Apprentice Print Operator
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Company NEWSQUEST MEDIA GROUP LIMITED
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Provider BPIF TRAINING LIMITED
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Location Oxford, OX2 0EJ
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Type Apprenticeship
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Salary £15,091.20 per year
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Sector Engineering and manufacturing
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Ref NAS-2000060174
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Application Deadline Date 24/11/2026
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Start Date 08/12/2026
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Positions Available 1
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Working Week Sunday to Saturday - shift work will be required.
Brief Description
This is an exciting opportunity to develop technical skills, build a long-term career in print production and become part of a team that delivers millions of printed products for customers across the UK.
Training to be Provided
As an Apprentice Print Operator, you will learn how to produce high-quality newspapers and printed products safely, efficiently and to demanding deadlines. Working alongside experienced Print Operators, Engineers and Production teams, you will gain hands-on experience across printing, reel handling, mailroom operations and supporting production processes while completing an industry-recognised apprenticeship qualification.
Future Prospects
This apprenticeship is designed to be the first step in a long-term career within Newsquest Printing.
Potential progression opportunities include:
- Print Operator Level 2
- Print Technician Level 3
- Specialist Production Roles
- Team Leader and Supervisory Positions
- Print Centre Management Pathways
- Successful apprentices who demonstrate commitment, capability and a positive attitude will be considered for permanent employment opportunities upon completion of their apprenticeship.
Vacancy Detail
- Learn how newspaper printing presses operate and support production activities.
- Assist with press preparation, machine set-up and production changeovers.
- Support operators in maintaining print quality and meeting production schedules.
- Observe and learn production processes across press, reel store, mailroom and associated production areas.
- Follow instructions from trained Print Operators and Supervisors.
- Learn safe methods for handling paper reels and production materials.
- Assist with stock organisation, traceability and material identification.
- Support loading and unloading activities when appropriately trained.
- Learn the importance of waste reduction and efficient material usage.
- Learn and assist with routine press cleaning and basic maintenance activities under supervision.
- Support the cleaning of press components and surrounding areas in line with approved procedures and schedules.
- Learn correct roller-setting principles and assist trained operators with checks and adjustments where authorised.
- Assist with dampening system cleaning, inspection and preparation to support consistent print quality.
- Identify and report wear, damage, leaks or unusual operating conditions to a trained Print Operator, Supervisor or Engineer.
- Follow isolation, lock-off, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements before undertaking any cleaning or maintenance task.
- Carry out quality checks under supervision.
- Learn how colour, registration and product presentation standards are achieved.
- Support housekeeping activities to maintain a clean and organised workplace.
- Assist with the monitoring and reduction of waste.
- Follow all Health & Safety procedures, Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) and COSHH requirements.
- Wear appropriate (PPE).
- Report hazards, near misses and safety concerns.
- Support a positive safety culture across the print centre.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across production departments.
- Participate fully in apprenticeship training, workshops and assessments.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning and continuous improvement.
- Develop technical knowledge, practical skills and an understanding of print production systems.
Other Information
- Fast-paced newspaper and print production environment.
- Combination of classroom learning and practical workplace training.
- Shift working will be required as skills develop throughout the apprenticeship.
- Role involves standing for extended periods, manual handling and working around industrial machinery.
- Full training and supervision will always be provided.