A new industry initiative is bringing together businesses, educators and professionals to broaden access to careers across the UK print, communications and visual media sectors.
Print Tomorrow has officially launched with a mission to help the industry attract, develop and retain a more diverse range of talent, ensuring print remains innovative, relevant and equipped for future growth.
The initiative has been established in response to a challenge facing many businesses across the sector: while print has transformed dramatically in recent years, awareness of the career opportunities it offers has not kept pace.
Today’s print industry extends far beyond traditional perceptions, encompassing data, automation, digital communications, creative services, packaging, sustainability and emerging technologies. Yet many people remain unaware of the breadth of opportunities available, resulting in a talent pipeline that does not fully reflect the diversity of the modern print environment.
With the average age of the workforce now over 45 — and many businesses expecting to lose up to 40% of their skilled staff within the next decade — employers are already struggling to recruit the people they need. Two-thirds of print businesses report difficulty filling skilled roles, particularly in digital, technical and hybrid creative-technical positions. Without widening access to new and diverse talent, the industry risks falling behind at a time when innovation and adaptability have never been more important. Print Tomorrow aims to address this by creating stronger connections between industry, education and individuals from a wider range of backgrounds, experiences and career paths.
Unlike many existing industry initiatives that focus primarily on engaging school leavers and young people entering the workforce, Print Tomorrow takes a broader view of the talent challenge.
While several successful programs already support young people entering the industry, Print Tomorrow has been established to complement these efforts by widening access even further. Its focus extends beyond early careers, encouraging people from diverse backgrounds and alternative career paths to discover opportunities within the modern print, communications and visual media sectors.
By widening the conversation beyond traditional recruitment routes, Print Tomorrow aims to help the industry build a workforce that better reflects the customers, communities and markets it serves.
The initiative will focus on:
- Raising awareness of modern careers in print and communications
- Supporting outreach activities in education, government and communities
- Promoting opportunities for career changers and underrepresented groups
- Facilitating mentoring, networking and industry engagement
- Helping businesses showcase the opportunities available within the sector
“The print industry offers exciting, rewarding and future-focused careers, but too many people simply don’t know the opportunities exist. Print Tomorrow has been created to change that.
We’re not trying to replicate the excellent work already being done across the industry. Print Tomorrow exists to complement those efforts by reaching audiences who may never have considered print as a career option, whether they’re 18, 28 or 38.
By bringing together businesses, educators and industry professionals, we can help open the door to a wider and more diverse talent pool. This isn’t just about attracting more people into print; it’s about ensuring the industry reflects the communities and customers it serves while securing the skills it needs for the future.”
The initiative is now inviting organisations and individuals across the industry to get involved.
Businesses can support the program through outreach activities, mentoring, work experience opportunities, apprenticeships, advocacy and collaboration. Industry professionals are also encouraged to share their experiences and help inspire the next generation of talent.
As the sector continues to evolve, Print Tomorrow believes attracting talent from a broader range of backgrounds will be essential to driving innovation, creativity and long-term growth.
Get Involved
To find out more, become a supporter or explore partnership opportunities, visit: www.printtomorrow.co.uk
