Ditch the digital screens, swap the keyboard for the satisfying rhythm of the printing press. As a Printing Apprentice, you’ll be a modern-day artisan, wielding a toolbox of skills to transform digital designs into tangible, high-quality printed materials. Embrace this creative and technical adventure:

• Master the language of print: Learn the secrets of pre-press, printing processes, and finishing techniques, meticulously translating digital blueprints into vibrant brochures, crisp business cards, and any other printed masterpiece.
• From pixels to paper: Bridge the gap between the digital and the physical, meticulously calibrating equipment, managing colour accuracy, and ensuring every printed piece meets the highest standards.
• Embrace the challenge of precision: Develop a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach. In the world of printing, every setting and every step in the process contributes to the final product.
• No two projects the same: From intricate packaging designs to large-scale banners, each job presents unique challenges and opportunities to expand your expertise in the ever-evolving world of print.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment: Work alongside experienced printers and graphic designers, collaborating to bring creative visions to life with exceptional quality.

Why choose this path?

Remember, with apprenticeships and traineeships you start earning a wage from day 1! 

• High demand, ever-evolving trade: Skilled Printers are crucial to countless industries, ensuring the production of high-quality printed materials that inform, advertise, and connect us.
• From apprentice to print maestro: As you gain experience, specialize in areas like digital printing, offset printing, or pre-press preparation, becoming a master of the entire printing process.
• Leave a legacy in ink: Every printed piece you create, from business cards to brochures, contributes to the visual landscape of our world, leaving a tangible mark on the way we communicate.
• Be a digital sculptor, a colour connoisseur, a master of the press: Join the ranks of skilled Printers, where artistry meets technology, and every perfectly printed piece is a testament to your expertise.

Potential Roles After Completing a Printing Apprenticeship:

• Printer: Operate printing presses and manage the printing process to create high-quality printed materials.
• Pre-press Technician: Prepare digital files for printing, ensuring colour accuracy and layout fidelity.
• Finishing Technician: Operate finishing equipment to bind, fold, and cut printed materials according to specifications.
• Digital Printing Specialist: Operate and maintain digital printing presses for short-run and on-demand printing jobs.
• Large Format Printer: Produce large-scale printed materials such as banners, posters, and signage.

Specialised Roles (with further training/experience):

• Printing Press Operator: Oversee the operation and maintenance of complex printing presses.
• Colour Management Specialist: Calibrate printing equipment and ensure consistent colour reproduction across all printed materials.
• Quality Control Inspector: Ensure the quality of printed materials throughout the production process.
• Graphic Prepress Specialist: Prepare complex digital files for offset printing, ensuring optimal printing results.

Advanced Roles (with significant experience and qualifications):

• Print Production Manager: Oversee all aspects of the printing process, from pre-press to finishing.
• Printing Business Owner: Start and run your own printing business, specializing in a particular niche or catering to a specific industry.

Additional Training Opportunities:

• Industry certifications: Enhance your skills in specific areas like digital printing, offset printing, or colour management.
• Advanced printing courses: Deepen your knowledge of printing techniques, substrates, and finishing processes.

How long?

Approximately 36-48 months for an Apprenticeship, but it very much depends on each individual and how quickly competencies can be completed.

Ready to ink your future with a Printing Apprenticeship? We’ll provide the workplace, the safety gear, and all the support you need to become a vital force in the exciting world of print.