Design and Pre-Press Apprentice
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Company: PRESTIGE PACKAGING LIMITED
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Location: Plympton, PL7 5FL
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: Apprenticeship Minimum Wage
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Sector: Engineering and manufacturing
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Ref: NAS-2000012385
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Application Deadline Date: 31/03/2026
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Start Date: 01/04/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Monday – Friday 7.30am-4pm
Brief Description
Kick‑start your creative career in a real working design studio!
Are you passionate about design, print, or bringing ideas to life? Prestige Packaging is a local, long‑established packaging manufacturer and we’re looking for a motivated and creative Apprentice to join our busy Studio & Pre‑Press Department.
Training to be Provided
- You’ll be trained on-site by our experienced team
- Work towards a Level 3 Print Technician qualification
- Learn through real projects, real clients, and real production work
- You will be assigned a BPIF Apprenticeship Tutor to support you through the apprenticeship curriculum, ensuring you develop the knowledge and skills required for the apprenticeship standard
- You will receive protected time during your normal working hours to fulfil the 'off-the-job' requirements of your apprenticeship
- Your BPIF training sessions will be a mixture of site-based visits and occasional online workshops
Future Prospects
1. Junior Studio/Pre‑Press Technician
This is the most common next step.
After learning the basics during the apprenticeship, the apprentice takes on more responsibility:
- Creating artwork independently
- Handling customer files
- Producing proofs
- Liaising with printers and account managers
2. Graphic Designer / Artwork Designer
For those who excel creatively:
- Designing packaging layouts
- Developing brand concepts
- Creating customer-facing artwork
- Working more heavily in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
3. Pre‑Press Specialist
Ideal for those who enjoy technical detail:
- Print‑ready file preparation
- Colour management
- Plates, imposition, and print standards
- Working closely with print operators
4. CAD Technician / Packaging Structural Designer
For those interested in 3D or technical design:
- Creating cutter guides
- Working with CAD software
- Developing packaging prototypes
- Working directly with customers on structural solutions
5. Studio Supervisor / Team Leader
With experience and confidence:
- Managing workflows
- Overseeing artwork consistency
- Training new apprentices or junior staff
- Acting as the bridge between studio, production, and customers
6. Studio Manager
A longer‑term progression for those who want leadership roles:
- Managing the full studio team
- Planning workloads and resources
- Approving final artwork
- Working closely with operations and sales teams
7. Technical / Production Roles
Some apprentices naturally move toward the print floor:
- Print operator
- Digital press operator
- Plate making
- Production planning
This is especially common when they enjoy the practical, hands‑on print side.
8. Account Management / Customer Service for Print
For those with strong communication skills:
- Managing customer relationships
- Helping clients with artwork queries
- Quoting and guiding projects
- Acting as the link between customers and the studio
Vacancy Detail
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn hands‑on skills while working alongside experienced designers and packaging specialists. If you love problem‑solving, being creative, and seeing your work become real products on the supermarket shelves, this role is for you!
As an Apprentice Design & Pre‑Press Technician, you’ll learn how to:
- Create artwork based on customer briefs
- Prepare customer files for print production
- Check and correct artwork to ensure it meets technical print standards
- Work with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- Produce proofs for client approval
- Support CAD sampling and design layout adjustments
- Collaborate with designers, printers, and clients
You’ll gain skills across both creative design and technical pre‑press, giving you a strong foundation for a long-term career in the print and packaging industry.
Other Information
Perks of Working at a Packaging Company
1. Hands‑On Creative & Technical Work
- Work with real products that end up on supermarket shelves
- See your ideas turn into physical packaging
- Blend creative design with technical problem‑solving
2. Career Progression Opportunities
- Move into design, pre‑press, CAD, print, production, or management
- Clear routes for training and skill development
- Apprentices can progress into long‑term full‑time roles
3. Training & Professional Development
- Adobe Creative Suite skills
- Print technology and pre‑press training
- Specialist CAD and structural packaging training
- Chance to gain industry‑recognised qualifications
4. Modern, Creative Studio Environment
- Work as part of a friendly, collaborative team
- Use up‑to‑date design and pre‑press software
- Learn directly from experienced designers and technicians
5. Stable, Long‑Term Industry
- Packaging is essential across food, cosmetics, retail, and manufacturing
- Strong job security compared to many creative industries
6. Local Employment
- No long commute
- Work close to home with a better work–life balance
- Be part of a locally recognised business
7. Variety in the Day‑to‑Day Work
- Different customer projects each week
- Mix of artwork, design, checking, sampling, and collaboration
- Never repetitive or boring
8. Early Responsibility
- Opportunities to take ownership of tasks quickly
- Build confidence through real client and production work
9. Being Part of Something Tangible
- Employees take pride in seeing their work in shops
- Creative satisfaction combined with real-world impact