Level 3 Print Technician - Digital Print Finishing and Book Binding Apprentice
HOBBS THE PRINTERS LIMITED
Southampton (SO40 3WX)
Closes in 30 days (Saturday 16 August 2025 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 16 July 2025
Contents
Summary
Are you looking to build or enhance your career with a future-focused company at the forefront of print technology and sustainability? At Hobbs the Printers Ltd, we're excited to offer an opportunity designed to develop the next generation of talent in the print industry.
- Wage
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£25,916 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Pay rate is based on the successful candidate being aged 21+, if the candidate is under the age of 21, the rate of pay will be lower and dependent upon age. Potential pay increases may apply after 6 and 12 months dependent upon the skills acquired.
- Training course
- Print technician (level 3)
- Hours
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Monday to Friday, day shift either 08:10 - 16:00 or 08:30 – 16:20 with a 20-minute unpaid break. There may be some shift working based on business requirement and limited travel associated with off-site training.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Monday 1 September 2025
- Duration
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3 years
- Positions available
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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
You will learn all aspects of the printing industry and discover how raw printed material is transformed into finished products through various complex finishing processes. You will gain valuable experience of delivering top-quality printed items to tight deadlines with precision in a well-respected company.
This role covers a broad range of digital finishing equipment. You will learn to operate a range of technologies throughout the business including cut sheet to stitched book, reel to cut sheet and reel to stitched book systems, adhesive binding lines with semi-automated 3 knife trimming, laminating and case binding.
To strive for excellence with the long-term aim of becoming a specialist within the team.
To consistently produce work to the highest standard.
To follow the production plan and use initiative to suggest amendments to running order.
To consistently and accurately record time and data into the management information system.
To provide local supervision and support to relevant Assistants.
To apply and follow safe working practices at all times to ensure that the working environment is safe, clean and healthy through the correct use of equipment and supplies, so as to eliminate the risk of accidents and incidents.
To carry out day-to-day maintenance and cleaning of machines to ensure safe and efficient working in line with manufacturers schedules.
To create finished work meeting all customer requirements following ISO 9001 procedures with zero defects and spoilage and achieving specified levels of productivity.
To work as a team member, supporting other members as required, and contributing to the process of continually improving work methods and techniques.
Where you'll work
Brunel Road
Totton
Southampton
SO40 3WX
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
The apprentice will be supported by the employer and training provider, an industry expert mentor at Hobbs the Printers and a training coordinator at BPIF Training will be assigned. Practical training and studying will be based onsite where the apprentice will be given sufficient time to undertake the "off-the-job" requirement of the apprenticeship.
What the apprentice will gain - A nationally recognised Level 3 Print Technician qualification, real world experience in a progressive, tech-driven environment, mentorship from industry experts and a workplace that values sustainability, teamwork, and innovation.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Five subjects including English and Maths (grade 4 or above)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
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
The apprentice will be part of a small team of other digital print finishing and book binding staff. The role will include manual handling – paper, cartons, pallets etc., and much of the day can be spent standing whilst operating items of equipment. Normal colour vision is essential.
About this company
Hobbs the Printers is a commercial lithographic and digital print services company that specialise in producing and distributing business critical publications globally. With over 140 years in the industry and a strong commitment to innovation, Hobbs the Printers is not your traditional printing company. We combine cutting-edge digital print technology, advanced automation, and a deep respect for the environment to deliver high-quality print solutions for clients across publishing, education, healthcare, and more. We are proud to be a technologically advanced and environmentally conscious business, investing in state-of-the-art equipment and sustainable practices to shape the future of print.
https://hobbs.uk.com/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, Company pension scheme, Employee assistance program and free onsite parking
After this apprenticeship
The apprentice can expect structured and supportive career progression, starting with practical training in key areas alongside the formal qualification. As the apprentice develops experience and demonstrates competence, they may have an opportunity to progress into more specialised roles. In the future with continued dedication and learning, apprentices could advance into supervisory and management positions, contributing to the company's long-standing reputation for excellence in printing.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
HOBBS THE PRINTERS LIMITED
Ailsa Wooster
a.wooster@hobbs.uk.com
02380664800
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000331951.
Apply now
Closes in 30 days (Saturday 16 August 2025 at 11:59pm)
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