Digital Print Apprentice
WEATHERBYS LTD
Northants (NN8 4BX)
Closes in 30 days (Sunday 26 July 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 26 June 2026
Contents
Summary
This is a hands-on position where you'll learn the full print process — from preparing artwork files right through to finishing and dispatch. You'll work alongside experienced print professionals, getting real exposure to industry-standard equipment and software from day one. No two days are the same.
- Wage
-
£14,560 to £23,132.20, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Print technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (1-hour unpaid lunch break).
35 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 3 August 2026
- Duration
-
2 years 6 months
- 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'll develop technical know-how, a solid understanding of quality standards, and genuine industry knowledge — all while supporting a busy, fast-moving production team.
- Operate digital print equipment including large format printers and presses
- Prepare and check artwork files for print using appropriate software
- Load materials and consumables into machines
- Monitor print jobs for quality and accuracy
- Carry out basic machine maintenance and cleaning
- Assist with finishing: cutting, laminating, binding, and packaging
- Support mailing processes
- Conduct quality checks against company and client standards
- Support stock control and maintain an organised workspace
- Assist with packing and preparing orders for dispatch
- Work collaboratively with production and design teams
Where you'll work
Sanders Road
Wellingborough
Northants
NN8 4BX
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
You will receive a Level 3 Print Technician qualification (equivalent to A level).
Training will be on-site at Weatherbys Ltd Head office, Wellingborough.
Learning will be a blended mix of both online and workshops. Time off will be given for learning throughout the week; training is on-the-job training. Throughout your time as an apprentice, you will be supported by both your employer and BPIF Training to achieve the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship through a structured training plan.
Requirements
Essential 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
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Positive attitude
- Proactive
- Reliable & punctual
- Willingness to Learn
Other requirements
Working in the print room with print equipment where a lot of standing will be required.
About this employer
Weatherbys is a family-run business with over 250 years at the heart of the racing industry. We're proud of our heritage, but what excites us just as much is the future — and the fresh talent that helps us shape it.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
A permanent full-time position as a Digital Print technician will be offered.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BPIF TRAINING LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000039482.
Apply now
Closes in 30 days (Sunday 26 July 2026 at 11:59pm)