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A call to action: Let’s make the trades a career once again

As reported in the January/February 2025 issue of PrintAction, strategic consulting firm Connecting for Results (CFR) and the Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA) recently conducted a 2024 Industry Insights Survey for Canada.  Key to the findings was the need to hire staff, with 66 per cent of respondents saying this was either a “moderate” or “severe” concern. The survey also revealed that skilled production labor was the hardest category to fill.

It’s been all-to-clear for some time that attracting the next generation of skilled workers is one of our industry’s most pressing priorities. One way to jumpstart this initiative is through a formal, certification-driven training program that generates skilled, motivated, and committed tradespeople.

That is why CPIA is exploring a partnership with Learn2print, a proven provider of training for the printing and graphic industries in the United Kingdom. Participants can receive globally recognized qualifications that significantly enhance their employment potential. Learn2print works with individual design, print and finishing companies to better pinpoint talent and provide the acumen and skills that are most beneficial to those companies. It offers a variety of trades training options, including:

• Image Carrier Manufacture/Computer to Print (CTP)
• Press Operator:  Lithography, Screen, Flexography, Digital inkjet and Laser, Gravure
• Post Press Operator: Binder operator (all methods), Guillotine operator, Folding machine operator, Cut and Crease operator, Case making operator, Casing in operator, Enhancing operator (laminator/blocking), Mail Processing operator

Gerry Lacombe, association manager, Canadian Printing Industries Association.

We are excited at the prospects of introducing the Learn2print model within Canada. The CPIA’s role in this venture would be to act as a facilitator for interested companies to register for a Canadian version of the Learn2print program. Working with both Federal and Provincial Governments, CPIA aims to help companies secure available skills development/trades training funding which will fully or partially offset costs. Currently, CPIA’s Government Affairs and Educational Committees are working on this project in collaboration with the Learn2print organization.

The timing could not be better

As we’re all aware, there is a growing trend among young adults to forgo college. The reasons for this are well documented and include affordability, as well as a shift in mindset that a college degree is not the only path to career and financial success. Positions vacated by retirees has created a high demand to fill trade positions, and thus a faster path to skilled employment and a long-term career.

What’s more, the passage of time has also led to exciting developments in offset and digital printing, with newer machines and systems technologically- and AI-driven. These innovations greatly appeal to a younger, tech-savvy generation. It’s our job to let them know that a career in print offers them significant opportunity for their future.

We need to hear what you think

The Canadian Printing Industries Association mission is to strengthen and support the continual advancement of the printing industry across Canada. We believe a partnership with Learn2print will do just that. But we need to hear what you think in order to take the next step. Please send your questions, feedback, and messages of support to admin@cpia-aci.ca

In addition to serving as chair of the Canadian Printing Industries Association, Richard Kouwenhoven is also president and CEO of Hemlock Printers