Pre-press Print Apprentice

CPI Books -Croydon

Croydon (CR0 4TD)

Closes in 29 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 16 July 2026

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Contents

Summary

CPI Books Croydon has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Apprentice to join our pre-press team to develop as a skilled Pre-press Operator and actively participate in a 24 Month apprenticeship as a Pre-press Print Operative. 

Wage

£14,976 to £23,793.12, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Print operative (level 2)
Hours
Days to be confirmed. 3 days per week. 6am - 6pm

36 hours a week

Start date

Monday 24 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

  • To manufacture all Dies and Cyrel plates to meet customer demands and delivery dates.
  • Ensure all elements are ready before manufacturing is scheduled.
  • Maintain all consumable stock levels, and Dies/Cyrel equipment.
  • To ensure Files are correctly processed through the Pre-Press department.
  • To work to high quality and output levels
  • Develop new ways to improve efficiencies and work flow

Where you'll work

110
Beddington Lane
Croydon
CR0 4TD

Training

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

Training provider

LEARN 2 PRINT 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

Intermediate Apprenticeship Standard for Print Operatives (Level 2)

A full plan will be created at the start of the Apprenticeship to provide information as to what you will be studying and when. Learn2print will deliver the theoretical knowledge for your Print Apprenticeship. You will attend a class each month for one full day at a local venue (this information can be provided on interview) This teaching and training will cover everything from health and safety and general industrial practices to specific industry practices. This will lead you to preparation for your end point assessment, consisting of an online exam, professional discussion and observation in the workplace. You will be allocated a designated tutor and workplace mentor who will support and guide you through the Apprenticeship.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade Grade C/4 or above)
  • Maths (grade Grade C/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
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

CPI, your book printer in THE UK
CPI Books is the UK’s leading book printing service provider.

We lead the book printing market with the latest deployment of inkjet digital printing technology, integrated warehousing, distribution and supply-chain solutions, thanks to significant investments in digital technology and advanced internal IT solutions

 

https://www.cpi-print.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

16 days annual leave

Cycle to work scheme

Health care cash back

Sodexo discounts

After this apprenticeship

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

Full-time position available

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

LEARN 2 PRINT LIMITED

Nithya Maheswaran

nmaheswaran@cpi-print.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000042472.

Apply now

Closes in 29 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)