28 January 2005

South East students make the headlines at Stationers’ careers day!

On 26 January, approximately 350 school children and teachers from schools in London and Hertforshire turned out for another enormously successful print careers event. Organised by The Educational Charity of the Stationers’ and Newspaper Makers’ Company and held in the beautiful Stationer’s Hall, the event attracted a wider range of young people than ever before with ages from 12 – 17. Teachers and students alike were surprised and excited at what the industry had to offer. Digital photographs of schools visiting HP’s stand were inserted into A1 posters representing the front page of Stationers’ News giving all schools the opportunity to make the headlines. Whilst many tried, only four students successfully printed and delivered the newspapers in the BPIF’s Printworks computer game, whilst Polestar’s recently launched ‘Print Dynamics’ software proved awe inspiring for both visitors and exhibitors. Stationers’ Liverymen in full costume were also on hand to give tours and talks on the history of the Hall, Generously sponsored by DS Smith plc, the event was also supported by London College of Communications, the Paper Trail, Heidelberg, the Confederation of Paper Industries, Ordnance Survey, Paper Agents Association, WPP and BOSS, the British Office and Stationery Suppliers’ association. A quick pop quiz of students revealed that although over half of those polled said they definitely would, or might consider a career in the industry, many misconceptions still surround print. Like last year, design and computers featured strongly in students’ perceptions of job roles and skills needs in the industry and, whilst nearly everyone who answered mentioned newspapers and magazines, few could name any other printed products. BPIF’s Cicely Brown, director of corporate and external affairs, was overwhelmed by the positive response, “Today's Career's Day exceeded all my expectations - from numbers of students, the interactivity of the stands and most of all the wonder on the faces of the students AND teachers at what our industry has to offer. A very big thank you to the Stationers for making this event happen. It is now a very important date in the industry calendar and I really believe that the industry is better off for it.” And finally, the most frequently asked question of the day by students considering a career in print? “How much would I get paid?”!