Young People in Print announces new rebrand and industry focus

Jo Stephenson

Young People in Print & Packaging (YPIPP) has urged the industry to be more proactive in supporting young people into work, following the publication of the government’s report into youth unemployment.

The landmark report found that almost one million people aged 16 to 24 were not in employment, education, or training (NEET) at the end of 2025.

The figures highlighted the growing barriers linked to wealth, income, and regional inequality, with local job markets, transport, services, and support systems all affecting young people’s ability to enter employment.

A second report is due to be published in the autumn, containing recommendations for overcoming “the most significant issue the country faces”.

YPIPP said the findings should act as a wake-up call for a print and packaging sector already facing an ageing workforce, growing skills gaps, and increasing demand for technical, sustainable, and manufacturing-led roles.

Jo Stephenson, managing director at Think B2B Marketing and YPIPP board member, said: “This report is not print and packaging-specific, but we ignore it at our peril.

“Our events are full of young people who want to work but have no idea about the diversity of careers in this wonderful sector. That’s down to us, not them. As an industry, we need to make ourselves more visible, more accessible, and more supportive for the next generation.

“Print and packaging companies can’t solve this crisis on their own, but they can play a major role in its solution and use their expertise to become a model for other industries to follow.

“If we want to secure the future of print and packaging, we need to open the door to young talent today.”