ounded in 2023 by FESPA UK Association, the Next Generation initiative is striving to make print more attractive to young people as well as opening up more opportunities for networking, training, and development. Jay Burfield, membership development executive at FESPA UK is the brains behind the initiative and also the Chair of the Next Generation Committee and has been in the industry for two years now. Describing how the Next Generation Committee was formed after noticing a lack of young people at industy events, Burfield says: “We had a few discussions at FESPA UK and decided to change this. From there we organised some small-scale training events specifically for this age group, each with different takeaway skills. “We then approached some of the most emerging talent from the attendees and formed a Next Generation Committee.” Working alongside the FESPA UK team, the Committee helps to give the younger generation within the industry a voice. The board focuses on creating events and initiatives that are beneficial to the next generation, as well as acting as a conduit between the industry and young people looking for an exciting, vibrant, and varied career in print, graphics, and signage. Next Gen On Tour Despite only having launched at the start of 2023, FESPA UK has already hosted five training days at various locations across England, making them accessible to people from a variety of areas. One of these events included a largescale networking day at the British Motor Museum in Warwick which saw over 40 attendees take part. This day saw people from all areas of print and graphics come together to expand connections and knowledge. Open to 18-to-30-year-olds who work in the print industry, the event offered something different with many networking days traditionally aimed at managing directors, CEOs, or senior members of the industry. Packed with a full day of talks and activities, there was also a special appearance from Mark Wright of BBC One’s The Apprentice who discussed key lessons learned whilst building his business, as well as discussing his experience on the show. The day also featured an open Q&A with supporters from The Printing Charity, Vivid Laminating Technologies, Compass Business Finance, All Print Supplies, and HP UK, giving attendees the opportunity to find out about their routes into print and how they have gained success in the industry. Walking into a room of unfamiliar people, particuarly in a working environment, can be a daunting concept when not something you do very often. With this in mind, Colin Sinclair McDermott aka The Online Print Coach hosted a Networking Masterclass, giving delegates the skills and tools to connect with industry members and enhance their careers. Another Next Generation Event was held at Liyu UK’s newly refurbished showroom in Ormskirk with the day focusing on marketing and social media. As well as giving delegates the necessary skills to add value to a business, attendees had the opportunity to get hands-on with the latest wide-format print technology from the manufacturer. An Industry-wide Appeal In September, the Next Generation Committee took to the road with Burfield leading a Next Generation Panel at The Print Show in Birmingham. Hosted on the newly revamped Knowledge Zone, the panel featured Jake Adams, managing director of Trade Embroidery; Alex Pollard, contract manager of RMC Digital Print; and Lauren Brown, project manager and customer service manager for TV and Film at Stylographics. Adams had a unique entry into print due to starting his own company at the age of 16 after printing mugs at school. He later grew this business into one of the leading trade suppliers for garment decoration in the UK and hires both the younger and older generation. Pollard first started out in the industry as an apprentice at RMC in November 2020 during the second Covid-19 lockdown in the UK. He finished the apprenticeship early last year, going on to become a contracting account manager within the business. Brown explained how she didn’t intend on starting a career in print and graphics but now juggling the responsibilities of both customer service manager and project manager in the fast-paced TV and Film OVER TO YOU! With the FESPA UK Association’s Next Generation initiative making waves in the industry, we look at what businesses can do to support the goal of making print more attractive to young people ▲ [L to R] Jay Burfield pictured with Lauren Brown, Jake Adams, and Alex Pollard who are members of the Next Generation Committee FUTURE-PROOFING PRINT / FESPA UK'S NEXT GENERATION INITIATIVE 42 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk November / December 2023 - Issue 345
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