Printing SA has announced a milestone in its commitment to the future of the printing, packaging, signage and visual communications industry. In 2026, it launched a fully funded artisan programme supporting 16 apprentices on their journey towards qualification and employment.
The apprentices have been placed with member companies across its Central, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape regions. Their three-year programme covers tuition fees, stipends, academic support and training through Printing SA’s regional training centres. Host companies are not required to contribute to these costs. Their contribution is equally valuable: providing practical experience, mentoring and a professional workplace in which each apprentice can develop their skills and confidence through to 2029.
Printing SA identified host companies by canvassing its membership and engaging those that expressed a need for apprentices. This approach connects training directly to opportunities in the workplace, while giving employers a meaningful role in developing the people who will sustain its trades.
Funded through proceeds from Printing SA’s Investment Utilisation Fund, the programme represents an investment of approximately R4 million over three years. It marks an exceptional commitment by an industry association to the development of artisans and to the member companies helping train them.
For the industry, this is about more than funding 16 apprentices. Every apprentice who gains technical competence, workplace experience and a pathway into a trade strengthens the collective capacity. By investing in young people now, the association is taking practical steps to address the widening skills gap, improve the quality of its occupations and build a stronger talent pipeline for the years ahead.
This programme only entails the first phase of funding the development of artisans, Printing SA seeks to intensify its efforts in skills development in the coming years. The association extends its gratitude to Shave & Gibson, Aluminium Foil Converters, Shereno Printers, Lithotech, Renform, Masterpack, Stripform Packaging, and ABC Press for partnering with Printing SA on this project.
As Printing SA celebrates 115 years as the voice of the industry, it is proud to share this commitment with its members, stakeholders and partners, and thanks the host companies for opening their workplaces to these apprentices and helping turn this investment into lasting opportunity.
PRINTING SA
+27 11 287 1160
info@printingsa.org
www.printingsa.org
