Winners come from a wide range of backgrounds and interests and include a Pride of Scotland 2026 Award winner
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 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.

Aidan McQuade, JJR Print - Overall Apprentice of the Year

Aidan McQuade, 26, from Dumbarton, attended Our Lady & St Patrick’s High School before joining JJR Print in 2021.

After deciding not to continue his studies at Glasgow School of Art, he took up a role as a finisher with JJR Print and spent two years developing his knowledge of the business.

When specialist greaseproof printing work was introduced, Aidan embraced the opportunity to train on new equipment and quickly developed a passion for press operations.

He has since become an important member of the production team and is now looking to further expand his skills by learning to operate the company’s more advanced five colour press.

Aidan said: “I didn’t really know what to expect from the apprenticeship modules. Some were more challenging than others, but Jim and Brian were always approachable and supportive.

“I’ve really enjoyed learning the print side of the business and I’m keen to keep developing my skills and learning more.”

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

Steven Kelly, 20, from Coatbridge, attended St Andrew’s High School before leaving in sixth year with two Highers.

Unsure what career path to pursue, he spent a year exploring his options before undertaking aptitude testing through Routes to Work. The programme identified an opportunity with Graphic Warehouse, where he quickly discovered a passion for the print industry.

Steven is now just two units away from becoming a fully qualified printer and is expected to complete his apprenticeship by Christmas. His employer, Richard McCombe, believes he has the potential to go far within the industry.

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

Luke Ashwood, 21, works for Spirit Labels in Renfrew, a specialist label producer serving the whisky and spirit sector.
The company has invested heavily in advanced HP Indigo and Digicon digital printing technology, providing Luke with valuable experience operating modern digital print equipment.

Having achieved his SVQ Modern Apprenticeship qualification in August, Luke has become an integral part of the production team and developed a strong working knowledge of the company’s digital printing systems.

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

Mitchell Rowan, 21, from Cardonald, attended Lourdes Secondary School in Cardonald before joining Bell & Bain.
The judges were impressed by his commitment, professionalism and continued development throughout his apprenticeship programme.

Mitchell has also attracted national recognition for Outstanding Bravery after receiving a 2026 Pride of Scotland Award for helping save a man’s life from Glasgow’s Subway track. The award highlighted the bravery, maturity and sense of responsibility that colleagues say are equally evident in the workplace.

Brian Kenyon, JJR Print - Mentor of the Year

Brian Kenyon has spent 38 years in the print industry and has worked for JJR Print for the past 17 years.

Originally from Cumbernauld, he built his career across a variety of printing businesses throughout central Scotland before becoming Print Manager at the Dumbarton company.

Brian has long been passionate about training and skills development and was previously involved in freelance machine training. Aidan McQuade is the first formal apprentice he has mentored, helping him develop the knowledge and confidence needed to progress through the business.

He remains committed to helping future apprentices enter and succeed within the print industry.

www.print-scotland.com