Get creative in the printing industry
NEW technology is transforming the printing industry. Bart Sobiecki, business manager of the Birmingham branch of reprographics company Hobs Repro, says there’s more to a career in printing than most people realise.
‘Friends think it’s about operating a photocopier, but a printing career today needs technical knowledge, creativity and customer service skills,’ he says.
Bart, 32, started at Hobs as a driver, developed an interest in the industry and moved into operations in the print room.
He then took a business degree, working with Hobs in his vacations. On graduation, Hobs offered him a management job.
He says: ‘Printing is now very diverse. We do bespoke printing, such as specially designed boxes for company presentations, large format printing and 3D printing in plastic to produce models for architects. You need to understand the latest technology and be creative.’ Kris Gallagher, group HR manager at Hobs, says: ‘We look or bright, talented and creative individuals. We offer apprenticeships, graduate work placements and internships.
‘A £4 million investment from the Business Growth Foundation means we are expanding our reprographics, 3D printing and document management services, so there are lots of opportunities for staff to develop.’
Mike Gilligan, director of Mercury Search and Selection (mercurysearch.com) says: ‘Many people get into the industry with entrylevel jobs and work their way up through in-company training.’
For information, see britishprint.com