Apprentice Print Operative (Lithographic Printing)

Pollards Print

EXETER (EX2 7NU)

Closes in 31 days (Friday 26 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 26 May 2026

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Summary

Looking for a hands-on career where you can learn specialist skills working with technology? Pollards Print is offering an exciting opportunity to join our production team in Exeter. This apprenticeship will offer practical experience, nationally recognised qualifications and long-term career prospects in a modern manufacturing environment.

• Wage:

  £15,600 to £24,784.50, depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Salary of NMW for age of candidate.

• Training course: Print operative (level 2)
• Hours: Potential for shift work at end of course Monday to Friday. Working hours TBC

  37 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 29 June 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

You will work alongside experienced professionals, learn how high-quality printed products are created, and train to operate industry-leading printing equipment used by businesses and organisations across the UK.

No previous print experience is needed. We are looking for someone with a positive attitude, willingness to learn and good attention to detail.

This is a practical, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You will learn how professional print production works from start to finish while building valuable workplace and technical skills.

Your duties will include:

• Learning from experienced printers and mentors
• Assisting in setting up and operating modern Heidelberg printing presses
• Checking print quality and colours
• Preparing materials and helping keep production running smoothly
• Working as part of a friendly production team
• Learning how to meet customer deadlines and quality standards
• Developing problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills
• Building confidence, responsibility and technical knowledge

Over time, you will gain the skills needed to become a qualified Lithographic Printer, a specialist trade with excellent long-term career opportunities.

Where you'll work

OAK HOUSE
FALCON ROAD
SOWTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
EXETER
EX2 7NU

Training

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

Training provider

BPIF TRAINING LIMITED

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

A structured, 2-year apprenticeship program leading to a BPIF Level 2 Print Operative qualification

 

Dedicated Support: Regular 1-on-1 meetings with your manager and a designated mentor to track your progress and provide guidance

Career Progression: Opportunity for a permanent position upon successful completion of the apprenticeship

Inclusive Culture: A supportive and friendly team environment where you can develop your skills and grow with us

Throughout your time as an apprentice, you will be supported by both Pollards Print and the BPIF. You will be assigned a training coordinator to work with you throughout the duration of your apprenticeship

Training requirements will be discussed at the point of employment to suit both your own and business needs

Most training and studying will be site-based

You should be comfortable with planning your workload as you progress through the apprenticeship

More training information

• BPIF Training Limited are industry specialists, providing apprenticeship training that meets the needs of a 21st century printing and packaging industry
• Our training coordinators are all industry experienced and deliver workplace-based training
• Our expertise has been developed over many years working closely with employers

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 4)

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

Skills

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

Other requirements

• This role is a combination of practical hands-on work and problem solving/ attention to detail
• The local area has good travel links, is accessible by public transport (trains and buses) as well as providing car parking on site for staff

About this employer

Located in Exeter, Devon, we are proud to be one of the UK’s oldest printers with over 240 years of experience. Since 1781, we have been a family business offering high-quality print, design, fulfilment and distribution services to a wide range of clients, from the corporate and commercial to charity, NFP and start-ups. Our expertise and experience are complemented by continuous investment in cutting edge litho and digital printing equipment to provide the highest quality printing services at the most competitive prices. We are market leaders in the application of technology to online printing, with a multi-channel capability that delivers high quality marketing collateral for your business or organisation. With our commitment to investing in the highest quality printing equipment available and huge advancements into online solutions and mailing, we strive to always be ahead of the curve.

https://www.wearepollards.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

In addition to the salary, Pollards offers DIS cover, a cycle to work scheme, 26 days per year annual leave plus Bank holidays, Sick pay, discretionary bonus scheme, overtime rates and a Stakeholder pension scheme.

After this apprenticeship

Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to:

• A permanent full-time role
• Progression to Senior Printer, Shift Leader or Department Manager
• Further technical training and qualifications
• Long-term career development within print and manufacturing

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BPIF TRAINING LIMITED

Yasmin Brotherson

yasmin.brotherson@bpif.org.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033214.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Friday 26 June 2026 at 11:59pm)