Platinum Pantone commit to PrintIT! 2012

July 25, 2011 - PRLog -- The PrintIT! programme has attracted broad support from industry since being established in 2005, and Pantone’s announcement that they will continue to sponsor PrintIT! in 2012 suggests that will continue. Pantone is the first ever Platinum Sponsor of PrintIT! and will donate around £70,000 worth of equipment to schools participating in the 2012 programme.

An initiative led by Proskills, the sector skills council for the process and manufacturing sector, PrintIT! aims to help students develop their creative skills and to encourage them to consider a career in the print industry. This work helps students develop industry-relevant skills, an issue which holds real importance to the future of the print industry.

The announcement of Pantone’s sponsorship was warmly welcomed by Tom Bowtell, Proskills Deputy CEO. “We’re delighted that Pantone have decided to sponsor PrintIT! 2012 and greatly value their support. Their generosity will help teachers engage their students in the wide variety of print techniques currently in use and demonstrate the vibrant, creative nature of the industry.”

The equipment will be distributed to all participating schools, and Mr Bowtell encourages schools to register as early as possible. “The PrintIT! programme has gathered real momentum over the last few years, with over 16,700 students from more than 350 schools registering to take part in 2011. We aim to exceed this figure in 2011; however, the programme relies on donations, so if you want to support the development of the print industry then please get in touch.”    

Alongside the equipment for participating schools, Pantone will also donate £10,000 (£5,000 in cash, £5,000 in prizes) for the awards ceremony, demonstrating their commitment to developing the next generation of design talent. “Attracting new entrants is vital to our company’s development. We see PrintIT! as an important way of introducing students to the print industry and helping them develop their creative skills,” said Paul Graham.    

For further information on PrintIT! visit www.printit.org.uk or contact the PrintIT! Team at printit@proskills.co.uk or on 01235 432018

About PrintIT!
Launched in 2005, PrintIT! is an industry-wide educational initiative which aims to encourage young people to consider a career in print and paper.  
As part of the curriculum-based PrintIT! course, students are challenged to create a print-based campaign.  Aiming to promote the many varied and stimulating career paths available within the print and paper industries, the PrintIT! competition was extended in 2008 to include Year 9 students (aged 13-14) as well as Year 10 students (aged 14-15) studying for their GCSEs in Product Design and Graphic Products.
PrintIT! is also relevant to the Diplomas in Creative and Media and Manufacturing and Product Design .  PrintIT! is led by Proskills UK, the sector skills council representing the print and paper industries.

About Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world’s colour authority for more than 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colourful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for colour inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers.

More information is available at www.pantone.com.
Contact
Carmel Digweed, Hotwire for Pantone, (020) 7608- 4629