Apprentice

Signs Express; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading signage company is seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Sign Maker to join their team in Harlow. The position offers a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop skills in the signage industry. Responsibilities include assisting in preparing materials, operating equipment, and supporting fabrication tasks. Successful candidates will benefit from substantial training and a supportive work environment. The role offers competitive apprenticeship pay of £15,704 in the first year with potential increases and opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

• Eager to learn and enjoys hands-on work.
• Comfortable working at heights when assisting with installations.
• Capable of lifting and handling moderate-weight materials.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing materials and operating sign-making equipment.
• Support basic fabrication tasks and maintain a tidy workspace.
• Learn to interpret design drawings and job briefs.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Customer care skills

Problem-solving skills

Physical fitness

Creative thinking

Patience

Education

GCSE English grade 4

GCSE Maths grade 4

Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking Apprentice Sign Maker to join our friendly team at Signs Express (Harlow) as we continue to grow. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is eager to learn 치료해요, enjoys hands‑on work, and is interested in building a career in the signage industry.

Responsibilities

• Typical Daily Tasks of an Apprentice Sign Maker
• Assist with preparing materials such as vinyl, acrylic, foamex, and aluminium panels.
• Help operate sign‑making equipment (vinyl plotters, printers, laminators) under supervision.
• Learn to weed, mask, and apply vinyl graphics to signs, vehicles, and windows.
• Support with basic fabrication tasks, such as cutting, drilling, or assembling sign components.
• Help set up and maintain work areas, keeping the workshop tidy and organised.
• Assist in the packaging and wrapping of completed signs ready for delivery or installation.
• Practice measuring and marking out materials accurately.
• Accompany experienced installers on site visits to learn how signs are fitted.
• Learn to use basic hand tools and power tools safely.
• Assist with loading/unloading vehicles for installations.
• Follow health and safety procedures, including wearing appropriate PPE.
• Help check job sheets and prepare materials for upcoming projects.
• Support with cleaning and maintaining equipment, e.g., printers and laminators.
• Observe and learn how to interpret design drawings and job briefs.
• Provide friendly assistance to colleagues and occasionally greet customers or visitors.
• Interpret information such as customer briefs, specifications, and work instructions.
• Conduct site survey.
• Calculate costs and prepare quotations.
• Plan and schedule work.
• Prepare for signage work.
• Use graphic design software to design signage.
• Create pre‑fabric_ballfiles and instructions.
• Select and use materials and components.
• Assemble signs.
• Trim, clean, and add fixing features tojoen signage such as eyelets, hinges, and brackets.
• Protect materials and signs to prevent damage during manufacture, transportation, and storage.
• Apply, install, or erect signs.
• Check signage materials and products against quality requirements.
• Identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace and advise on control measures.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and requirements.
• Comply with organisational and statutory environmental and sustainability considerations such as safe disposal of waste, recycling of materials, and efficient use of resources.
• Select, set up, complete pre‑checks, and operate sign‑making machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Maintain work area, tools, and equipment, e.g., charge batteries and sharpen blades.
• Use access equipment in the installation process, e.g., ladders, fixed and mobile platforms.
• Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders verbally, written, or electronically using industry terminology.
• Complete documentation such as job sheets and maintenance records.
• Rectify or report issues.
• If maths or English support is required, attend an additional study day each week (delivered by Walsall College). recor requirements: GCSE English grade 4 and Maths grade 4.

Qualifications & Skills

• Communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organisational skills.
• Customer care skills.
• Problem solving Dance skills.
• Presentation­na skills contributer.
• Analytical skills.
• Logical thinking.
• Creative thinking.
• Initiative.
• Patience.
• Physical fitness and comfortable working at height when assisting with sign installations.
• Capable of lifting and handling moderate‑weight materials and equipment.
• Willing to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Adherence to all health and safety procedures, including wearing PPE.
• Potential need to travel to customer sites with the installation team. protein please.
• A full UK driving licence is desirable but not essential for the apprenticeship.
• Reliability, punctuality, and good attendance.
• Prepared to work in a busy, hands‑on workshop environment.

Company Information

Signs Express (Harlow) is part of the UK's largest signs and graphics franchise network, providing high‑quality signagePACT-1 solutions to businesses across the region. We design, manufacture, and install a wide range of signage, including internal and external signs, vehicle graphics, window graphics, exhibition displays, and bespoke fabricated signs.

Our team is dedicated to delivering excellent craftsmanship, reliable service, and creative visual solutions that help businesses stand out. As a busy production centre, we combine hands‑on practical work aspirin avec modernization ??? technology, offering a supportive and friendly environment where staff can develop strong technical skills. As part of a national network, Signs Express (Harlow) offers opportunities for progression, professional development, and long‑term careers within the signage and graphics industry.

Compensation & Training

£15,704 for your first year, potentially increasing based on age and performance. Apprenticeship hourly rates comply with the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. Wage increases may be considered as the apprentice develops skills and progresses through the programme.

Training Course: Signage Technician (Level 3).

Details of the Working Week: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. No evening or weekend work required. Full‑time role based at Signs Express (Harlow), with occasional travel for onsite installations under supervision. 40 hours a week.

Start date: Monday 9 February 2026. Duration: 1 year 6 months.