PrintIT! 18 February 2008

Background Average age of workforce in UK printing industry 47 years and rising Skills “dying” with retiring staff Low numbers entering industry from school, college or university Printing industry not “cool” Dirty, hazardous (chemicals), anachronistic, low pay, low-tech

The Objective To encourage more young people to enter the printing industry

What is PrintIT!? Project-based competition for year olds in their first year of GCSE –Graphic Products and Product Design students –Engage directly with teachers –“print-centric” designs –Self-contained – all the teacher needs –Totally free –Very attractive prizes –Curriculum-mapped –Innovative “twinning” concept –Collaboration between print industry, education and charity sectors –Supported by Government with ministerial support

by changing commonly-held perceptions of the printing industry by informing GCSE students by presenting the positive aspects of the industry and by addressing some of the negative associations by teaching students about the technological advances in print and its role as part of the global communications industry and as an enabling technology for other industries by highlighting the career opportunities which exist and the training courses and qualifications available to young people by making the print industry the first choice for a new generation of skilled employees The Strategy

The Outcome Year secondary schools 23,000 + students twinning schools

The Outcome over 3 Years 1,000 + secondary schools over 3 years 61, year old students “exposed” to printing industry Prizes to finalist schools and finalist students Extensive editorial in trade press and national press exposure Helping print industry become first choice for next generation of talented young people More than 500 schools “twinned” with printers and combined on project Database of c2,300 secondary schools with named contacts phone/ etc Ongoing close relationship

F eedback “The introduction of the PrintlT! scheme has helped promote graphic products as an option subject. Before PrintlT! Graphic Products failed to attract large numbers of pupils at Keswick School and was in danger of being dropped as an option subject. In 2004 only 7 pupils opted to take Graphic products in Y10. Since then option numbers have steadily increased.” Alan Nanson, Teacher of Graphic Products, Keswick School September (two classes)

Research into how many apprenticeships are taken up as a result Survey schools careers advisers Survey the students Survey the “twinning” printers Students not yet in the job market but will be in a years’ time Evaluation early next year

PrintIT! Awards Ceremony 2007, Stationers’ Hall, City of London

PrintIT! 2007 Awards winners

Article in national newspaper

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