FPLMA opens apprentice nominations

The Flexographic and Packaging Label Manufacturers Association (FPLMA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Apprentice of the Year Award, celebrating exceptional emerging talent in flexographic and related printing disciplines across Australasia.

The award is open to final year apprentices in flexographic printing, label printing, lithographic printing, digital printing and pre-press who have studied at a registered TAFE college or training scheme in Australia or New Zealand. Printing apprentices must be currently employed by a flexographic, label, lithographic or digital converter, while pre-press apprentices must be employed by a pre-press house or platemaker supplying directly to a flexographic or label converter.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate high competency in their trained standards, show excellent academic performance, display keen interest in flexographic and label printing processes and exhibit potential for career growth in the industry.

The award recipient receives an FPLMA personalized plaque and certificate, a certificate for the employer, and a fully funded trip to the US FTA Conference, including airfares, accommodation and attendance at the FTA Forum and Print Awards as an FPLMA representative. The winner will also visit the manufacturing site of that year's Print Awards Platinum Sponsor and receive an exclusive interview in an industry magazine.

Nominations close on May 30, 2026. Nomination forms are available upon request via email from the FPLMA website.