Building the Future of Colorado’s Print Workforce
The 6th Colorado Executive Luncheon brought together print industry leaders, educators, and students for a collaborative and forward-looking discussion on workforce development and succession planning within Colorado’s print industry.
Hosted across two locations, Red Rocks Community College and Warren Tech in Lakewood, the event provided attendees with an inside look at how local education programs are preparing the next generation for careers in graphics and print technology.
Participants had the opportunity to tour the print and graphics programs at both institutions, meet with instructors, and explore the equipment and training environments students are using today. These tours offered valuable insight into how curriculum and technology are evolving to align with the needs of the modern print industry.
A highlight of the luncheon was a moderated panel featuring four educators alongside five high school and college students. The discussion offered candid perspectives on the skills being taught, what students are looking for in future careers, and how print businesses can better engage with emerging talent. The conversation reinforced the importance of stronger partnerships between industry and education to ensure a sustainable workforce pipeline.
A delicious lunch was prepared and served by Warren Tech’s culinary students, adding a unique student-led element to the event and further showcasing the diverse talent within the school’s programs.
One question in particular sparked a lively and interactive discussion: “How many years do you think it takes to earn a six-figure income?” Students’ responses ranged from four years to as many as twenty. The wide range of answers highlighted how strongly career progression can depend on an individual’s motivation, ambition, and drive to excel.
Another key takeaway from the conversation was a noticeable disconnect between how students and educators define graphic design. While many educational programs have removed the word “print” from course titles and descriptions, that does not mean printing and production are absent from the curriculum. Instead, print concepts and output processes are often integrated directly into graphic design coursework.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion among attendees focused on identifying actionable steps to strengthen collaboration between print businesses and local training programs.
Special thanks to Canon USA for serving as the exclusive event sponsor and supporting this important initiative to connect Colorado’s print industry with its future workforce.
