Digital Workflow & Press Operator – Apprentice – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically minded, IT-literate individual looking to build a long-term career in the print industry. As a Digital Press Operator Apprentice, you'll receive full training on our state-of-the-art digital press workflow and equipment, including access to an extensive manufacturer training programme and a Level 3.

Wage

£20,800 a year

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Training course

Print technician (level 3)

Hours

40hr week, Monday - Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 11 August 2025

Duration

3 years

Positions available

2

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

Update workflow and job detail
Learn the digital, studio workflow and technical aspects of artwork planning
Operate digital presses in line with job specifications and production schedules
Monitor press performance and proactively report maintenance issues
Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient working environment
Record and report reprints, errors, and material wastage
Support the wider print team while developing independent working skills
Ensure maximum uptime of equipment and assist in troubleshooting issues

Where you'll work

10 Granville Way
Bicester
OX26 4JT

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 (pre-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 however you will also undertake the following manufacturer training:

Basic Operator Training On-site
5 days Advanced Maintenance On-site
5 days Train to maintain Training Centre Barcelona,
10 days DFE Training On-site
3 days Colour Management Training On-Site
Ramp up service Onsite, 8 days

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths (grade 4)
English (grade 4)
Science (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

Attention to detail
Communication skills
Creative
Initiative
IT skills
Logical
Number skills
Organisation skills
Physical fitness
Presentation skills
Problem solving skills
Team working

About this company

Fast-growing, innovative company with over 13 years of experience in the print and publishing industry. Starting as a print management business, we've evolved into a full-service manufacturer and were the first in the UK to successfully adapt traditional plastic film wrapping equipment for use with sustainable paper-based solutions. With two UK sites, we offer a wide range of services including wrapping, fulfilment, pick and pack, storage, branding, and UK & international postage.

After this apprenticeship

Digital Press Operator Can lead onto team leader roles, supervisor and management for right individuals. If commercial acumen is shown also potentially a position planning, costing and estimating new work opportunities.

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