Apprentice Print Assistant

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

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Print operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday. Candidates aged 18+ will be required to work a 3x shift system.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 23 June 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)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

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

About this company

Statex is an established, multi-award winning print solutions provider based in Newcastle, offering high quality print and digital services directly to our local, national and global customer base. We have a passion for print and take great pride in expanding traditional boundaries associated with print, to the benefit of our customers. Our employees are viewed as our most important asset, and we actively promote and offer training and progression opportunities to each individual.

https://statex.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

We are an employee focused business offering competitive rates of pay, 26 days annual leave, contributory pension scheme and on-site parking.

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, a permanent, full-time position may be available, subject to business need

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: