Whether you’ll soon be leaving school and are looking for your first job, or you’ve been working for years, but now fancy a complete career change, a role in the print industry could the ideal choice for you. While we may be within the grip of the digital age right now, the print industry within the UK still has a sizeable market share and is estimated to be worth around £9.25 billion in 2025. Some areas of the print industry continue to experience especially high demand; book publishing is an example of this.
If you’re keen to establish a career in the printing industry, you may be unsure where to even begin. Here, you’ll find a host of practical tips to help you start on your exciting journey into your new career.
Decide Which Area of the Print Industry You Want to Work In
The print industry is home to a huge variety of careers. From hands-on printing jobs, such as printers, finishers, and machine operators, to design roles, and sales and admin roles, such as account management, there are many different roles available for you to explore in the print sector.
When looking for a job in the print industry, it’s helpful to look at print-specific recruitment websites, such as Print Jobs. This will give you a really clear idea of the types of print jobs that are in demand right now, the areas these roles are located, and how much you can realistically expect to earn if you’re a successful candidate. This knowledge will help you to make a much more informed decision about your future role.
Build Your Qualifications
When you know the type of role you hope to work in, it’s time to start building your qualifications and skills. In most cases, you will need to gain specific skills and qualifications to find a job in the print industry. However, if you’re just starting out in your career, you may opt to get paid while you learn your trade by becoming an apprentice.
Working as an apprentice is an excellent way to get started in the print industry and to hone your skills right from the start. You may find that the company you work with during your apprenticeship has a clear career progression path set out for you, helping you to easily enjoy a long career in the sector.
Keep Developing Your Skills
Establishing your career within the print sector can deliver excellent long-term results. You should be able to find numerous roles to put your skills to good use, no matter what area of the industry you choose to work in. However, it’s also vital to keep on moving your career forward by constantly learning new skills and gaining additional qualifications. As in all industries, the software and machinery used evolves over time to match up-and-coming technology, so it’s important you stay up to date and show a willingness to learn these emergency technologies as and when they are introduced to your role.