Print Industry Apprenticeships
Overview
We offer two Apprenticeship standards for Print Industry roles. Apprenticeships can be used for existing employees or we can help you recruit someone into an Apprenticeship role.
Aimed at those who will be working within print, packaging, creative or design environments with responsibilities for designing and producing creative artwork, maintaining digital systems, running equipment and controlling output and quality.
Both of these Apprenticeships cover core knowledge, skills and behaviours before specialising in one of three areas.
Print Operator (Level 2)
Developed to provide a foundation to start a career in print, the broad purpose of the role is to assist in the production of a printed product or component. Delivered over two years.
Print Technician (Level 3)
An intermediate qualification, designed to give a strong core of knowledge covering the print production process. Typically delivered over three years.
Core Knowledge
These topics are covered at varying levels depending on the qualification level:
- The printing and graphic communication industry
- Culture, values, processes
- Technical knowledge and print industry practices
- Pre-press, press and post-press processes / equipment
- Customer expectation, resolving problems and ensuring quality
- Health and safety, environmental requirements and laws
Specialist Focus:
After covering Core Knowledge, one of three specialist focuses are chosen:
#1: Pre-Press Operative / Technician
Pre-press staff are skilled in all the physical processes that occur before the printing and finishing stages including the creation of print ready designs.
Level 2 Apprenticeship is focused on the foundation skills of checking customer files for errors, producing customer proofs, plates, cylinders, screens and electronic files.
Level 3 Apprenticeship is about developing a higher end-to-end confidence with all aspects needed to operate as a Technician.
#2: Press Operative / Technician
Press staff are skilled in all the physical processes that occur as part of the printing stage.
Level 2 Apprenticeship covers the set process, checking materials against work instructions, inspecting and reporting issues. It also covers cleaning and basic maintenance.
Level 3 Apprenticeship covers comprehensively the six printing categories; lithography, screed, flexography, gravure, letterpress and digital.
#3: Post-Press Operative / Technician
Post-press staff are skilled in all the physical processes that occur after the printing stage
Level 2 Apprenticeship covers the finishing equipment. Checking materials against work instructions, inspecting output and reporting issues. Finishing machine, prep for the next department and basic maintenance.
Level 3 Apprenticeship covers a broad range of equipment. Each requires different techniques in order to operate successfully, and job duties can vary according to machine type and technology.
If you’re interested in these qualifications, the next step is to get in touch and we will work out the best package for your organisation.