Print operative
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 2 apprenticeship trains you to work on printing presses and related equipment, setting up machines, monitoring print quality, and producing printed materials efficiently. You will develop practical skills in press operation across commercial, packaging, or specialist print sectors. It can lead to senior print operative, print technician, or press operator roles in the printing and packaging industry.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Printing processes including lithographic, digital, flexographic, and screen printing
Setting up and operating print machinery to production specifications
Colour management and print quality control fundamentals
Substrates, inks, and consumables used in different printing applications
Health and safety in print production including solvent and ink handling
Maintenance routines and basic fault-finding on printing equipment
Waste reduction and environmental best practice in print production
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up printing presses and prepare plates, screens, or digital print files
Load and feed substrates including paper, board, and film into presses
Monitor print quality during runs and adjust settings to maintain standards
Carry out colour checks using densitometers and visual inspection
Perform basic maintenance and cleaning of printing equipment
Complete production records including job cards and quality logs
Handle and store inks, solvents, and substrates safely
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.