Post Press Operator Apprentice

THE BAKER SELF-ADHESIVE LABEL CO LTD

Essex (CM14 4JE)

Closes on Monday 31 August 2026

Posted on 24 June 2026

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Summary

We are offering a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our busy production team. This is a great chance to join the print industry and progress your career whilst having the added benefit of being able to earn while you learn in a fun, dynamic and rewarding environment.

Wage

£15,392 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

The apprentice will receive quarterly pay reviews whilst on the apprenticeship.  After a successful probation period, they will be put on the company quarterly bonus scheme.

Training course
Print technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 15 September 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

  • Pre-press and post-press processes and equipment and how their role will impact upon others
  • Properties and structures of materials, adhesives and various other chemicals
  • Physical properties of the numerous paper/plastic stocks and their benefits and constraints
  • How to convert sheets into pages and products
  • How to safely and effectively convert the source materials (e.g. printed paper and gold foil) into the customer’s specific product (e.g. a special edition videogame pack) by using a combination of machinery and processes
  • The benefits and constraints of the many different folding types
  • How to apply different finishes to different substrates e.g. scented varnish, holographic foiling, soft-touch laminate, near-field communication sticker and be able to set up, run and maintain a specific range of finishing equipment at the appropriate speed and at quality levels
  • Deal with a range of finishing processes which may include varnishing, folding, embossing/debossing, foil blocking etc.
  • Operate finishing equipment optimally
  • Handle and transport materials and other inventory within the finishing area working environment
  • Work to tight deadlines, in a calm and professional manner

Where you'll work

Unit A2
Hubert Road
Brentwood
Essex
CM14 4JE

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 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.

Training schedule

All learners on the course are expected to achieve the following:

  • Print Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
  • City and Guilds Print Technician3 Qualification

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4 or above)
  • Maths (grade 4 or above)

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
  • Administrative skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

Baker Labels are the leading UK trade label manufacturer with over 50 years' experience of printing every type of label. We are a family business since 1973.

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

Company benefits

  • Work based pension
  • Profit related bonus after 6 months service
  • Life assurance scheme
  • 21 Days holiday plus Bank Holidays
  • Wellbeing at work programme
  • Great social and team building events

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • All vacancies are advertised for all staff to view
  • At the end of the  successful apprenticeship the apprentice can apply for a permanent positions if one is available

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE BAKER SELF-ADHESIVE LABEL CO LTD

Clare Coles

clare.coles@bakerlabels.co.uk

01277281900

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000039020.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 31 August 2026