Offset Press Apprentice (Nights)

Pollard Games, Inc. dba American Games; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Job summary

Pollard Games, Inc. dba American Games is hiring an Offset Press Apprentice in Council Bluffs, IA. The role offers hands-on training alongside experienced Press Operators to develop the skills needed to become a fully qualified Offset Press Operator.

The program emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing setting. Ideal candidates are mechanically inclined, eager to learn, and capable of reading production orders and supporting make-ready and production tasks.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn skilled trade techniques.
• Ability to read work orders, job tickets, and production schedules.
• Good communication and teamwork to support production goals.

Responsibilities

• Participate in an apprenticeship with hands-on training and mentorship.
• Learn offset press setup, operation, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Assist with press make-ready procedures including plate installation and ink preparation.
• Load materials for press operation and monitor print quality and production efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment following Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading work orders

Teamwork

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Basic math

Job description

American Games (504 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, IA) Monday-Thursday (2:00 PM - 12:00 AM)

Launch a Skilled Trade Career with Paid, Hands-On Training!

Are you mechanically inclined, enjoy working with machinery, and want to build a long-term career instead of just finding another job? We're looking for an Offset Press Apprentice to join our manufacturing team and learn one of the most in-demand skilled trades in the printing industry.

Through our apprenticeship program, you'll receive hands-on training from experienced Press Operators while learning to operate offset printing presses that produce charitable gaming products used throughout North America. As your skills grow, so will your responsibilities and career opportunities.

No printing experience? That's okay. If you're motivated, mechanically minded and eager to learn, we'll provide the training you need to succeed.

What You'll Do

As an Offset Press Apprentice, you'll work side-by-side with experienced Press Operators to develop the technical skills required to become a fully qualified Offset Press Operator. Through progressive training, you'll gain experience operating equipment, troubleshooting mechanical issues, maintaining quality standards and supporting efficient production.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Participate in an apprenticeship program with hands-on training and mentorship.
• Learn all aspects of offset press setup, operation, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Assist with press make-ready procedures, including plate installation, roller adjustments, registration and ink preparation.
• Load paper, inks, coatings and production materials for press operation.
• Monitor print quality, color consistency and production efficiency.
• Perform cleaning, lubrication, wash-ups and routine preventive maintenance.
• Learn to identify and troubleshoot mechanical, print quality and production issues.
• Complete production documentation and maintain accurate records.
• Inspect printed products to ensure they meet quality standards and customer specifications.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment following Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles.
• Work closely with Press Operators, Production Leads, Maintenance and other team members to support production goals.
• Continuously build new technical skills while progressing through the apprenticeship program.
• Support safety, quality, productivity and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as required.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys hands-on work, likes solving mechanical problems, and wants to build a rewarding career in manufacturing.

• 2 to 5 years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience operating industrial equipment, production machinery or printing presses is helpful but not required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with an eagerness to learn skilled trade techniques.
• Interest in machinery, troubleshooting and manufacturing technology.
• Ability to read work orders, job tickets, production schedules and technical instructions.
• Basic math skills, including measurements and calculations.
• Moderate computer skills for production reporting and machine interfaces.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Positive attitude with the ability to accept coaching and continuously improve.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize work while meeting production deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as skills develop while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work well in a diverse environment.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide documentation establishing identity and employment eligibility as required by federal law.
• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Ensuring the safety of our employees and compliance with industry regulations is our top priority. Therefore, our company enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance abuse and criminal activity. All job offers are contingent upon passing a rigorous background check and drug screen. Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification from the hiring process.