Apprentice Print Finisher

Pyramid Press is a leading commercial printing company known for delivering high-quality lithographic and digital print solutions. We are currently offering apprenticeship opportunities for individuals interested in developing a career within the print industry.

Requirements

• GCSE in English (grade Grade C/4 or above)
• GCSE in 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.
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Enthusiastic and reliable
• Eager to learn
• Hands on approach
• Punctual and well organised

Responsibilities

• Assist in the operation of finishing machinery, including guillotines & folders
• Learn to set up and run finishing equipment under supervision
• Carry out quality checks to ensure finished work meets specifications
• Handle materials safely and maintain a clean, organised work area
• Support the team with general production duties as required
• Follow all health and safety and company procedures

Benefits

• Wage: £15,600 to £24,784.50, depending on your age (National Minimum Wage)
• Training course: Print technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday- Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, 30 mins unpaid lunch break (37 hours 30 minutes a week)
• Start date: Monday 10 August 2026
• Duration: 2 years 2 months
• Positions available: 1
• Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
• As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced operators, learning how to prepare, set up, and finish printed jobs to the highest standards. You’ll also receive structured training through an approved apprenticeship programme, leading to a nationally recognised qualification in Print Finishing.
• 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 technician (level 3)
• What you'll learn:
  • 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.
• Training schedule:
  • Advanced Apprenticeship Standard for Print Technicians (Level 3).
  • You will attend a class each month for one full day at a local venue (this information will be provided in the 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.
• Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship.
• Full-time position following successful completion of the apprenticeship.