Print and embroidery specialist Involution is celebrating its 60th hire after welcoming Daniel Jefferies to strengthen its artwork team.
Daniel has joined as a pre-press apprentice through the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) apprenticeship programme to follow his passions and build a career in print.
During his studies at Leeds Arts University, Daniel became passionate about print but struggled to secure opportunities in the print sector due to a lack of experience. After working in hospitality, he decided to pursue an apprenticeship to gain hands-on industry experience.
“I’d been searching and applying for pre-press and press jobs within Leeds but lacked the knowledge to get a foot in the door. This apprenticeship provides what I need whilst working, all within a company where I can see a future.
“I’ve felt so welcomed since joining and have genuinely just gotten stuck into everything that the opportunity has to offer this far.”
Daniel’s addition to the team comes during a period of growth for Involution, just over a year after the company acquired the Print.Inc brand following its liquidation in September 2025. The hire reinforces Involution’s commitment to developing local talent, as part of a wider project alongside its sponsorship of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival, a Leeds City Council-supported initiative that advocates manufacturing careers across the region.
Alex Gale, Senior Designer at Involution, sees great value in apprenticeships and believes traditional recruitment routes can overlook strong candidates:
“There aren’t a lot of industries that you can find work in without the relevant qualifications these days. The value of apprenticeships is underrated, and good working people might slip through the cracks. Daniel has settled into the team quickly. He’s enthusiastic, creative and eager to learn, which are exactly the qualities we were looking for.”
Matt Child from the BPIF said opportunities such as Daniel’s are fundamental for individuals, businesses and the wider print industry, making sure that skills are passed on to the next generation:
“Apprenticeships are not just about recruiting young people. They are about building the future workforce, developing talent from within and creating a sustainable skills pipeline. That is particularly important in print.”
He also highlighted the pace of change across the print industry and the importance of new talent:
“Businesses like Involution operate in a rapidly changing environment. It is no longer simply about putting ink on paper; it is a highly technical, innovative and increasingly diverse industry involving digital technology, automation, production, logistics, quality, sustainability, customer experience and increasingly sophisticated manufacturing processes.”
“We therefore need to make sure that the next generation understands not only how to operate equipment, but also how to improve processes, solve problems, lead people and adapt to new technology. It is a genuine investment in future capability.”
Print has a fantastic story to tell, but we also have a responsibility to make sure there is a future chapter. Apprenticeships are one of the most practical ways we can write it.”
Involution invests in local talent and growth
For Involution, bringing an apprentice into the business signals confidence in the print industry and in regional growth. The apprenticeship supports the company’s continued commitment to local talent and the long-term investment in the region’s creative, print, and manufacturing sectors, underpinned by its transformational and innovative business operations.
Alex said Daniel had already impressed the team with the speed of his learning and the ideas he has brought forward:
“The industry and techniques we use are always evolving, so it’s important to have fresh eyes on things. We’re open to new approaches, and what better way to achieve that than by bringing in new people and helping them learn the job. Daniel has shown confidence in problem-solving and made suggestions we’ve implemented that have had an impact.”
With continued growth targets for 2027 and the evolving demands for branded workwear and promotional merchandise, Involution believes apprenticeships and fresh talent play a vital role in gaining new perspectives and guaranteeing specialist knowledge is passed on.
