Print Technician Apprentice

Digital Production Skills

• 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.

Finishing Process Skills

• 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.
• 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.

Apprenticeship Outcomes

All learners on the course are expected to achieve the following:

• Print Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
• City and Guilds Print Technician 3 Qualification

Earnings and Opportunities

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

Application Process

All vacancies are advertised for all staff to view. At the end of the successful apprenticeship, the apprentice can apply for a permanent position if one is available.