printing, pre-press, binding and finishing, graphic design, IT, photography and media advertising. They also don’t realise there is a lot of high-quality training around, as companies like Sinnott Brothers and organisations such as the Lithographic Institute of Australia (LIA) want to do all they can to nurture the future leaders of the industry.

My friends are also surprised when I tell them how much technology is in the industry. There’s a false perception out there that the industry is somehow stuck in the past. The industry is constantly evolving alongside modern technologies That’s a message that needs to be relayed.

I think another way the industry can attract young people is to offer incentives. The LIA, with support from Heidelberg, has done a good job of motivating graduates with competitions, scholarships and awards. You really strive to be your best when you know you could be nominated Graduate of the Year, or even win overseas study trips to the biggest international printing expos such as Drupa and Ipex. The lucky winners – and fingers crossed I’ll be one! – get to experience the print industry at an international level, communicate with peers from all over the world and learn all about its changing future and evolving technology.

This takes me all the way back to 2006, when I chose graphics as one of my elective subjects in high school. I started learning graphic design and programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and soon realised I wanted to pursue a career in the industry.

The key to happiness is to find something you love doing – and then get paid to do it. I think that saying applies to me. I’ve found a career where I can express my talents, while being able to grow, learn and achieve success. If we can find a way to spread that positive message, I’m sure lots of other young people will want to follow the same path.

Samuel Moss is the NSW LIA-Heidelberg Graduate of the Year and is in the running for the national award

[Related: More Industry Insider columns]

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