Apprentice Print Finisher

SF Taylor

STOCKPORT (SK4 1PL)

Closes in 14 days (Friday 20 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 22 January 2026

Print

Contents

Summary

An excellent opportunity working for an award winning print management company established 100 years ago. As a print finishing apprentice, you will learn all aspects of the print finishing equipment under the supervision of a skilled and friendly team. 

Wage

£17,550 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Print operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday, between 9am to 5pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 2 March 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

You will receive training from qualified and experienced print finishers to run all aspects of the print finishing equipment, including: 

  • Guillotines
  • Folders
  • Collators
  • Drills
  • Numbering
  • Stitching
  • Handwork

Where you'll work

UNIT 13
BAMFORD BUSINESS PARK
HIBBERT STREET
STOCKPORT
SK4 1PL

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

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the qualification obtained will be a Level 2 Print Operative Apprenticeship Standard.

As an apprentice, you will be supported by a workplace mentor to carry out your day job. You will also be assigned a BPIF Apprenticeship Tutor, who will work with you and your employer to deliver the apprenticeship curriculum. You will receive protected time during your working hours to meet the 'off-the-job' training requirements of your apprenticeship, which involves developing new knowledge and skills relevant to your apprenticeship. Your apprenticeship training will be carried out by a combination of on-site visits and occasional online sessions. 

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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Quick learner
  • Motivated
  • Positive attitude

About this employer

SF Taylor are a print management company based in Stockport and established for over 100 years. 

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

Company benefits

  • Company uniform provided
  • Company sickness policy
  • Company bonus scheme

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, a full-time position may be available, subject to business needs.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BPIF TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000010247.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Friday 20 February 2026 at 11:59pm)