Apprentice Print Operator

NEWSQUEST MEDIA GROUP LIMITED

Weymouth (DT4 9XD)

Closes on Tuesday 24 November 2026

Posted on 22 October 2026

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Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to develop technical skills, build a long-term career in print production and become part of a team that delivers millions of printed products for customers across the UK.

Wage

£15,720 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Print operative (level 2)
Hours
Sunday to Friday - shift work will be required.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 8 December 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

  • Learn how newspaper printing presses operate and support production activities.
  • Assist with press preparation, machine set-up and production changeovers.
  • Support operators in maintaining print quality and meeting production schedules.
  • Observe and learn production processes across press, reel store, mailroom and associated production areas.       
  • Follow instructions from trained Print Operators and Supervisors.
  • Learn safe methods for handling paper reels and production materials.
  • Assist with stock organisation, traceability and material identification.
  • Support loading and unloading activities when appropriately trained.
  • Learn the importance of waste reduction and efficient material usage.
  • Learn and assist with routine press cleaning and basic maintenance activities under supervision.
  • Support the cleaning of press components and surrounding areas in line with approved procedures and schedules.
  • Learn correct roller-setting principles and assist trained operators with checks and adjustments where authorised.
  • Assist with dampening system cleaning, inspection and preparation to support consistent print quality.
  • Identify and report wear, damage, leaks or unusual operating conditions to a trained Print Operator, Supervisor or Engineer.
  • Follow isolation, lock-off, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements before undertaking any cleaning or maintenance task.
  • Carry out quality checks under supervision.
  • Learn how colour, registration and product presentation standards are achieved.
  • Support housekeeping activities to maintain a clean and organised workplace.
  • Assist with the monitoring and reduction of waste.
  • Follow all Health & Safety procedures, Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) and COSHH requirements.
  • Wear appropriate (PPE).
  • Report hazards, near misses and safety concerns.
  • Support a positive safety culture across the print centre.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across production departments.
  • Participate fully in apprenticeship training, workshops and assessments.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning and continuous improvement.
  • Develop technical knowledge, practical skills and an understanding of print production systems.

Where you'll work

The Print Centre
Hampshire Road
Weymouth
DT4 9XD

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

As an Apprentice Print Operator, you will learn how to produce high-quality newspapers and printed products safely, efficiently and to demanding deadlines. Working alongside experienced Print Operators, Engineers and Production teams, you will gain hands-on experience across printing, reel handling, mailroom operations and supporting production processes while completing an industry-recognised apprenticeship qualification.

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
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental

Other requirements

  • Fast-paced newspaper and print production environment.
  • Combination of classroom learning and practical workplace training.
  • Shift working will be required as skills develop throughout the apprenticeship.
  • Role involves standing for extended periods, manual handling and working around industrial machinery.
  • Full training and supervision will always be provided.

About this employer

We are the leading local news publisher in the UK with a portfolio of more than 200 brands. With an online audience of over 50 million users a month and over 4 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population.
In addition to our local news brands, we own a number of specialist media businesses such as s1jobs, Exchange & Mart, and Newsquest Specialist Media. 

https://www.newsquest.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Access to employee benefits and wellbeing support programmes.
  • Holiday entitlement in line with company policy.
  • Opportunities to gain specialist technical skills in a modern print environment.
  • Career development opportunities within Newsquest Printing.

After this apprenticeship

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

This apprenticeship is designed to be the first step in a long-term career within Newsquest Printing.  

Potential progression opportunities include:

  • Print Operator Level 2
  • Print Technician Level 3
  • Specialist Production Roles
  • Team Leader and Supervisory Positions
  • Print Centre Management Pathways
  • Successful apprentices who demonstrate commitment, capability and a positive attitude will be considered for permanent employment opportunities upon completion of their apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BPIF TRAINING LIMITED

Matt Child

mattc@bpif.training

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000060079.

Apply now

Closes on Tuesday 24 November 2026