While some may think that the printing sector is losing momentum, it should be remembered that printing is everywhere.
This is what the Comité sectoriel de main-d’oeuvre des communications graphiques du Québec (CSMOCGQ) set out to prove. The Comité sectoriel de main-d’oeuvre des communications graphiques du Québec was created in 1996 by representatives of employers, unions and affiliated members. The Committee represents the economic sub-sectors of packaging, offset printers, digital printers, newspaper and periodical publishing, labels and flexo, signage and large format, graphic design services, and business services.
“Imagine this room without printing. Printing is as necessary as breathing,” was how Denis Laftakis, co-chairman of the CSMOCGQ, launched the “Créateur d’Impact” project.

The “Creator of Impact” project

At the end of August, the CSMOCGQ, in collaboration with local companies, launched a project in Beauce, Quebec, designed to change the public’s perception of the printing industry and attract workers to companies in the sector. The project is called “Créateurs d’Impact”. The project involves five major companies: Transcontinental Interglobe, Solisco WestRock, Turbo Images, Multi-Excel and Groupe Audaz.

The “Créateurs d’Impact” project has therefore defined a guideline, involving an action plan that will be implemented from autumn 2018. The objectives of the project are, initially, to introduce the new generation to the print sector. This should lead to enrolment and recruitment within the sector. Secondly, to better inform guidance counsellors so that they can talk more about the sector and share information with students. Secondly, one of the objectives is to change the public’s perception of the print sector. Finally, the aim is to inform the sector’s internal workforce about the overall situation in the industry.

To support these objectives, a website will be launched, where companies will be able to find fact sheets describing companies in the sector by region, available training programmes, job offers, statistics, etc…

A communication campaign is also planned to support the project, with a poster campaign, promotional videos and brochures.

Lack of knowledge about the printing sector

The “Créateur d’Impact” project was born out of a number of observations. The print sector is little-known by the general public, and unfortunately not well regarded. Print is not just about newspapers and books. It also includes posters, packaging, signage, etc…

The sector encompasses nearly 30 different trades. The Chaudière-Appalaches region is home to around a hundred graphic communications companies, providing nearly 3,500 jobs. This is all the more important given that Quebec is experiencing a labour recruitment crisis, particularly in the Beauce region.

Denis Leftakis, co-chairman of the CSMOCGQ, insists that the printing industry “is here to stay”.

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