Advanced Standard for Print Technician Level 3 aimed at aged 16yrs +
Entry Requirements
A Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent, is desirable for the Level 3 Apprenticeship. In cases where this grade has not been achieved initial assessments will be carried out on individual basis to establish suitability to the course. In some instances, it may be necessary for the Apprentice to study Maths and/or English alongside the Print Apprenticeship.
The Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard for Print Technician’s has been specifically designed by employers and experts in the industry to provide essential training in all aspects of print including Pre-press, Press and Post press roles. Delivered over 28 months the course will cover and provide all the skills, knowledges and behaviours required for the Apprentice to become a fully qualified and competent employee. From the outset the Employer will make the decision as to which area of the company they wish their Apprentice to specialise:
Pre-Press – For those involved in designing and creating digital print ready artwork and/or those involved in the making/creating of images carriers, planning and preparing the of a job for press.
Press – This is for those involved in the set up and operation of the printing machines across a wide range of processes.
Post-Press – This is for you, if your involved in converting the printed job into the end product for the customer.
During the designated study days industry experienced tutors will deliver underpinning knowledge relevant to the route being studied, enabling the Apprentice to build their understanding and awareness of the industry they are becoming a part of. Throughout the course the Apprentice will also be supported to build a portfolio of evidence which will stand as part of their competency toward the end of their qualification.
The employer is also expected to play a significant role in the achievement of the Apprenticeship by providing their Apprentice with a supportive mentor who will in turn provide hands on training and continuous development to practice and broaden the Apprentices abilities and competencies within the work place. 20% of the apprentices contracted working hours over the duration of the course, MUST be designated to training and learning. This must be documented and evidence retained.
End Point Assessment
Whilst all the theory is delivered by Learn2print the end point assessment of the Apprentice is now carried out by an independent assessment centre, our designated end point assessment centre for Print Apprentices is GQA. The end point assessment will consist of the following elements;
- 60min professional discussion with an assessor from GQA supported by production and presentation of the portfolio of evidence
- 4 hour observation in the workplace
- 30 question / 1hour multiple choice exam
Your next steps…
Learn2print have linked up with the Sheffield Hallam University and Axia Solutions of Stoke-on-Trent to create an education pathway in the print sector. This means you can progress from a level 2 apprenticeship right up to a level 6 degree qualification.
How the Apprenticeship is funded.
The total cost for the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard is £14,000.00
Funding for Apprenticeships can be confusing and varied depending on
the size of your company and the amount you pay out in wage bills. You
will firstly need to identify whether the company pays into the new
levy. The table below can then be used to establish how the funding
structure will affect your company. You will see that in some cases a 5%
employer contribution is required – this is 5% of the total cost of the
Apprenticeship (total cost of Apprenticeships listed below) and is
required from the offset of the Apprenticeship. Should your company be a levy paying company the cost of the Apprenticeship will be taken from this levy in monthly instalments – providing you have sufficient fund in the levy, this information should be available from the designated person in your company.
In cases where you employ an Apprentice aged 16-18 years old you will
receive a £1000.00 employer incentive.
This is paid out in the following way:
£500 after the Apprentice has been on programme for 3 months
A further £500 after the Apprentice has been on programme 12 months.