Digital Printer Apprenticeship

Summary

We are offering an exciting and dynamic apprenticeship in digital printing for clothing. As an apprentice, you'll learn how to operate advanced digital printing equipment, produce high-quality designs on garments, and manage print runs. This role provides hands-on experience in colour management, fabric preparation, and the print production process.

Wage

£13,312 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

As you progress through the apprenticeship, gain more experience, and develop your skills in digital printing and embroidery, there will be opportunities for wage increases based on performance and training milestones.

Training course

Print operative (level 2)

Hours

40 hours per week, exact working days and hours TBC. (An apprenticeship role requires a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week).

40 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 17 February

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

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

No prior experience necessary - training and mentorship provided to help you build your skills in this growing industry.

This apprenticeship includes off-the-job learning, here you'll gain hands-on experience in operating embroidery equipment. You'll also learn embroidery techniques, enhancing your skillset in both print and stitch work.

As a digital printing apprentice, your day-to-day tasks will involve producing personalised clothing from online orders, ensuring high-quality results and meeting deadlines.

Your responsibilities will include:

Order Processing: Reviewing customer orders and preparing files for print, ensuring all details (designs, colours, sizes) are accurate
Digital Printing: Operating digital printing machines to apply custom designs to various fabrics, ensuring precision and quality with each print
Embroidery Work: Learning to set up and operate embroidery machines, adding custom stitching to garments as part of the personalisation process. (This will contribute to your off the job hours)
Quality Control: Inspecting finished products for any imperfections and ensuring they meet the company's standards before shipping
Workflow Management: Managing production schedules to meet tight deadlines, ensuring timely completion of orders and communication with the team for any urgent tasks
Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on both printing and embroidery machines to ensure smooth operations
Customer Interaction: Occasionally assisting in handling customer inquiries regarding their orders or product customisation

This apprenticeship will allow you to develop your skills in both digital printing and embroidery while working in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and time management are essential.

Where you’ll work

Jjlc Trading Ltd

Unit 9

Kings Norton Trading Estate

Stockmans Close

B38 9TS

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

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship the qualification achieved will be a Level 2 Print Operative. Throughout your time as an apprentice, you will be supported by both your employer and BPIF Training. You will be assigned a training coordinator to ensure that you have the best training available. Training requirements will be discussed at the point of employment to suit both your own and business needs.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

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

Attention to detail
IT skills
Organisation skills

Other requirements

Once fully trained, you can expect a higher wage that reflects your expanded skill set and increased responsibilities within the company. We are committed to supporting your growth and ensuring that your efforts are rewarded as you advance in the role. The apprenticeship role requires a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week. Our warehouse operates 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from January to October. During the peak months of November and December, shift work will be required, with extended warehouse hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This flexible schedule will allow you to gain valuable experience while managing production demands, especially during the busier holiday season. Shifts will be planned to ensure you have the support you need while meeting deadlines and gaining hands-on experience in digital printing and embroidery. Weekend work is required as part of this apprenticeship, given that the warehouse operates 7 days a week. You will be expected to work weekends as part of your regular schedule, especially during peak periods when demand is higher. Flexibility will be key, and the company will work with you to ensure a balanced and supportive working environment. The role may involve lifting boxes of stock as part of the daily tasks, but this is not a requirement that would limit your ability to apply for the apprenticeship. If you are unable to lift heavy items, we are happy to accommodate and ensure tasks are adjusted accordingly to suit your needs. Our priority is to ensure you have the support you need to succeed in the role while maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.

About this company

A family-run business, where we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and friendly work environment. As part of a close-knit team, you'll receive personalised attention and mentorship, with a focus on your professional development. We value collaboration, open communication, and long-term relationships with our employees. Working with us means becoming part of a family-oriented culture that prioritises both individual growth and team success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to develop your skills further, we're here to support you every step of the way

After this apprenticeship

We are committed to supporting your career growth, offering personal development opportunities and further training tailored to your interests. If you wish to expand your knowledge in areas such as design, machine operation, or management, we will provide the resources and mentorship to help you achieve your goals and advance within the company.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: