Session Details
Drawing younger people to the print industry and establishing the next generation of skilled workers remains a lasting concern for companies across all areas of the market. However, with several schemes now in place to help champion print, the industry looks set for a bright future.
One such initiative is the FESPA UK Next Generation, which, created to address the critical need for succession planning across the print, graphics and signage sectors, plays a hugely important role highlighting the many opportunities for young people in the print industry.
Join current and existing members of the FESPA UK Next Generation scheme at The Print Show 2025 to learn more about the project’s recent achievements, its current activities and its next steps to help to develop and nurture the next generation of print, graphics and signage professionals.
Speakers
Sarah Lees
Head of Marketing and Communications Compass Business FinanceSarah Lees is Head of Marketing and Communications at Compass Business Finance and a proud mentor for FESPA UK’s Next Generation initiative. With two decades of experience in the print industry - working with digital print and finishing suppliers across the UK and New Zealand - she’s seen just how exciting and diverse this sector really is.
Sarah’s passionate about helping young people find their place in the industry and believes their voices should be heard - not just as the future, but as key players right now. She’s all about showing the next generation just how much opportunity there is in print, from cutting-edge tech to the amazing people behind it.
Through her work and mentoring, Sarah encourages young professionals to speak up, get involved, and help shape the future of the industry - while inspiring others to join along the way.
Sarah’s passionate about helping young people find their place in the industry and believes their voices should be heard - not just as the future, but as key players right now. She’s all about showing the next generation just how much opportunity there is in print, from cutting-edge tech to the amazing people behind it.
Through her work and mentoring, Sarah encourages young professionals to speak up, get involved, and help shape the future of the industry - while inspiring others to join along the way.
Cameron De Vos
Trainee Business ManagerKDR ProjectsCameron De Vos is a Trainee Business Manager at KDR Projects and a returning member of FESPA’s Next Generation Committee. With just two years in the industry, she’s already gained a broad understanding of the business and is currently studying for a graduate apprenticeship degree in Business Management.
Working in a small team means Cameron wears many hats - she’s involved in everything from running machines like laser cutters and vinyl cutters to managing admin, creating artwork, and supporting installations and site surveys. This hands-on experience gives her a well-rounded view of the industry, both creatively and operationally.
Cameron rejoined the committee to continue learning from others while also sharing her own insights as a young professional. She’s known for her reliability, attention to detail, and approachable nature - always ready to lend a hand or offer a fresh perspective.
Cameron brings energy, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does, making her a valuable voice in the next generation of print professionals.
Working in a small team means Cameron wears many hats - she’s involved in everything from running machines like laser cutters and vinyl cutters to managing admin, creating artwork, and supporting installations and site surveys. This hands-on experience gives her a well-rounded view of the industry, both creatively and operationally.
Cameron rejoined the committee to continue learning from others while also sharing her own insights as a young professional. She’s known for her reliability, attention to detail, and approachable nature - always ready to lend a hand or offer a fresh perspective.
Cameron brings energy, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does, making her a valuable voice in the next generation of print professionals.
Clark Shannon
Trainee Regulatory Compliance OfficerSimpson GroupClark Shannon is a Trainee Regulatory Compliance Officer at Simpson Group, bringing a fresh and practical perspective to the print industry. With a background in production and a current focus on sustainability, legislation, and health & safety, Clark offers a well-rounded view that’s helping shape the future of the sector.
He joined the Next Generation Committee to share that unique outlook - especially around waste management and compliance - and to help ensure the group stays versatile and inclusive. Clark is passionate about learning, growing, and supporting others in the industry, especially those just starting out.
In his role, Clark handles everything from document control and waste coordination to legislative reviews and audit prep. He’s also involved in data submissions for key regulations like EPR and EUDR, and takes on extra responsibilities like being a Fire Warden.
Clark’s ambition, versatility, and drive make him a standout voice in the next generation of print professionals.
He joined the Next Generation Committee to share that unique outlook - especially around waste management and compliance - and to help ensure the group stays versatile and inclusive. Clark is passionate about learning, growing, and supporting others in the industry, especially those just starting out.
In his role, Clark handles everything from document control and waste coordination to legislative reviews and audit prep. He’s also involved in data submissions for key regulations like EPR and EUDR, and takes on extra responsibilities like being a Fire Warden.
Clark’s ambition, versatility, and drive make him a standout voice in the next generation of print professionals.
Molly Jackson
Content Creator FESPA UKMolly Jackson is a creative and driven young professional making her mark in the print and visual communications industry. As a Content Creator for FESPA UK, she brings stories to life through engaging digital content that highlights innovation, sustainability, and youth involvement across the sector.
Since completing her apprenticeship, Molly has been fully immersed in FESPA’s Next Generation and Supported Learning initiatives, helping to champion youth engagement and sustainable practices. She joined the Next Generation Committee after recognising a gap in opportunities for young people - and decided to do something about it.
Molly is passionate about giving 18–30-year-olds a platform to grow, connect, and be heard. Through her work, she’s built strong peer connections and helped shape projects that support both professional and personal development.
Her strengths lie in all things creative - whether it’s designing digital content, planning events, or jumping in to solve problems behind the scenes. She’s known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to bring fresh ideas to the table.
Since completing her apprenticeship, Molly has been fully immersed in FESPA’s Next Generation and Supported Learning initiatives, helping to champion youth engagement and sustainable practices. She joined the Next Generation Committee after recognising a gap in opportunities for young people - and decided to do something about it.
Molly is passionate about giving 18–30-year-olds a platform to grow, connect, and be heard. Through her work, she’s built strong peer connections and helped shape projects that support both professional and personal development.
Her strengths lie in all things creative - whether it’s designing digital content, planning events, or jumping in to solve problems behind the scenes. She’s known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to bring fresh ideas to the table.
Michaela Christmas
Apprentice Print TechnicianGH DisplayMichaela Christmas is an Apprentice Print Technician at GH Display, bringing creativity, focus, and a fresh perspective to the Sign & Graphics industry. She joined the Next Generation Committee to help spotlight the production side of print and to make the industry more accessible and inspiring for young people just starting out.
In her role, Michaela runs printers and finishing equipment, while also lending a hand with pre-press work whenever she can. She’s constantly learning new skills and expanding her knowledge across different areas of the business. Her background in Fine Art (she holds a BA Hons!) adds a creative edge to everything she does.
Michaela’s strengths - creativity, kindness, and a focused work ethic—shine through in both her job and her apprenticeship. She’s also part of GH Display’s Sustainability Working Group, where she’s taken part in training days and explored sustainable practices and materials. On top of that, she serves as the Learner Voice for her apprenticeship program, representing fellow students and helping shape their learning experience.
In her role, Michaela runs printers and finishing equipment, while also lending a hand with pre-press work whenever she can. She’s constantly learning new skills and expanding her knowledge across different areas of the business. Her background in Fine Art (she holds a BA Hons!) adds a creative edge to everything she does.
Michaela’s strengths - creativity, kindness, and a focused work ethic—shine through in both her job and her apprenticeship. She’s also part of GH Display’s Sustainability Working Group, where she’s taken part in training days and explored sustainable practices and materials. On top of that, she serves as the Learner Voice for her apprenticeship program, representing fellow students and helping shape their learning experience.
Date & Time
Speakers
Sarah Lees
Cameron De Vos
Clark Shannon
Molly Jackson
Michaela Christmas