Junior Print Operative Apprenticeship

HOBS REPROGRAPHICS PLC

Leeds (LS1 2PX)

Closes in 19 days (Friday 23 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 2 October 2026

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Summary

The Level 2 Print Operative Apprenticeship is a hands-on, industry-focused programme designed for people looking to start a career in the printing sector.

Apprentices will learn how to support the production of printed products across lots of areas from magazines and packaging to signage.

Wage

£15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

After 1 year of completing apprenticeship, wage will increase to NMW depending on age.

Training course
Print operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday – Friday – 09:00am – 17:30pm (7.5 hours per day with 1 hour lunch break unpaid).

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 26 October 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

  • Producing printed materials using a variety of digital print equipment and software
  • Copying, printing, scanning, and binding client documents
  • Finishing work, folding, trimming, laminating, and mounting prints
  • Keeping the workspace clean, organised, and safe
  • Helping ensure every project leaves the building at the high standard our clients expect
  • Pitching in wherever needed, teamwork is a big part of what we do

Where you'll work

Leigh House 28-32
St. Pauls Street
Leeds
LS1 2PX

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

You will be supported by experienced members of staff and a tutor from BPIF Training.  All training will be delivered on site through a mixture of face to face and remote learning.

 

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
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative

Other requirements

You will be working in a print room environment.

About this employer

Founded in 1969, Hobs Reprographics has grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent print companies, with over 140 employees across 17 locations nationwide. We are proud holders of the Royal Warrant, providing reprographics services to the Royal Household.

At Hobs Repro, we believe in rewarding determination, developing talent, and promoting from within.

Many of our team started just where you are now and have built long-term, successful careers with us.

Our Liverpool team produces high-quality print work for architects, engineers, designers, and creative clients – all using cutting-edge technology and the latest digital print processes.

 

https://hobsrepro.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

A discretionary £100 bonus depending if their branch location hits target for that month.

After this apprenticeship

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

After successful completion of your apprenticeship possible routes you could take are senior print operator or business manager.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BPIF TRAINING LIMITED

Matt Child

mattc@bpif.training

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000057082.

Apply now

Closes in 19 days (Friday 23 October 2026 at 11:59pm)