Print Press Apprentice

Summary

The apprentice will assist in the daily operation of digital printing equipment, undertaking structured training as part of the Print Operative Level 2. This role supports the team in preparing, running, and maintaining print production processes, while developing skills in quality control, maintenance, safety, and efficient production of materials.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Print operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 12 May 2025

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

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

Assist with operating the machines and help deliver jobs in the print queue
Carry out visual and process checks to ensure output quality is maintained
Learn and assist with routine maintenance tasks on the production line (daily, weekly)
Support the team in following production work instructions and reporting any issues in a timely manner
Work effectively with team members and management to meet deadlines and quality standards
Assist with preparing finished goods, packaging, and ensuring high-quality presentation
Learn about the print industry, including materials, sustainability, quality control, and end-to-end processes
Understand and follow Health & Safety, GDPR, and environmental regulations
Demonstrate a professional attitude in the workplace, including communication and teamwork
Participate in all required training sessions, workshops, and complete apprenticeship assignments
Contribute to upholding 5S standards and maintaining an efficient, clean work area
To succeed in the role, the apprentice should demonstrate a commitment to learning, a positive work ethic, and excellent attendance
The individual will be trained to a high standard in Health & Safety, operational procedures, and printing techniques. Over time, they will gain the confidence and skills required

Where you’ll work

Henderson Design Group Ltd
28 Oakesway
Hartlepool
County Durham
TS24 0RE

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

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the qualification achieved will be a Level 2 Print Operative Standard - Press Pathway.

Throughout your time as an apprentice, you will be supported by 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

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths (grade 4)
English (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
Communication skills
Initiative
Logical
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Team working

About this company

We are a distributor and manufacturer of wallcoverings, paint, and decorating tools. Over the past five years, we have transitioned from purchasing all wallcoverings to producing a significant proportion in-house using digital dry toner printers.

After this apprenticeship

Permanent position upon successful completion.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: