Fespa UK is forming a Next Generation youth committee to help formulate a training/networking programme for 2023 and beyond. The move comes on the back of two Next Generation print training days being held on 19 and 26 January, where the association hopes to find initial committee members.
The new youth group of 18-30 year-olds will be headed by Fespa UK’s creative coordinator Jay Burfield, and will aim to ensure that the next generation of print workers are represented fairly and able to bring new ideas to the businesses they work in.
Compass Business Finance, Vivid Laminating Technologies, HP UK and All Print Supplies have committed to supporting the youth scheme with various events and webinars throughout this year – schedule to be confirmed following the Next Generation committee members’ input.
“After the huge demand for our next generation in print training days which we are holding at Adapt – Amari digital printing technologies in January – we have decided to create a bigger networking event purely to support the next generation who are currently working within the graphics and signage industry,” said Fespa UK MD Suzie Ward.
“Having created many networking events for the industry over the years it stands to reason that most events are aimed at the more advanced members of a business, who have the most influence within a company. This got the team at Fespa UK thinking – when the people at the top retire will the next generation see the value of sharing information to develop their own careers and to help grow and support the industry as a community?
“With this in mind, we want to support the next generation in print to grow their confidence, develop their networking skills and be inspired. So often, younger people view networking as stuffy people in suits walking around and bragging about how awesome they are, but that isn’t a true reflection of networking, and we want to encourage the future business owners, account managers, directors and all the team members who want to build a career in print to see the value of growing their community.
Our networking day for people aged between 18-30 will be filled with inspirational speakers, an opportunity to learn more about our supporters businesses and their own personal development within print, an interactive business coaching workshop and plenty of opportunities to meet interesting people and make new connections.
“Following the two Next Generation training days, we will be forming a Next Generation committee, which will be small group of 18-30 year old’s working in print who want to contribute and make lasting changes for like-minded people in the same age group.”
Louise Hart, sales director at All Print Supplies, and next generation supporter added: “The APS Sales team are very excited to work with Fespa UK and attend the Next Generation networking day. We believe in encouraging young creative minds into our industry and ensuring they have the right tools for them succeed in their chosen career for years to come. To be asked to share our knowledge and experience of roll materials over a variety of applications and sectors is a great honour, and we are very much looking forward to meeting the industry professionals of tomorrow.”
