Job Description

Apprentice - Machine Printing

Main Purpose of Job

The Apprenticeship consists of 3 parts:

NVQ 2 or 3 in Mechanised Print Finishing and Binding.
Keyskills – basis skills in literacy, numeracy, problem solving and IT.
Technical Certificate – tuition in general printing theory.

The primary role of a Machine Printer is the safe operation of lithographic presses.
The Apprentice may also be required to operate the digital colour print machine, its ancillary equipment and other digital equipment i.e. Oce; Nuvera; Nipson; DocuTech etc. In all roles, the machines will be operated in a cost effective and efficient manner to produce printed work at the defined quality standard.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

To prepare, set up and operate presses/machines, undertaking all necessary quality checks to ensure conformance to correct specification.
To identify and load jobs, ensuring that correct stock is used.
To liaise with other departments, as necessary, in order to resolve operational issues and ensure the smooth running of the department.
To work as a team member, contributing to general problem solving in all areas within print production.
To ensure that the working environment is safe, clean and healthy through the correct use of equipment and supplies, so as to eliminate the risk of accidents and incidents.
To carry out day-to-day maintenance and cleaning of machines to ensure safe and efficient working in line with manufacturers’ schedules.
To create finished work meeting all customer requirements following ISO9001 procedures with zero defects and spoilage and achieving specified levels of productivity.
To be able to work alone using own initiative to resolve operational issues, and contributing to the process of continually improving work methods and techniques.
To undertake self-checking and monitoring of work produced, using own initiative to ensure quality and specification conformance.

Communication

The Apprentice reports to the Team Leader, and will become part of a team where job/role flexibility is a key component.

The Apprentice will maintain effective contacts within the Company: Prepress; Bindery; Despatch; Account Managers; Suppliers; Warehouse; and various internal customers.

Vocational Qualifications

The Apprentice will undertake a relevant NVQ qualification in Machine Printing. This training will take place both on, and off the job. Off the job training will normally take place at the premises of the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) situated in Farringdon Street, London, and other locations as specified.
The Apprentice will be assigned a course Tutor, who will provide assistance and guidance throughout the duration of the Apprenticeship..

Conditions of Employment

Hours of work: 0600 – 1400h and 1400 – 2200h. Alternate week shifts, 5 days per week – Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours total.
26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
Some daily travel associated with the off-site training will be required throughout the Apprenticeship.
Start rate: £187.30 per week at age 16; £299.69 per week at age 18, including shift premium, rising to £374.61 per week after 3 years training, including shift premium. An additional punctuality bonus is paid, and overtime when available. All payments paid weekly by credit transfer.
The initial period of employment will be based entirely at the Brunel Road premises, when the progress of the Apprentice will be reviewed after 3 and 6 months. At the completion of this 6 month Probationary period, the progress of the Apprentice will be reviewed at regular intervals.
Training within the Apprenticeship will include off-site training, but this will not commence until the Probationary Period has been successfully completed.