Print technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship develops print technicians with broader technical skills covering pre-press, press operation, and finishing processes in printing and graphic media. You will manage complex print jobs from artwork through to finished product, applying technical knowledge to maintain quality and efficiency. It can lead to senior technician, prepress manager, or account-facing print production roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Pre-press processes including artwork preparation, colour management, and imposition
Operation and optimisation of high-volume print production equipment
Advanced colour management, proofing, and colour matching techniques
Print finishing processes including cutting, binding, laminating, and foiling
Understanding of substrates, inks, and coatings for different print applications
Customer job management, estimating, and production scheduling
Health and safety and environmental compliance in print production
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prepare print-ready artwork files and apply correct pre-press settings
Set up, run, and adjust print production equipment for complex jobs
Manage colour proofing and sign-off processes with customers
Oversee finishing operations including cutting, folding, and binding
Manage print job scheduling and communicate progress to customers
Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems in the print workflow
Maintain production records, job documentation, and quality certificates
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 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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