Summary
We have a great opportunity for someone to build a career path in print with Harlow Solutions. As a Post-Press Apprentice, this role offers real world experience in finishing, cutting, and binding printed products while learning from industry experts. It’s ideal for someone practical, detail-focused, and eager to develop new skills
Wage
£14,618.76 a year
£283.13 - £375 per week The apprenticeship offers competitive pay and an annual bonus based on both company and individual performance. Successful apprentices may have the opportunity for a full-time role.
Training course
Print technician (level 3)
Hours
The standard working week is 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Flexibility may be required for shift work during busy periods. Exact hours will be confirmed based on business needs and apprenticeship requirements.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
Possible start date
Monday 24 March
Duration
2 years 6 months
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
The Post-Press Apprentice will work alongside experienced operators to learn finishing processes such as cutting, binding, and packaging printed products.
Typical daily tasks include:
* Setting up and operating machinery
* Quality checking finished items
* Maintaining a clean workspace
This role offers the chance to develop technical skills, work to production deadlines, and gain valuable industry experience in a fast-paced print environment.
Where you’ll work
8-10
Waldridge Way
South Shields
NE34 9PZ
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 technician (level 3)
Equal to A level
Course contents
* Apply environmental and sustainability procedures in compliance with regulations and standards for example, segregating resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
* Apply health and safety and manual handling procedures in compliance with regulations and standards.
* Plan and prioritise work
* Record or enter information - paper based or electronic for example, work sheets, check lists, handover records, job sheets.
* Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
* Follow equality, diversity and inclusion procedures.
* Communicate with others verbally including colleagues or stakeholders.
* Communicate in writing.
* Apply problem-solving techniques to common problems.
* Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
* Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks, with consideration for cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
* Apply team working principles.
* Convert customer files to print-ready files using software and workflow packages.
* Check, process and transmit digital files using software.
* Create and edit digital images.
* Conversion of digital files into colour separations for the defined production method.
* Apply digital techniques to produce a proof.
* Apply colour profiles to the design.
* Apply production techniques to produce plates, screens, or output files.
* Apply pre-press quality assurance procedures.
* Set up and check the multi-unit print press, including speeds, inks and toners and pre-printing quality checks.
* Follow print press start up or warm up procedures.
* Apply print press operations and techniques, including managing colour. Handle variable data on digital presses.
* Follow quality control processes during printing, including checking for colour matching, print resolution, product consistency.
* Apply press equipment and machinery maintenance techniques including cleaning and servicing.
* Follow machine shut down, safe isolation, hand over procedures. Escalate issues.
* Apply press quality assurance procedures.
* Apply safe systems of work to the printing press process in compliance with regulations, standards, and guidelines. This should include identifying risks and hazards and the handling and disposal of chemicals.
* Set up finishing equipment for example, guillotines, stitching-trimming machinery, binding machinery, laminating equipment, die-cutters.
* Operate finishing equipment to apply different finishing processes, for example, varnishing, folding, embossing and debossing, foil blocking, scoring, packing, gluing, match and attach, tab and slot, sorting, banding.
* Prepare printing for next stage, including packing and wrapping.
* Apply post-press equipment maintenance techniques including cleaning and servicing.
* Apply post-press quality assurance procedures such as checking for folding accuracy, stitch alignment, foil position.
* Apply safe systems of work to the finishing process in compliance with regulations, standards and guidelines, including the handling and disposal of chemicals.
* Apply environmental and sustainability procedures in compliance with regulations and standards for example, segregating resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
* Apply health and safety and manual handling procedures in compliance with regulations and standards.
* Plan and prioritise work
* Record or enter information - paper based or electronic for example, work sheets, check lists, handover records, job sheets.
* Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
* Follow equality, diversity and inclusion procedures.
* Communicate with others verbally including colleagues or stakeholders.
* Communicate in writing.
* Apply problem-solving techniques to common problems.
* Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
* Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks, with consideration for cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
* Apply team working principles.
Your training plan
The apprentice will work towards a Level 3 Print Technician qualification with BPIF as the training provider.
Training will be delivered through workplace learning and release sessions. The apprenticeship covers a broad range of post-press equipment, each requiring different techniques to operate successfully.
Upon completion, the apprentice will gain a recognised industry qualification, providing essential skills for a career in print finishing.
More training information
Throughout your time as an apprentice, you will be supported by both your employer and BPIF Training. You will be assigned a dedicated BPIF training coordinator who will work with you and your employer for the duration of programme to ensure that you have the best tailored training available.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4)
* Maths (grade 4)
Desirable qualifications
BTEC in:
* Science/Technology (grade Pass)
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
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Physical fitness
* Positive Attitude
* Eagerness to learn
* Motivated
Other requirements
Apply now to join a skilled team in a fast-paced, growing business.