BUILDING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE, ONE EXPERIENCE AT A TIME
Internships & Work-Based Learning in the Printing Industry
A career in printing and graphic communications is best understood by experiencing it firsthand. Internships and work-based learning give students and emerging workers the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in a real workplace—while giving employers an opportunity to develop and connect with the next generation of talent.
For students, these experiences provide more than an introduction to an industry. They help develop the skills employers value across virtually every workplace: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, attention to detail, adaptability, accountability, and professional confidence. Students also gain exposure to technology, production processes, quality standards, workplace safety, customer expectations, and the importance of working as part of a team.
For parents, work-based learning can provide a clearer picture of where a student’s interests and abilities can lead. A student who enjoys technology, design, working with their hands, solving problems, or creating tangible products may discover career opportunities they never knew existed. Just as importantly, students learn what it means to show up, contribute, communicate professionally, and take responsibility for their work.
For workforce leaders, internships and work-based learning are an important bridge between education and employment. They help students gain career awareness and practical experience while giving employers an opportunity to introduce young people to careers that may not be widely understood—including production, design, technology, packaging, data, logistics, sales, estimating, customer service, and management.
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR INDUSTRY
The printing industry needs more companies willing to open their doors to students and emerging talent.
Work-based learning does not have to mean creating a complicated, formal internship program. Companies can begin by offering job shadows, plant tours, career talks, short-term experiences, summer employment, internships, apprenticeships, or structured opportunities for students to work alongside experienced employees. Printing companies who offer these experiences should email PICA today.
Every experience helps.
By bringing students into the workplace, companies can:
- Build awareness of modern printing and graphic communications careers.
- Identify future talent and create relationships before students enter the workforce.
- Develop skills internally by giving emerging workers opportunities to learn from experienced employees.
- Strengthen the local talent pipeline rather than competing for an increasingly limited pool of experienced workers.
- Show students what modern manufacturing looks like—technology-driven, automated, creative, precise, and constantly evolving.
- Help students connect classroom learning to real-world applications.
WORK-BASED LEARNING BENEFITS EVERYONE
Students gain experience. Parents gain confidence. Workforce leaders gain stronger career pathways. Employers gain access to future talent.
That makes work-based learning more than a student opportunity—it is a workforce development strategy.
The printing industry already has a strong foundation of education and training programs across North and South Carolina. The next step is creating more opportunities for students to move from the classroom into the workplace and experience the industry for themselves. For help in reaching a company within the printing industry, please email PICA today.
The companies that engage with students today have an opportunity to help shape the workforce they will need tomorrow.
PICA encourages printing and graphic communications companies across the Carolinas to become part of that effort. Open your doors. Share your expertise. Offer an experience. Introduce a student to a career they may never have considered.
Because sometimes the first step toward a career isn’t a job application.
It’s an opportunity to see what’s possible.
