25 Feb From Scholarship Winner to Print Production Assistant: Iris’s Path into the Printing Industry
Some career choices are driven by passion, others by practicality—but for Iris, it was a combination of both. After completing the Graphic Design and Printing program at Riverside Community College, she secured a job in the industry and earned a prestigious scholarship that helped her get there. Now, as a Print Production Assistant overseeing a direct-to-film (DTF) department, she thrives in a trade that offers creativity and job security.
Industry Support: A Scholarship That Opened Doors
Iris was the well-deserved recipient of the annual IMPRESS Student Showcase for Applied Digital Media and Printing, an event recognizing outstanding students in the field. She received a $1,500 scholarship from Autajon Packaging Thoro, a leader in the packaging industry. To make this moment even more impactful, the Printing Industries Association matched the scholarship, giving Iris a total of $3,000 to support her career ambitions.
This kind of industry support helps students like Iris gain the resources and education needed to enter the printing field. It is a testament to how trades invest in their future workforce, offering opportunities and stability for those ready to learn.
Choosing a Trade With Long-Term Job Security
Iris chose printing and packaging because she wanted a career in an essential industry that provides reliable employment and financial stability. While many sectors fluctuate with economic changes, printing has remained a cornerstone of business, marketing, and product packaging.
Unlike some fields that require extensive schooling, Iris gained hands-on experience at RCC running a four-color Heidelberg offset printing press, an impressive skill that helped her stand out as a professional. She decided to enter this industry to pursue a passion and build a future in a trade that offers genuine career potential.
Why Printing and Packaging Is a Smart Career Choice
Printing and packaging are often overlooked as career options, but they offer:
✔️ Strong job security in an industry that businesses rely on
✔️ Hands-on career paths with opportunities for creativity and technical skill
✔️ Opportunities for advancement, from press operation to production management
✔️ Industry support through mentorship and scholarships, just like Iris received
Iris’s journey from a student to a skilled tradesperson shows that success in the trades comes from both personal dedication and industry support.
Explore Careers in the Trades
Iris’s story reminds us that skilled trades offer a stable and rewarding path for those willing to learn and grow. Whether in printing, packaging, or another hands-on industry, opportunities are available for those who seek them.
If you want a career that combines creativity, job security, and hands-on learning, consider exploring the world of skilled trades. Industry leaders are investing in the next generation, and there has never been a better time to get started.