A rising talent has been named Level 3 Pre-Press Digital Printing Apprentice of the Year.
Steven Kelly, 20, from Coatbridge, received the honour at the 2026 Print Scotland Apprentice of the Year Awards.
A former pupil of St Andrew’s High School, Steven left in sixth year with two Highers.
After spending a year exploring career options, he took part in aptitude testing through the Routes to Work programme, which led to an opportunity with Graphic Warehouse.
It was there he discovered a passion for the print industry.
Now just two units away from becoming a fully qualified printer, Steven is expected to complete his apprenticeship by Christmas.
His employer, Richard McCombe, believes he has what it takes to go far within the industry.
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Steven received his award at a ceremony in Glasgow on October 2, celebrating emerging talent across Scotland’s print sector, with categories covering pre-press, press, and post-press disciplines, as well as mentoring.
Other winners at the awards included Aidan McQuade of JJR Print in Dumbarton, who was named Overall Apprentice of the Year.
Mitchell Rowan of Bell & Bain in Thornliebank took home the Level 3 Post Press Apprentice of the Year award, while Brian Kenyon of JJR Print was recognised as Mentor of the Year.
Meanwhile, Luke Ashwood of Spirit Labels in Renfrew won the Level 3 Press Digital Printing Apprentice of the Year award.
The awards ceremony brought together apprentices, employers, suppliers, and industry leaders to celebrate achievement and innovation.
Michiel Molenaar, president of Print Scotland, said: "Today’s winners represent the future of Scotland’s print industry.
"They have demonstrated the attitude, commitment, and ambition required to succeed in a sector that continues to evolve and embrace new technologies.
"These awards also highlight the important role played by employers, mentors and training providers in helping apprentices achieve their potential.
"The winners all stood out because they were engaged, curious, receptive to feedback and willing to take personal responsibility for their learning and development."
Print Scotland supports workforce development through apprenticeship training, SVQ Qualifications and other programmes aimed at securing the future of the country’s print industry.
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Garry Richmond, director of Print Scotland, said: "These awards showcase the strength of apprenticeship training across Scotland’s print sector and the commitment employers continue to show in developing future talent.
"With 16 apprentices currently in training and several more recently qualified, we can be optimistic about the future of the industry.
"Investing in skills remains essential if Scottish print businesses are to continue thriving for years to come.
"I would like to thank our sponsors PG Paper, EBB, Antalis, Muller Martini and CCL, together with Ricoh and Premier Paper for supporting the winners’ goody bags. Their backing helps make events like this possible."
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