Pre-Press Technician Apprentice

We are offering a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and creative individual to join our busy studio and production team at our facility in Brentwood, Essex.

This is a great chance to take your first steps into the print industry, gaining hands on experience in the important processes that happen before labels go to print. You'll learn how artwork, digital files, colour, proofs, workflow systems and production planning all come together to create high-quality printed products.

As a Bakers apprentice, you'll be able to earn while you learn in a supportive, dynamic and rewarding environment, developing practical skills that can help you build a long term career in print, packaging, design, artwork, pre press or production.

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.

This is an excellent opportunity to take your first steps into a career within the UK printing industry. Apprenticeship Level Expected to Achieve

• Advanced Level Apprenticeship Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship Standard
• City and Guilds Print Technician Level 2 or 3 Qualification
• GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 5 or above) essential
• GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 5 or above) essential
• Hands on training and mentorship
• Potential for full time position upon completion
• A supportive and dynamic work environment

What is in it for you?

• Salary dependent on experience
• Training and development
• Work based pension
• Profit related bonus after 6 months service
• Wellbeing at work programme
• Great social and team building events

Start Your Career in Pre-Press with Baker Labels

If you're creative, technically minded and eager to learn how artwork becomes a finished printed product, this apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you.

At Bakers, you'll be supported by experienced people across our studio, production and technical teams while gaining practical skills in a fast paced print environment. This is your chance to build confidence, learn from industry specialists and begin a rewarding career in print.

Closing date for applications 1st August 2026

To apply please complete our application form. If you have any questions, please contact Clare Coles