Apprentice Lithographic Printer

The apprentice will undergo training throughout the complete lithographic workflow, learning about our process whilst also being part of our fast-paced production environment. The main focus will be on lithographic printing methods and learning the offset technology.

Main duties will include:

• Learning the process of plate making – what is involved and how it works. This is the process prior to printing
• Learning how to operate machinery

The duties of a ‘number 2’ print assistant on the machine will include:

• Preparing everything that is required for the press to keep going – paper, ink plates, blankets etc.
• Understanding all company quality checks that are undertaken, relating to colour, label size, barcode checks, gloss level, grain direction
• Ensure previous job retains are filed away correctly to be checked when required
• General waste, cardboard waste and paper waste is kept tidy around workstation
• Changing impression waste and blanket washcloths within the press
• Changing print blankets within the press

Throughout the career of an apprentice, the expectation is to progress through the role of being a ‘number 2’ minder on the press to becoming a leading hand – or ‘number 1’. The ‘number 1’ is in charge of everything around their equipment whilst on shift, they are expected to understand the machine in great detail, as well as instructing the second minder (‘number 2’).

• Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the qualification obtained will be a Level 3 Print Technician Apprenticeship Standard
• Functional Skills in English and maths if required
• The apprentice will be given sufficient time to undertake their “off-the-job” requirement of the apprenticeship
• Throughout your time as an apprentice you will be supported by both Tipographic and the BPIF
• You will be assigned a training coordinator to ensure that you have the best training available
• Training requirements will be discussed at the point of employment to suit your individual needs and business needs. Most training and studying will be site-based

• On completion of the apprenticeship, the role of a full-time ‘number 1’ printer will be available for the successful candidate