A young print apprentice at a Renfrew business has been named a winner at the 2026 Print Scotland Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Luke Ashwood, 21, who works for Spirit Labels, won the Level 3 Press Digital Printing Apprentice of the Year award. The awards were presented at an event in Glasgow on Friday 2 October, bringing together apprentices, employers, suppliers and industry leaders.
Spirit Labels produces labels for the whisky and spirit sector, and has invested in HP Indigo and Digicon digital printing technology, giving Luke hands-on experience of modern digital print equipment. He achieved his SVQ Modern Apprenticeship qualification in August and has become an integral part of the production team, building a strong working knowledge of the company’s digital printing systems.
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.”
Director Garry Richmond added that, with 16 apprentices currently in training and several more recently qualified, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of the industry.
Luke was unavailable on the day of the presentation, so the group photo shows other winners and organisers.