Apprentice ship Print Operative L2

Summary

About the Role: We are seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Print Operatives Level 2. This apprenticeship offers a comprehensive 24-month training program covering all aspects of print production, including health and safety, quality assurance, environmental sustainability, and hands-on experience across different print functions.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Print operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday 08:00 till 17:00.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 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

What You'll Learn:

Health and Safety practices: risk assessments, PPE, manual handling, ergonomic practice, and compliance with relevant legislation such as COSHH and the Health and Safety at Work Act
Environmental awareness and sustainability, including waste disposal and energy efficiency
Understanding the printing and graphic communication industry, its markets, and organisational culture
Production processes from pre-press, press, to post-press operations including quality control and deadlines
Problem-solving techniques for print machinery, digital tools, and online services
Data security standards (GDPR) and equality & diversity in the workplace
Work area organisation and efficiency using 5S methodology (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) Specialisations
Press Operative: Setting up and maintaining printing presses, managing inks and chemicals, ensuring print quality, and following safety procedures
Post-Press Operative: Operating finishing equipment such as guillotines and binders, handling adhesives and laminates, maintaining machinery, and quality inspection

Key Skills:

Effective communication (written, verbal, and digital)
Implementing solutions and identifying production issues
Using relevant software and equipment for your specialisation
Conducting first-line maintenance and quality inspections
Prioritising health, safety, and sustainability
Adaptability, professionalism, and strong teamwork
Self-motivation and commitment to continuous learning

Where you'll work

Fountain Way Reydon Business Park Reydon
Southwold
IP18 6SZ

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

Print Operative Level 2.

Training will take place inhouse, with inhouse visits from training provider.

Requirements

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
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Patience

About this company

Are you looking to start a hands-on career in a fast-paced, creative industry? Micropress is offering an exciting opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading print companies as an Apprentice Print Operative. We’re on the verge of launching one of the world’s most advanced printing presses and continue to provide high-quality marketing solutions for major high street brands across the UK. Based in a modern, purpose-built factory in Reydon, Suffolk, we employ over 195 people and are proud of our reputation for innovation and excellence in print. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are keen to learn, develop new skills, and grow within the print industry. This apprenticeship offers a fantastic pathway into a long-term career with opportunities for development and progression. What we’re looking for: A positive, can-do attitude Willingness to learn and take on new challenges Good attention to detail A strong work ethic and reliability What you’ll gain: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge print technology A nationally recognised Level 2 qualification in Print On-the-job training and mentoring from experienced professionals Opportunities to progress within a growing company If you're ready to take your first step into a rewarding career in print, we’d love to hear from you!

After this apprenticeship

Progression onto Print Technician Level 3.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MICROPRESS PRINTERS LIMITED

HR

hr@micropress.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000330122.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 31 August 2025

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