Three Youth Apprentices Share Their Journey at Royle Printing
Every year, Royle Printing welcomes a group of talented high school students into its Youth Apprenticeship Program, where they gain hands-on experience in the world of print manufacturing. We recently sat down with three of our apprentices—Teseo, Carson, and Angie—to hear firsthand what it’s like to learn, grow, and get their hands inky at Royle.
How It All Began
For each apprentice, the path to Royle started a little differently. Teseo was introduced to the opportunity by his principal and did a little research online before applying. Once he started, he encouraged his classmate Carson to join him. Angie, on the other hand, was drawn by the wide range of opportunities the program offered.
First Impressions and New Challenges
Walking into the pressroom for the first time can be overwhelming. Teseo admitted to being nervous and unsure of what to expect. “I didn’t know anyone and didn’t have a clue about anything,” he said. Carson quickly realized how much there was to learn, and Angie found it to be a completely new but intriguing environment.
As the weeks went on, what once seemed daunting became routine. Teseo noted that the experience turned out to be more enjoyable than he had expected, thanks in part to the strong bonds he formed with his coworkers. Carson was surprised by the complexity of the work, while Angie appreciated how well the job fit around her school schedule.
Learning on the Job
Each apprentice came away with a unique set of skills. Teseo pointed to communication, multitasking, and perseverance as his biggest takeaways. Carson became comfortable with technical tasks, such as putting on plates and operating the roll stand. Angie learned everything from reading mail to down-piling books and feeding pockets.
And it wasn’t just theory—they all got real, hands-on experience with equipment. “I got hands-on experience with the Sunday 3 stacker and roll stand,” said Teseo. “The roll stand is my favorite.” Carson enjoyed putting rolls on and off the press, while Angie appreciated the entirely hands-on learning approach.
Overcoming Obstacles
No job is without its challenges. For Teseo, short print runs meant juggling multiple tasks at once—something he overcame through practice and perseverance. Carson found the roll stand to be his biggest challenge, but credited his mentor, Guillermo, for guiding him through it. Angie noted that the bindery work was challenging, but she learned to work more efficiently over time.
Support and Mentorship
One thing all three apprentices highlighted was the support they received from the Royle team. “My experience has been amazing,” said Teseo. “Everyone is super friendly and understanding.” Carson echoed this sentiment, sharing that Guillermo and Milton were both strong mentors. Angie found mentorship in Terri, Alwyn, Dennis, and Nina—all of whom helped her feel included and supported.
Proud Moments and Personal Growth
The apprentices shared moments of pride that stood out during their time on the floor. For Teseo, it was running the roll stand solo while the team knocked out 16 jobs in 10 hours. Carson was filled with pride the first time he ran the roll stand on his own. Angie felt validated when operators complimented her work.
They were also surprised by the depth of the printing process. Teseo had assumed “print was dead” before learning just how active and detailed the industry is. Carson marveled at how much goes into producing each perfect copy, and Angie discovered how many steps it takes to bring a magazine or catalog to life.
What Comes Next?
While not all the apprentices plan to pursue printing long-term, each one gained valuable experience. Teseo plans to attend UW-La Crosse for sports management, but says Royle will always feel like home if he ever changes direction. Carson is heading to Madison College to study welding and teach technology education. Angie will stay at Royle for another year while completing her senior year.
Advice to Future Apprentices
Would they recommend the program? Absolutely.
Teseo has already encouraged younger classmates to apply. Carson admitted there’s a tremendous opportunity to grow, learn, and build relationships that made it worthwhile. Angie called it a great starting point for anyone looking to gain real-world experience.
When asked to sum up their time at Royle in just three words:
Teseo said: “Interesting. Fun. Memories.”
Carson replied: “Memorable. Culture. Paper (LOTS of paper).”
Angie summed it up as: “Interesting. Productive. Entertaining.”
Final Thoughts
From learning how to down-pile books to setting up roll stands and sharing stories with mentors on the floor, each apprentice left with more than just technical skills—they gained confidence, camaraderie, and a deeper appreciation for the craft of print.
The trades offer a rewarding path for those eager to gain real-world experience early in life or for those who choose not to pursue a traditional college degree. With long-term career potential, financial stability, and opportunities for mentorship and leadership, it’s a smart and fulfilling choice.
To future apprentices: Stay curious, be hands-on, and embrace the chance to learn. You may just find a home at Royle—if not for your entire career, then certainly for personal and professional growth.
Interested in Royle’s youth apprenticeship program? Contact Dawn Webber at dwebber@royle.com. Royle also offers educational scholarships for those studying trades while working with us.