Print apprentices recognised as Scottish firms invest in skills
Scottish print firms have highlighted the role of apprenticeships in developing future industry skills, as Aidan McQuade of JJR Print in Dumbarton was named Overall Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Print Scotland Apprentice of the Year Awards.
The awards were presented in Glasgow on Friday 2 October 2026 and recognised apprentices across pre-press, press and post-press disciplines, alongside a Mentor of the Year category.
This year’s winners came from print businesses in Dumbarton, Coatbridge, Renfrew and Thornliebank, with Print Scotland saying 16 apprentices are currently in training and several more recently qualified.
The industry body supports skills development through apprenticeship training, SVQ qualifications and workforce development programmes, as Scottish manufacturing businesses continue to adapt to new technology and changing skills needs.
From finisher to press operator
McQuade, 26, joined JJR Print in 2021 as a finisher after deciding not to continue his studies at Glasgow School of Art. He spent two years learning the business before the company introduced specialist greaseproof printing work.
He trained on the new equipment and moved into press operations. He is now preparing to learn to run the company’s more advanced five-colour press.
His mentor, JJR Print’s print manager Brian Kenyon, was named Mentor of the Year. Kenyon has 38 years of experience in the print industry, including 17 at JJR Print, and previously worked in freelance machine training.
McQuade is the first formal apprentice he has mentored.
Skills across the production process
The other 2026 winners were:
- Steven Kelly, Graphic Warehouse, Coatbridge: Level 3 Pre-Press Digital Printing Apprentice of the Year
- Luke Ashwood, Spirit Labels, Renfrew: Level 3 Press Digital Printing Apprentice of the Year
- Mitchell Rowan, Bell & Bain, Thornliebank: Level 3 Post Press Apprentice of the Year
Kelly, 20, joined Graphic Warehouse after aptitude testing through the Routes to Work programme pointed him towards the company. He is two units away from qualifying and is expected to complete his apprenticeship by Christmas.
Ashwood, 21, works at Spirit Labels, a label producer serving the whisky and spirits sector. The company has invested in HP Indigo and Digicon digital printing technology, giving him experience on modern digital equipment.
He completed his SVQ Modern Apprenticeship qualification in August.
Rowan, 21, from Cardonald, was praised by the judges for his commitment, professionalism and progress through the programme.
Outside work, he received a 2026 Pride of Scotland Award for Outstanding Bravery after helping save a man’s life from the track on Glasgow’s Subway.
Training as technology changes
Print Scotland president Michiel Molenaar said the winners showed what the industry needs as its equipment and processes change.
“Today’s winners represent the future of Scotland’s print industry. They have demonstrated the attitude, commitment and ambition required to succeed in a sector that continues to evolve and embrace new technologies.”
Molenaar also pointed to the role of employers, mentors and training providers in apprentices’ progress.
Garry Richmond, director of Print Scotland, said the number of apprentices in training gave the industry grounds for optimism.
“Investing in skills remains essential if Scottish print businesses are to continue thriving for years to come.”
The event was sponsored by PG Paper, EBB, Antalis, Muller Martini and CCL, with Ricoh and Premier Paper supporting the winners’ goody bags.
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