This is part of the role the LIA plays in promoting the youth of our industry. Wells says he is passionate about this, and let it slip recently that the LIA is keen to reinvigorate its efforts.

He says, “The industry is going through such massive change we need to re-define how we attract young people to the industry – and how we reward and retain them. The LIA has some exciting ideas it wishes to float in the new year so watch this space.”

Dayane Knox, of Mills Styrox, won the 2010 NSW State Award, while Scott Mohammed, of Sony took out the 2011 Award. They will both go on to represent NSW in the GAMAA-LIA National Graduates Scholarship award programme at the prestigious Brisbane event, to be held in conjunction with the state’s PICA’s awards.

Congratulating Dayane and Scott, Well says, “With a first prize of a $15,000 ‘personal development’ grant, competition will be tough from all states, however in Dayane and Scott we believe we’re sending two strong contenders.”

As part of the tough assessment process, candidates have to face a panel of judges, and will have to present a business plan showing how they intend to invest the prize money in terms of advancing their careers within the printing industry.

Those finalists in the National awards will also compete for the biennial LIA-Printing Industries’ “Future Leaders Award” comprising a trip to attend Drupa, to be held next May in Germany.

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