Print Scotland celebrates industry’s rising stars at 2026 Apprentice of the Year Awards

Print Solutions

Scotland’s next generation of print professionals have been recognised at the 2026 Print Scotland Apprentice of the Year Awards, with Aidan McQuade of JJR Print in Dumbarton crowned Overall Apprentice of the Year.

The awards were presented at an event last Friday (2 October 2026) in Glasgow, where apprentices, employers, suppliers and industry leaders gathered to celebrate talent and innovation across the sector.

The annual awards recognise excellence across pre-press, press and post press disciplines, alongside a Mentor of the Year category celebrating individuals who play a vital role in supporting and developing future talent.

2026 award winners were:

Overall Apprentice of the Year – Aidan McQuade, JJR Print, Dumbarton

Level 3 Pre-Press Digital Printing Apprentice of the Year – Steven Kelly, Graphic Warehouse, Coatbridge

Level 3 Press Digital Printing Apprentice of the Year – Luke Ashwood, Spirit Labels, Renfrew

Level 3 Post Press Apprentice of the Year – Mitchell Rowan, Bell & Bain, Thornliebank 

Mentor of the Year – Brian Kenyon, JJR Print, Dumbarton

Print Scotland president Michiel Molenaar 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 director Garry Richmond added, ‘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.’

Print Scotland supports skills development across the industry through apprenticeship training, SVQ qualifications and workforce development programmes designed to help secure the future of Scotland’s print sector.

 Pictured: (Left to right) Garry Richmond, Print Scotland director; Mitchell Rowan; Steven Kelly; Brian Kenyon; Aidan McQuade; Jim McKenzie, training consultant. 

Luke Ashwood was unavailable on the day.