Level 3 Print Technician Apprenticeship

Summary

We're offering an exciting opportunity to join Firpress Ltd as a Print Technician Apprentice. Based in our busy Workington studio, you'll support our expert team in creating high-quality print and signage. If you're creative, motivated, and ready to grow your skills in a fast-paced environment -apply now!

Wage

£15,600 a year

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Training course

Print technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm. Half hour unpaid lunch break from 12.00pm - 12.30pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 21 July 2025

Duration

3 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

As a Print Technician Apprentice, you'll support our production process by preparing and proofing artwork, such as order of service sheets. You'll check digital print files, ensure they meet standards, and liaise with customers for proofing. Tasks also include reviewing PDFs, final preflight checks, and operating digital and large format print equipment.

Where you'll work

5A Buddle Road
Clay Flatts Industrial Estate
Workington
Cumbria
CA14 3YD

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

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the qualification obtained will be a Level 3 Print Technician Apprenticeship Standard (press pathway) The apprentice will be given sufficient time to undertake their "off-the-job" requirement of the apprenticeship.

Throughout your time as an apprentice, you will be supported by both your employer and BPIF Training. You will be assigned a training coordinator to ensure that you have the best training available. Training requirements will be discussed at the point of employment to suit your individual needs and business's needs. Most training and studying will be site-based.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

IT (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

Administrative skills
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Creative
Customer care skills
Initiative
IT skills
Number skills
Organisation skills
Presentation skills
Problem solving skills
Team working

About this company

Founded in 1985, Firpress delivers high-quality, affordable print and design services across west Cumbria. From business cards to banners, we offer design, digital, litho, large format, signage printing, and in-house finishing. We value our team as key to our success - investing in people, efficiency, and growth is at the heart of everything we do.

After this apprenticeship

Upon completing your apprenticeship, you'll have the chance to pursue further training and development. For the right candidate, this can lead to a permanent full-time position within the company, offering long-term career growth and stability.

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