Apprenticeship Training

Print Scotland is the lead apprenticeship training provider for the Scottish Print Industry and offers Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ’s) and Modern Apprenticeship (MA) certification in print. Modern apprentices undertake a workplace print training programme which is aimed at improving technical and interpersonal skills and are based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). These standards at SVQ level 2 & 3 ensure that qualifications are relevant to the current and future needs of the Scottish Print and related industries.

For employers there is a range of SVQ qualifications stretching across a number of key occupations and for maximum flexibility various pathways (routes) can be taken. Print training is agreed with a GES assessor and specialised support workbooks are supplied. SVQ’s are available to people of all ages and listed below are the current print qualifications with course duration period ranging from 12-36 months.

  • SVQ Pre Press level 3 Route 1 – Digital Print, Route 2 – Digital Artwork, Route – 3 Image Carrier Production.
  • SVQ Post Press Level 2 Route 1 – Print Finishing
  • SVQ Post Press Level 3 Route 1 – General Print Finishing Route 2 – Case Binding Route 3 – Soft Binding.
  • SVQ Press Level 2 Route 1 – Machine Printing
  • SVQ Press Level 3 Route1 Sheet-Fed Lithography Route 2 – Web-Offset Route 3 – Flexography Route 4 – Screen Printing Route 5 – Gravure Route 6 – Digital Printing/Pre Press
  • SVQ Carton Manufacture Level 3
  • SVQ Print Administration Level 2
  • SVQ Print Administration Level 3
Kickstart your Career with a Modern Print Apprenticeship Download a copy of ‘Kickstart your Career with a Modern Print Apprenticeship‘ to find out more about how you can; earn as you learn, gain Professional qualification and develop new skills.

If you are interested in a print apprenticeship contact Garry Richmond or Jim McKenzie for more information.

Meet the Apprentices

Rachel Lawrie Print Scotland

Rachel

Rachel Lawrie embarked on an apprenticeship in the printing industry straight from school and has never looked back. She sums up her work as a print administrator with Midlothian-based FLB Group as “enjoyable and rewarding”. The 20-year-old from Dalkeith, where FLB is headquartered, had no prior knowledge of the print sector and no relations in Read more

Jay Findlater - Print Scotland

Jay

It is a daunting task working with a huge, noisy machine which is the size of a football pitch, but the massive newspaper press which star printing apprentice Jay Findlater looks after now holds no terrors for him. The 19-year-old from Wishaw in Lanarkshire has finished his third year at Newsprinters, whose Eurocentral plant houses Read more

Christopher Dinnes- Print Scotland

Christopher

Printing runs in Christopher Dinnes’s family – his grandfather, grandmother and uncle all are, or have been, in the industry. So, it was only natural that when the possibility of an apprenticeship in his uncle’s firm came up, he was the first to apply. The 23-year-old from Armadale in West Lothian is now in his Read more

Hazel Linden - Print Scotland

Hazel

A word to the wise set Hazel Linden on the road to her dream career when a friend, the Digital Print manager at Glasgow-based J Thomson Colour Printers, recommended that she try for an apprenticeship at the firm where she is now in her third year of lithographic printing training. Hazel Linden, 25, who lives Read more

A few comments from some of the Print Scotland Apprentices

I really enjoy being a print apprentice and learning new skill every day. I also like seeing all the different jobs and specifications that come through the door each day.

It’s very satisfying when you reach a stage where you can run jobs by yourself.

Hayden Edgar
Machine Printing Apprentice, ALBA printers

When I became an apprentice I didn’t know much about the industry but I’ve learned a lot including how important the products are to other companies and industries.

My greatest achievement to date was designing, printing and finishing all of a new customers material from start to finish where else can you be that involved in the different processes.

Robert Simpson
Pre-Press Apprentice, Minuteman Press

The printing industry is much closer knit than anywhere I’ve worked before and you are actually able to grow strong relationships with those you work with and for that matter anyone in the industry.

My main achievement is that I’m trusted to work alone and to achieve a high level of quality.

Joe Birchall
Pre-Press Apprentice, Allander Print

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