Summary
A great opportunity to join an ambitious and forward thinking employer in Newcastle. You'll support our production department under the supervision of a skilled team whilst working towards a Level 2 qualification. If you have an appreciation for quality and take pride in everything you do, then we welcome your application.
Wage
£14,722.50 to £23,809.50, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Training course
Print operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday, specific working hours to be agreed with the successful candidate.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
Start date
Monday 5 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
The broad purpose of the occupation is to assist in the production of a printed product or component. Print operatives read and understand work instructions, use relevant print equipment, carry out checks before and during the process. They update all paperwork and check that the final output meets the specification.
Typical daily duties and responsibilities:
* Ensure that the work schedule for a defined period or shift will minimise wash-ups, changeovers, and machine downtime
* Comply with all company health & safety procedures
* Assist Printer with paper loading and general house keeping
* Ensure that levels of waste and run-overs required for operational efficiency is maximised
* Identify and conduct maintenance in line with both manufacturer and company standards
Where you’ll work
6 AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE3 2EF
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, you will obtain a Level 2 Print Operative apprenticeship. This will include any necessary Functional Skills training if required
* Training for both the apprenticeship and the relevant skills to succeed in the role will take place at the workplace, with no requirement to travel to the training provider, BPIF
* The training and studying for the apprenticeship will be carried via regular visits from your BPIF Training Coordinator to deliver 1-1 support
* As an apprentice you will be given full training to carry out your role under the supervision of a supportive team, and will be given regular time during your working hours to work on the apprenticeship requirements
More training information
* We are the largest supplier of apprenticeships to the printing industry. We support the UK’s most innovative, dynamic and creative companies who are setting the standard for what is possible in print production. We do so through deep knowledge, passion and collaboration
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE 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
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Presentation skills
* Number skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Physical fitness