Print Apprentice

Polstead Press

SUFFOLK (IP14 5AG)

Closes on Thursday 30 July 2026

Posted on 3 March 2026

Print

Contents

Summary

Operate and maintain printing presses; including the digital printer, laminator, guillotine, booklet maker, and large-format equipment; manage materials and toners; ensure colour, cut, and print quality; follow health & safety procedures; and collaborate to meet tight deadlines.

Wage

£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Print operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

35 hours a week

Start date

Saturday 1 August 2026

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

Key elements typically include: 

  • Print production processes – understanding digital, laminators, guillotines, booklet maker, and large-format printing methods 
  • Machine operation – setting up, running, monitoring, and adjusting printing presses and finishing equipment Materials and toner – emptying waste toners, changing toners and keeping the machines up to date, clean and fixing any problems that occur
  • Quality control – checking colour accuracy, and quality of cutting and final product 
  • Health and safety – following safe working practices and environmental procedures 
  • Teamwork and communication – working with designers and
  • supervisors to prioritise work to meet deadlines 
     

Where you'll work

5A THE MALTINGS
STOWUPLAND ROAD
STOWMARKET
SUFFOLK
IP14 5AG

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

W S TRAINING LTD.

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

Training schedule

Training will primarily be on-site, using a hands-on, learn-as-you-go approach. Individuals will shadow experienced team members, gradually taking on practical tasks as they gain competence and confidence.

More training information

The training provider will visit the workplace periodically to monitor the apprentice’s progress and assess their learning.

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience

About this employer

Polstead Press is a local family‑run printing and design company based at 5a The Maltings on Stowupland Road in Stowmarket, Suffolk, England. Established over 20 years ago, it offers a wide range of professional printing services — from business cards, leaflets and banners to bespoke stationery, posters and promotional materials — along with in‑house design support. The team focuses on high‑quality, cost‑effective print solutions and fast turnaround times for both local businesses and individual customers.

http://www.polsteadpress.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

A very small, close-knit team that is open, friendly, and always ready to help each other.

After this apprenticeship

If the candidate demonstrates suitability for the role and shows progress in skills and competency, there may be the potential for a full-time position at the end of the apprenticeship. This will be assessed closer to the completion of the program.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Polstead Press

Sophie

sophie@ghyllhouse.co.uk

01449677500

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017112.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 30 July 2026