Pre Press Technician Apprentice

BPIF; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Labels in Brentwood offers an apprenticeship for a Pre-press Technician. You will learn on the job in the busy production team, gaining hands-on experience and earning while you learn in a supportive, dynamic environment.

You’ll develop skills in preparing digital artwork, colour management, proofs and workflow support, using industry tools and equipment. The role emphasizes attention to detail and collaboration with customers and internal teams to ensure print-ready files.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of pre-press workflows and printing processes.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in artwork preparation.
• Ability to work on multiple jobs and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with pre-press tasks and file preparation.
• Check digital artwork, proofs and colour management.
• Support workflow management and ensure files are print-ready.
• Communicate with customers and internal teams.

Skills

Artwork prep

Colour theory

Digital file checking

Workflow management

Customer communication

Tools

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

• £15,392 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

We are offering a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our busy production team. This is a great chance to join the print industry and progress your career whilst having the added benefit of being able to earn while you learn in a fun, dynamic and rewarding environment.

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

A Pre-press Technician is skilled in the processes that occur before the printing and finishing stages.

Pre-press is the first stage of production. It covers the processes and procedures that take place between the creation of a print-ready design and the actual printing process.

As part of your training, you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the apprenticeship standard, while also learning the specific systems, equipment and workflows used here at Baker Labels.

You’ll gain experience in checking and preparing digital artwork, understanding colour reproduction, producing proofs, supporting workflow management and ensuring files are ready for efficient, accurate print production.

A skilled Pre-press Technician would be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours:

• Know how to produce plates, cylinders, screens and/or electronic files
• Recognise different company equipment and understand its associated needs
• Understand colour theory and how colour is managed before print
• Understand the receipt, checking and processing of digital files
• Produce reports and relevant paperwork
• Design and produce creative digital artwork
• Plan and produce edited images ready for software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and other creative packages
• Check digital files and help solve issues with software and workflow management
• Create imposition schemes and job layouts
• Develop proficiency in a range of pre-press, design, workflow management and business software packages
• Communicate effectively with customers and internal teams
• Use scanning techniques to create compatible digital images
• Produce printed or digital proofs
• Manage digital colour reproduction so that press technicians can set up and run jobs effectively

This apprenticeship will help you understand how creative artwork becomes a print-ready file, and how attention to detail at the pre-press stage plays a vital role in the quality of the finished product. The BPIF Pre-Press Technician apprenticeship develops knowledge, skills and behaviours across the core elements of the standard, with additional learning linked to the specific role.

About this employer

Baker Labels are the leading UK trade label manufacturer with over 50 years’ experience of printing every type of label. We are a family business since 1973.