YPPP expands to include packaging

Young People in Print and Packaging (YPPP) has rebranded from Young People in Print, broadening its remit to reflect the growing importance of packaging careers alongside print, as the industry nonprofit urges the sector to take a more proactive role in addressing youth unemployment.

The rebrand coincides with the publication of a UK government report finding that almost one million people aged 16 to 24 were not in employment, education or training at the end of 2025, with barriers linked to wealth, income and regional inequality affecting young people's access to work. A second government report containing recommendations is due in autumn 2026.

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

'This report is not print and packaging-specific, but we ignore it at our peril,' said Jo Stephenson, managing director at Think B2B Marketing and YPIPP board member. 'Too many young people have no clear, accessible route into print and packaging. 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.'

Stephenson called on companies to go beyond advertising entry-level roles and explore school and college partnerships, site visits, taster sessions, supported placements, pre-apprenticeship programs, mentoring and community outreach as practical ways to connect young people with the sector.