The future of the print is looking youthful as 230 apprentices from across Australia came together to take part in a PIAA initiative designed to attract young people to the industry.

In this video some of the apprentices speak of how shocked they were to learn about the range of opportunities that exist within the print industry, and gave their views on the future of print.

Tomas Ujhelyi, apprentice printing machinist, says the whole print industry is underrated among young people who do not understand its diversity.

He says it is rewarding to be part of an industry that is not common.

Ujhelyi says, “I have gained so much respect for the printing industry since I started. It is not talked about that much, people think it is about operating a photocopy machine, and it is so much more than that.”

Felicity Wrangles, apprentice prepress operator, says she needed a good mentor and now appreciates the high level of support she receives from her employer.

“I am really interested in getting into screen printing, and perhaps even one day opening my own business in graphic signs,” she says.

Jess McAuley, apprentice digital printer, says she has learnt a lot from attending the Future Print forums and it has helped her see how much she has advanced in her career.

“Coming to this has been really eye opening as all the TAFE stuff is online so being here I didn’t really realise how much of a good job I was doing,” McAuley says.

“Everyone is really surprised about how good they are doing and I am still a bit shocked about how good it has worked out for me.”

The federally funded Future Print Apprenticeship Project has now been running for nearly two years and will conclude at the end of 2015.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter