
More than £111,000 of awards funding was given handed out as 82 up-and-coming stars in the print industry were commended at The Printing Charity 2026 Rising Star Awards.
A total of 82 winners were recognised at a celebration held at the House of Lords, with 59% working across the print, paper and packaging sectors.
The funding will cover 155 training courses, enabling recipients to develop skills in areas including textile printing, vehicle wrapping, sustainability, digital engagement, artificial intelligence and accountancy.
The charity said almost half (43%) of the courses chosen focus on personal development, with winners selecting subjects such as project management, leadership, public speaking and coaching to build transferable skills that support long-term career progression.
This year’s awards also recorded a 41% increase in winners working in technical roles, reflecting growing demand for specialist skills as the industry continues to embrace new technologies.
Neil Lovell, chief executive of The Printing Charity, said: “One look at the content of the courses funded through this year’s Rising Star Awards emphasises the huge potential for people to build a successful career in any discipline within our sector.
“It also shows the determination of people starting out in their careers to effectively equip themselves for a rapidly evolving future by concentrating on studying personal skills and capabilities to support their growth, regardless of where their career paths take them.”
Applications for the 2027 Rising Star Awards are due to open in the spring.
Pic 4: This year’s Rising Star Awards winners
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