Tailor CV
☰ Menu

← All apprenticeships

Apprentice Lithographic / Flexographic Printer

Watershed Packaging LTD · Leeds · posted 27 August 2026

Wage
£16,640 to £26,436.80 a year
Hours
40 hours a week
Duration
2 Years 6 Months
Level
Advanced (Level 3)
Standard
Print technician (level 3)
Starts
5 October 2026
Closing date
27 September 2026
Positions
1

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

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.

Your training

As well as the on site training the Apprentice will also learn the following:

  • Health & Safety, Environmental and Sustainability
  • Print Industry & it’s markets
  • Communication & Professionalism
  • Problem Solving
  • Waste Monitoring
  • Workflow
  • Record Keeping

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you'll achieve a Level 3 Print Technician qualification and be signed off as a fully qualified printer. You'll have developed a highly sought-after skill set and the foundations for a long-term career within the print and packaging industry.

The apprenticeship will take place at Watershed Packaging, working a day shift alongside the other members of the production team.

Where it leads

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.

About Watershed Packaging LTD

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.

Things to consider

We're looking for someone with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and an interest in how things are made. You don't need any previous print experience, just the right approach and a desire to develop new skills.

This apprenticeship will give you hands-on experience working with modern printing equipment, producing packaging for a wide range of customers and well-known brands. You'll work alongside experienced printers who will support you throughout your training and help you build a career in a skilled and rewarding industry.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsProblem solving skillsNumber skillsLogicalTeam workingInitiativePositive attitudeWillingness to learnStrong work ethicInterest in printingEnjoys practical hands on work

Entry requirements

  • GCSE English (grade 4) — desired
  • GCSE Maths (grade 4) — desired

Where you'll work

  • THORNES FARM WAY, OSMONDTHORPE, LEEDS, LS9 0AN

Similar apprenticeships