Apprentice Lithographic / Flexographic Printer

Introduction

Watershed Packaging is a family-run business with 33 years of experience in the print and packaging industry. We're looking for a Flexo/Litho Print Apprentice to join our team in Leeds.

You don't need any previous print experience, just the right approach and a desire to develop new skills.

About the Employer

Watershed Packaging is a family-run print and packaging business with over 33 years of experience in the industry. The business remains family-owned, with members of the founding family continuing to hold key positions within the company today.

Whilst we have grown significantly over the years, the family values and close-knit culture remain at the heart of the business. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive working environment where people are encouraged to learn, develop and build long-term careers.

Operating across two sites, with our headquarters based in Leeds, we manufacture a diverse range of products including shrink sleeves, die-cut lids, sachets, flexible packaging and labels for customers across a wide range of industries.

What You'll Do

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll gain experience across all areas of both Flexo and Litho printing.

Your main area of focus will be learning to operate our printing presses. We have a number of 8-10 colour Flexographic presses and a 10 colour Lithographic press, and you'll receive hands-on training from our experienced operators to develop the skills needed to become a printer.

You'll also learn:

• How Flexographic and Lithographic printing processes work
• How to set up and run printing presses safely and efficiently
• The manufacture and mounting of printing plates
• Ink technologies and colour management
• Colour matching and quality control techniques
• Basic machine maintenance and troubleshootin
• Health, safety and manufacturing best practices

This is an opportunity to develop a broad range of specialist skills and gain a full understanding of the print production process, from preparing plates and inks through to producing high-quality finished packaging for our customers.

Training Outcome

Many of our skilled printers and production team members have developed successful careers by gaining experience, learning new skills and progressing within the business.

The skills and knowledge gained through this apprenticeship provide an excellent foundation for future career development. Previous printers have gone on to work across a variety of print disciplines, including Digital, Wide Web and Central Impression Flexographic printing, whilst others have progressed into supervisory and management roles.

A qualification in print opens the door to a wide range of opportunities within the packaging and manufacturing industries, making it an excellent long-term career choice.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn
• Strong work ethic
• Interest in printing
• Enjoys practical hands on work

Qualifications

• Desired - GCSE - English - 4
• Desired - GCSE - Maths - 4

Course Information

Course: Print technician (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Engineering and manufacturing

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm.

Expected Duration: 2 Years 6 Months

Training Provider: BPIF TRAINING LIMITED