Pre-Press Apprentice

Summary

Kickstart your career as a Pre-Press Apprentice. Are you ready to begin an exciting career in the print industry? We’re offering a fantastic opportunity to join an established Print company based in Newcastle upon Tyne , with over 40 years of industry expertise and a reputation for quality and innovation.

Wage

£14,722.50 a year

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Training course

Print technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 09.00 to 17.00.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 July 2025

Duration

2 years 6 months

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

As a Pre-Press Apprentice, you’ll become an essential part of our busy Pre-press Department, gaining hands-on experience with the latest digital print technology, pre-press software, and finishing equipment.

You'll learn how to prepare files for print, ensure accurate colour reproduction, and support the team in delivering top-quality printed materials to a diverse range of clients.

This is a perfect role for someone with a keen eye for detail, a passion for technology, and a desire to build a long-term career in print. You'll receive full training and ongoing support as you develop your skills in a fast-paced, friendly, and professional environment.

Join us and take the first step toward a rewarding career in the print industry.

As a Pre-Press Apprentice, you’ll be involved in the essential early stages of the print production process.

Your responsibilities will include:

Preparing artwork for print: learning how to check and adjust customer-supplied artwork files to ensure they meet printing specifications (e.g., bleed, resolution, colour profiles).
Using pre-press software: gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard design and pre-press software used to process print files.
Proofing and quality checks: assisting in the creation of digital proofs, checking for errors, and ensuring all files are ready for accurate and high-quality printing.
Learning file management: organising and archiving print files correctly, following internal naming and version control systems.
Collaborating with the print teams: communicating with other departments to ensure print jobs run smoothly from design to final product.
Maintaining equipment and workspaces: supporting the maintenance and cleanliness of pre-press tools and areas to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
Training and development: participating in structured learning and on-the-job training to develop your skills and knowledge of the print industry.

This hands-on role is perfect for someone eager to learn, enjoys working with computers and has a passion for bringing creative projects to life in print.

Where you'll work

6 7 Greenfinch Way
Newburn Riverside
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE15 8NX

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 technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

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

As a Pre-Press Apprentice, you will receive a structured training programme that combines on-the-job experience with formal learning from BPIF Training, giving you the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the print industry.

Training will cover key areas such as:

Understanding the printing process from design to finished product
Operating and managing pre-press systems
Colour management and proofing
File preparation, layout, and imposition
Health and safety in the print environment
Industry-specific software skills

Learning will take place through a blend of:

Hands-on experience in the workplace
Remote or in-person sessions with your apprenticeship tutor (BPIF Training)
Online learning modules and assessments

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will achieve a Level 3 Print Technician apprenticeship standard, specialising in the Pre-Press pathway.

This apprenticeship sets you up for a long-term career in the print, with potential to progress into roles such as Pre-Press Technician, or higher over time.

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)

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
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Patience

Other requirements

We’re looking for someone who has the right attitude and passion to succeed in the print industry. The ideal candidate will have: • Attention to Detail A keen eye for spotting errors, ensuring high-quality and accurate print preparation. • Creative Thinking An interest in design, layout, and bringing ideas to life through print. • Technical Curiosity An eagerness to learn how digital print technology and software work behind the scenes. • Problem-Solving Skills Ability to think logically and find solutions to file setup or printing challenges. • Good Communication Skills Comfortable working with team members across departments and asking questions when needed. • Organised and Methodical Approach Able to manage multiple tasks, follow processes carefully, and meet deadlines. • Willingness to Learn and Grow Positive attitude toward feedback, new challenges, and personal development. • Team Player Mentality Works well with others and contributes to a supportive and collaborative workplace culture. • Self-Motivation Takes pride in their work and shows initiative without needing constant supervision.

About this company

We are an established print company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly serving clients for over 40 years. Our decades of experience have earned us a strong reputation for delivering high-quality print solutions, underpinned by a commitment to innovation, reliability, and exceptional customer service. With a skilled team and state-of-the-art technology, we continue to lead the industry by offering tailored services that meet the evolving needs of our clients across a wide range of sectors.

https://www.pureprint.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Completing the Pre-Press Apprenticeship opens the door to a wide range of exciting career paths in the print industry. With the skills and experience you gain, you'll be well-positioned to grow within the company or explore new opportunities in related areas.

Typical career progression paths:

Pre-Press Technician / Operator: continue in a specialist role preparing files for print, managing proofing systems, and ensuring print quality.
Studio Manager: progress into a leadership role overseeing a team of pre-press or studio staff.

This apprenticeship sets a solid foundation for a long-term, rewarding career in an evolving industry that blends creativity, technology, and precision. With ongoing development and ambition, there are excellent opportunities for advancement.

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