Producing a range of printed goods to meet customer and business needs.
Print technicians are found in the print and graphics communication sector in printing, packaging, creative and design companies.
It is a technologically advanced and fast-changing sector. The industry plays a central role in marketing and communications. It provides a physical product which is integrated into the multi-channel, multi-media and digital landscape.
It includes:
Employers vary in size from small to large. Print technicians may work in copy shops, reprographic units, specialist print businesses or large multinational organisations.
This is a core and options apprenticeship standard. Apprentices are trained and assessed against the core and one option:
Pre-press is the first stage of production. Pre-press print technicians conduct the processes and procedures that occur between the creation of a design and the printing process. The procedures used in pre-press are called workflows, which vary from case to case.
Press print technicians conduct the printing. Printing is carried out using printing presses. There are seven different categories of printing: lithography, screen, flexography, gravure, letterpress, pad and digital. Each requires different techniques. Companies may use one or more categories of press.
Post-press print technicians conduct finishing or post-press processes after printing. They are usually the final stages of creating a printed product. Through finishing, printed material is made into finished products such as books, booklets, catalogues, pop-ups and display units. They use special techniques. For example: cutting paper, cutting and folding sheets, gluing or stapling sections together and producing a fully bound book. There are also highly skilled 'craft finishers'. They use special tools and work with materials such as wood, leather, fabric and metals including gold leaf. Examples of craft work include special edition or historic books, or high value promotional campaigns. Work may also be conducted in teams, with each performing different functions to hit the quality criteria and production schedule.
Print technicians conduct one stage of the printing process to produce a range of printed goods. They set up and operate complex print machinery and equipment to produce print products to the client’s order specification and timescales. They use their technical judgement to optimise production, maintain machinery and to resolve production problems and improve performance.
They produce risk assessments and safely handle hazardous materials. They must ensure a safe working environment that complies with health, safety and environmental requirements. To manage the production process, they must keep records using both digital and manual processes. They must work effectively with others, including giving clear instructions to colleagues. They may be required to supervise operatives.
On a daily basis technicians have contact with colleagues both within the department and in other departments. They may also interact with clients. Typically, they report to a production manager.
They are responsible for ensuring that work meets quality assurance requirements and the customer brief. Work must be completed in line with health, safety and environmental regulations, standards and guidance. They may have to wear personal protective equipment and follow workplace safety rules such as safely handling hazardous materials.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 36 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 4 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
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