Senior representatives from across the UK print and packaging sectors have convened to address growing workforce shortages, marking the start of a more coordinated industry effort to attract and retain talent.
The cross-association meeting, held on 19 February and hosted by Fujifilm at its Bedford site, brought together leaders from multiple trade organisations to discuss the challenges facing the sector’s future workforce and to develop a joint strategy aimed at strengthening recruitment pipelines.
The initiative was convened by Joanna Stephenson, managing director of Think B2B Marketing and co-founder of the voluntary organisation Young People In Print (YPIP), which promotes career opportunities within the print and packaging industries.
Representatives from a broad range of industry bodies participated in the discussions, including the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), Graphics and Print Media Alliance (GPMA), Sheet Plant Association (SPA), Flexo Industry Association UK (FIA UK), Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), British Coatings Federation (BCF), British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA) and the Printing Industry Confederation (PICON), alongside members of the YPIP team.
The gathering reflected growing recognition within the sector that skills shortages and recruitment challenges extend across the entire print and packaging value chain and require collective action.
Perception And Recruitment Challenges
Participants highlighted several structural issues affecting the industry’s ability to attract new entrants. Among the most significant concerns raised were the sector’s public image, limited visibility of career pathways within the education system, and increasing competition for talent from other industries perceived as more attractive to younger workers.
Discussions also focused on employers’ capacity to recruit and retain skilled employees, the need for stronger engagement with educational institutions, and improvements to training and development opportunities.
Compensation and employee benefits were also identified as factors influencing workforce retention and competitiveness.
A presentation from one of Fujifilm’s younger employees offered a perspective on how the industry is viewed by potential recruits. The speaker described the contrast between their initial perception of the sector and the reality of working within it, highlighting the technological innovation, creativity and career opportunities available within modern print and packaging businesses.
According to participants, the presentation underscored a broader perception challenge that continues to affect the industry’s ability to attract new talent.
Toward A Coordinated Industry Strategy
While individual trade associations outlined initiatives already underway within their respective organisations, the meeting concluded that stronger alignment between groups would be essential to achieving meaningful results.
The session produced the framework for a collaborative action plan aimed at improving industry visibility, strengthening early-career entry routes and equipping employers with tools to attract and develop new talent.
YPIP facilitated discussions designed to encourage collaboration between organisations that have historically operated independently, with participants agreeing that coordinated action could deliver greater impact.
Long-Term Industry Commitment
Participants also committed to continuing the dialogue through follow-up meetings later in the year, where progress on agreed initiatives will be reviewed and additional areas for cooperation explored.
The meeting concluded with a shared view that addressing workforce shortages is a collective responsibility across the print and packaging ecosystem.
By bringing together trade associations representing different parts of the value chain, the initiative aims to promote a more modern image of the industry while helping ensure that businesses have access to the skilled workforce needed to support future growth.
