Apprentice Printer/Finisher

STRAMONGATE PRESS LTD

KENDAL, LA9 7AH

Closes on Wednesday 30 October

Posted on 16 September 2024

Print

Contents

Summary

Master print at 60-year-old Stramongate in Kendal. Learn lithographic and digital techniques on Heidelberg & Ricoh presses. Earn BPIF Level 2 qualification, with Level 3 option. Join our friendly team for a 2-year apprenticeship with permanent career potential. Shape the future of print – apply now!

Annual wage
£12,480 to £22,308 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

The apprenticeship wage structure will be reviewed based on the completion of agreed goals and annual increases.

Training course
Print operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Friday 1 November

Duration

2 Years

Positions available

2

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

  • Set up and operate printing presses
  • Load paper and ink into machines
  • Monitor print quality and make adjustments as needed
  • Clean and maintain printing equipment
  • Assist with pre-press activities (e.g., preparing digital files)
  • Perform basic troubleshooting on printing machines
  • Mix inks to achieve desired colors
  • Handle and store printing materials properly
  • Assist with post-press tasks like cutting, folding, and binding
  • Learn and apply safety procedures
  • Record job specifications and maintain production logs
  • Collaborate with team members on various printing projects
  • Assist with quality control checks
  • Ink mixing and Pantone colour matching. 
  • Learn about different paper types and their properties
  • Help with inventory management of supplies

Where you’ll work

AYNAM MILLS

LITTLE AYNAM

KENDAL

LA9 7AH

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

BPIF TRAINING LIMITED

Your training course

Print operative (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents
  • Read, interpret and follow information, for example, printing instructions and specifications
  • Inspect work against specifications and quality standards, for example, works instructions, colour standard, materials or files received
  • Record information: digital or manual
  • Follow health and safety regulations, legislation and procedures: PPE, manual handling and ergonomic practice
  • Follow environmental and sustainability regulations and procedures
  • Communicate with colleagues: written, verbal or digital. For example, using digital tools such as email, Information technology (IT) telephony, social media, multi-media, video, infographics
  • Implement solutions as developed by management or supervisors
  • Identify and report production issues. For example, missing fonts, incorrect materials supplied, wrong adhesive indicated
  • Option 1: Pre-Press Operative. Select and use software packages for pre-press, design or workflow tasks. For example, MS Office or equivalent, pdf workflow such as ‘Screen True-flow’, ‘Adobe InDesign’, ‘Adobe Illustrator’ and ERP system such as ‘Tharstern’
  • Option 1: Pre-Press Operative. Select, check and use equipment for the production of a printed or digital ‘proof’
  • Option 1: Pre-Press Operative. Calibrate proof production equipment
  • Option 1: Pre-Press Operative. Select, check and use equipment for the production of plates, screens, output files and materials
  • Option 2: Press Operative. Identify and set up printing presses
  • Option 2: Press Operative. Conduct and log first line preventative maintenance. For example, clean and lubricate printing equipment
  • Option 2: Press Operative. Inspect the quality of print output during production run. For example, colour management, print resolution and product consistency
  • Option 2: Press Operative. Follow print press shut down procedures
  • Option 2: Press Operative and Option 3: Post-Press Operative. Prepare print material for the next stage in production. For example, palletising; ensuring all material laid in the same direction, boxing, labelling
  • Option 2: Press Operative and Option 3: Post-Press Operative. Identify and segregate printed materials into those for use in the next stage of production and those for recycling or disposal
  • Option 3: Post-Press Operative. Identify, set up and load finishing equipment with materials. For example, guillotines, stitching-trimming machinery, binding machinery, laminating equipment, die-cutters
  • Option 3: Post-Press Operative. Conduct and log first line preventative maintenance. For example, clean and lubricate Post Press finishing equipment
  • Option 3: Post-Press Operative. Inspect the quality of the finishing and report any issues arising during the process. For example, misalignment or gathering
  • Read, interpret and follow information, for example, printing instructions and specifications
  • Inspect work against specifications and quality standards, for example, works instructions, colour standard, materials or files received
  • Record information: digital or manual
  • Follow health and safety regulations, legislation and procedures: PPE, manual handling and ergonomic practice
  • Follow environmental and sustainability regulations and procedures
  • Communicate with colleagues: written, verbal or digital. For example, using digital tools such as email, Information technology (IT) telephony, social media, multi-media, video, infographics
  • Implement solutions as developed by management or supervisors
  • Identify and report production issues. For example, missing fonts, incorrect materials supplied, wrong adhesive indicated

    • Your training plan

    Print Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard:

    • We may send you on external training courses or factory visits
    • Training will take place through desk-based training
    • Training will take place through on the job or shadowing of experienced printing technicians
    • Training will be designed around you and your role to help you achieve your full potential

    More training information

    • The training course will help you achieve the basics of lithography and digital printing for which to excel in a career in print

    Requirements

    Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

    Skills

    • Communication skills
    • Attention to detail
    • Organisation skills
    • Problem solving skills
    • Presentation skills
    • Administrative skills
    • Number skills
    • Logical
    • Team working
    • Initiative
    • Non judgemental
    • Patience

    Other requirements

    The role will require daily lifting and physical activity. The ability to drive or pursue a driving license is also an advantage.

    About this company

    Stramongate stands at the forefront of the printing industry, blending cutting-edge technology with a commitment to excellence. Our recent investments in world-leading management information systems, automated finishing equipment, and high-production digital presses showcase our dedication to innovation. We've expanded into large format/vehicle branding with state-of-the-art Epson printers and diversified into embroidery and garment printing, ensuring we meet all our clients' needs. As BPIF members serving diverse industries across the UK, we pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach and our pursuit of quality. Our core values emphasize initiative, integrity, and an unmatched work ethic. We're not just keeping pace with the industry; we're setting new standards. At Stramongate, we're equally committed to environmental responsibility, actively working towards net-zero goals through the carbon balancing schemes and renewable energy sources. Join us in shaping the future of print, where innovation meets sustainability, and every team member's contribution is valued. At Stramongate, you're not just joining a company; you're becoming part of a forward-thinking legacy in the print world.

    http://www.stramongatepress.co.uk (opens in new tab)

    After this apprenticeship

    • After the apprenticeship, it is expected that you will become a permanent print technician

    Ask a question

    The contact for this apprenticeship is:

    STRAMONGATE PRESS LTD

    Stuart Holden

    stuart@stramongatepress.co.uk

    01539720448

    The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000277066.

    Apply now

    Closes on Wednesday 30 October

    When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.