Apprentice Printer/Finisher

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!

Wage

£14,722.50 to £23,809.50, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check 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 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 July 2025

Duration

2 years

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

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 colours
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

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

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 VAC1000304576.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 1 June 2025

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