Last night at a scorching House of Lords 93 young members of the print industry were awarded grants of up to £1500 by the Print Futures Awards.
Right now the Palace of Westminster might evoke thoughts of Boris Johnson, Brexit or placard-wielding protesters, but for members of the print industry it was the place to celebrate young people who are passionate about print and keen to drive the industry forward.
The 93 winners, chosen from out of 248 entrants, were handed their prizes by Lord Black of Brentwood, executive director of the Telegraph Media Group.
All the entrants were either apprentices, studying for NVQs in UK print-related organisations, already working in the sector or completing a recognised UK qualification and intending to take their first print-related role in 2019.
The grants can be used for post-education internships; relevant training courses; professional accreditation or for kit and equipment where applicants can demonstrate they are beneficial to their studies, training, and development.
‘In some ways this is the worst of times with the huge pressures of commercial and structural change in our industry as we feel the full impact of the digital revolution, but in so many other ways this is the best of times for young people joining the industry,’ said Lord Black, who has been involved in the industry for 25 years.
‘The opportunities are literally endless for those with the skills, energy, and determination to succeed, not least through a commitment to lifelong learning. These awards are important because they celebrate those opportunities and your successful start to what I hope and know will be long and distinguished careers.
‘For the first time the judging process went to Leeds, reflecting the number of applications from the north. It’s also great news for our industry that we had so many applications from women, almost two-to-one.’
