Print isn’t dead. Yes, many of us now catch breaking news on our phones, binge fantasy romance on a Kindle, and turn to YouTube for car reviews once pored over in monthly magazines. But that’s not the end of the road for printed products. They’re still very much woven into daily life – from the branded sleeve around your morning white-chocolate matcha to the box your fresh New Balances arrive in, and even the wrapping and inserts that come with the latest Labubu obsession. Print matters, and building a career in the field is more fulfilling than people give it credit for.
Is there a future in printing? Absolutely. Is your future in printing? Why not? From developing standout designs for major brands to supporting the systems that keep essential services running, a career in print offers variety, purpose and real impact. Whether you’re hands on with cutting-edge machinery or helping shape a client’s vision, the opportunities are broader and more exciting than you may think.
The print landscape looks markedly different to how the sector operated a generation ago. Today, it's driven by creatives who translate big ideas into an on-paper reality for the brands you know and love. Think packaging seen by thousands of shoppers every day, limited-edition album artwork for GRAMMY-winning musicians and critical communications where accuracy and confidentiality are non-negotiable. Whether it’s helping shape a product aesthetic or delivering urgent information through physical media, the variety and purpose of modern print is hard to ignore.
In its UK Printing Facts & Figures research (2022), the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) confirmed that the UK is the second-largest producer of printed products in Europe. It also highlighted a surprising insight: there are more printing companies in the UK than there are McDonald’s restaurants in the whole of Western Europe.
With more printing presses than burger presses, the UK’s industry is a hive of activity – particularly in the South East, where print jobs are highest at 12,238 (UK Printing Facts & Figures, BPIF).
Printing solutions aren't all about packaging, though. Paper-based correspondence is still a vital part of day-to-day processes – especially in public-sector settings like the NHS, schools and government-owned organisations. From medical records and exam papers to V5 documents and poll cards, print quietly powers the services millions rely on every day.
Plenty of misconceptions surround the profession – from outdated stereotypes to assumptions about environmental impact. The truth is, print is far more refined than many realise.
Digital printing methods have transformed operations, making it faster, cleaner and more adaptable, while eco-conscious choices – like vegetable-based inks and FSC®-certified stock – promote sustainable practices throughout the field. And, behind the scenes, talented print technicians, press operators, CAD experts and graphic designers all play a part in reducing waste, improving efficiencies and creating high-quality, responsibly made products.
However, not everyone sees the full picture when it comes to careers in the printing industry, and there are a few rumours to debunk:
The printing industry blends engineering and creativity to form something tangible and genuinely impactful. Without imaginative thinking, it simply wouldn’t function.
Designing with sustainability, originality, waste reduction and standout aesthetics in mind could see you responsible for the next award-winning concept – like our Wild deodorant refill designs. Or perhaps you’ll contribute to shaping the next university prospectus where print finishing meets expert storytelling to inspire the next generation of students.
Walk into a modern facility, and the printing experience is likely not what you imagine. Once associated with ink-splattered floors and rusty equipment, today’s spaces are clean, high-spec environments.
At Delga, packaging from some of the world’s most recognisable names lines our entrance like an art gallery. Inside, cutting-edge tools like HP Indigo digital presses, advanced CAD programmes and laser-cutting technology are used to develop and craft functional, eye-catching packaging. While at our sister brand CSP, secure workflows and automation help manage sensitive data for customers like the NHS, demonstrating that print isn’t only design-led but trusted and essential, too.
The market is evolving – rapidly. According to Printweek, digital print is set to grow by 54% globally during the next decade. With the UK already home to one of Europe's top-ranking print economies, that growth directly translates into real-life print jobs.
As buyer expectations rise, packaging formats must work harder than ever – balancing green credentials, practicality and shelf appeal. Meanwhile, the UK’s ageing population continues to drive demand for age-inclusive hard-copy documentation.
From consumer-facing to commercial print, it’s diversifying, and relies on a wide range of skilled professionals to keep things moving.
Across the printing process, there’s a place for all kinds of personalities. Introverts who excel at fine-tuning details out of the limelight thrive here just as much as extroverts who come alive in collaborative settings. So whether you landed an INFJ or ENFP on your Myers-Briggs, there’s a role that fits.
At Delga, we have two core routes to get into the print industry:
Makers & Innovators for Factory & Production
The Strategists & Creators for Office & Design
When joining Delga, you’ll get hands-on exposure to all departments – from shadowing designers to seeing how the presses run and assisting print finishers. Whether it’s a print apprenticeship or on-the-job training, you’ll learn fast, feel supported and never be afraid to ask questions.
Print Vacancies in Kent
Located in Rochester, we’re proud to offer rewarding print careers in Kent. If you’re local – whether that’s Medway, Maidstone or anywhere nearby – we’d love to hear from you.
Visit our careers page to see our current roles.