Apprentice Printer
Location: Kilmarnock, Scotland
The company
Established in 2002, the Reflex Group is now the largest privately owned print and packaging company in the UK having grown to over 900 employees operating out of multiple sites globally. The company prides itself on quality, efficiency, ethics, and low environmental impact whilst being innovative and dynamic.
The Role
Following several weeks gaining an overview of all of the business processes associated with pressure sensitive label conversion and supply, the Apprentice will focus on the printing process. In a typical week, the apprentice would be exposed to following, by way of shadowing and supporting a qualified press operative:
1. Ensuring a safe manufacturing environment
2. Preparing materials for print: substrate, inks & other chemicals
3. Making the press ready for print
4. Signing off the print as ready for run-on
5. Monitoring the quality of print during manufacture
6. Quality management processes
7. Post print activity (wash-up, decommissioning of plates, screens etc.)
The training you will be getting
You will be based at the Macfarlane Labels at Kilmarnock, where all your training will take place supported by Print Scotland. You will be an addition to the team, so you will be able to do your training and learn from the existing employees, without the pressure of having “day job work” to do as well.
You will be assigned a Print Scotland training coordinator who will work with you throughout your apprenticeship to ensure that you have the best training and support available.
As we produce labels and packaging for food and pharmaceutical products, there are hygiene and health and safety procedures to adhere to, for which you will receive full training.
What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship
After completing the apprenticeship, you would be qualified to take up a skilled position in any of our printing sites. This is a long-term career prospect that could also lead to production supervisor or management positions or using the skilled print knowledge to move into a technician support role within the industry.
Desired skills and personal qualities
Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Non-judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness, Positive attitude, Eager to learn, Motivated