Vertical Markets for Print: Education

Vertical Market Education – Episode Summary
In this wide-ranging episode of The Print University, Ryan McAbee and Pat McGrew examine the expansive and opportunity-rich education market. Spanning from pre-K to corporate training and lifelong learning, education is one of the largest verticals in the U.S.—with a market size approaching $2 trillion. For PSPs creating printing industry training programs for new employees, or offering outsourced training for print production staff, this episode unpacks where and how print plays a vital role.
The discussion breaks the market into segments: childcare, K–12, post-secondary, and corporate education. Each segment has distinct operational models, content needs, and delivery formats—from printed course packs and handouts to posters, signage, and student recognition yard signs. Whether printed in-house via in-plants or through outside providers, schools consistently require signage, learning materials, event collateral, calendars, and promotional print.
Hybrid learning has permanently altered the education landscape. With digital and remote formats now embedded into curricula, printed course packs, assessments, and mailers help bridge learning gaps and personalize instruction. Pat and Ryan highlight innovations like biweekly personalized learning packets and QR-enabled signage for fundraising events—proving that even in a digital-first world, tactile, targeted print enhances the learning experience.
This vertical requires simplicity, speed, and service excellence. Educators juggle multiple responsibilities—so ordering print must be frictionless, timely, and cost-effective. The episode emphasizes that serving education means anticipating seasonal needs and aligning with institutional rhythms.
You Will Learn:
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Market segments: childcare, K–12, post-secondary, and corporate education
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Common applications: course packs, handouts, signage, calendars, yard signs
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Print needs in hybrid learning models and asynchronous instruction
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Trends: personalized learning packets, fundraising signage, community mailers
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How in-plants and commercial PSPs can support education print workflows
Who This Course Is For:
Sales teams, print estimators, CSR staff, and in-plant or commercial PSPs targeting schools, universities, or training organizations—especially those building print shop employee onboarding templates or expanding into bindery equipment training courses
Time to Watch:
Approx. 19 minutes