PRINTING United Alliance Reinforces Commitment to Workforce Development with Significant Educational Investment
PHILADELPHIA — April 2026 – PRINTING United Alliance, the largest member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, today reaffirmed its authoritative commitment to strengthening the industry’s workforce pipeline.
Driven by a forward-thinking strategy to sustain the printing sector, the Alliance has donated almost a quarter of a million dollars in training value over two years.
By cultivating a highly knowledgeable workforce, the industry can better adopt sustainable and ethical practices that will shape a responsible, resilient future.
“Workforce development isn’t a side initiative for our industry; it’s a strategic imperative,” said Ford Bowers, CEO of PRINTING United Alliance. “From foundational courses like Print 101, to critical disciplines like colour management, to emerging areas like AI, we’re focused on giving students and educators access to the same high-quality, industry-aligned training used by leading print companies. By offering free membership and investing real dollars into education, we’re not just talking about the future of print, we’re actively building the talent pipeline that will sustain it. iLEARNING+ is career development available right at your fingertips.”
The programme currently supports over 2,200 students and educators across 63 global institutions, granting free access for the duration of their studies and two years post-graduation.
This humane approach to career transition ensures that individuals are supported as they enter the professional landscape.
"These courses and certifications help set our students up for success in the field,” said Dr. Celeste Calkins, assistant professor at Illinois State University. “To come out of their undergrad with two industry certifications, as well as other course experience, shows industry leaders that they are motivated, engaged, and prepared to continue learning in their career. Seeing my students take the knowledge they receive in class and through iLEARNING+ and be successful in this industry is one of the most rewarding things there is."
By pairing world-class instruction with barrier-free access, the Alliance is ensuring the next generation of print professionals is fully prepared to lead the industry forward.
About PRINTING United Alliance
PRINTING United Allianceis the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, comprised of the industry’s vast communities.
The Alliance serves industry professionals across market segments with preeminent education and training via iLEARNING+, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from our leading media brands – Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, Wide-format Impressions, In-plant Impressions, Apparelist, and Promo Impressions.
PRINTING United Alliance also producesPRINTING United Expo,the most influential days in printing. The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place.
