Print

Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications — tailored to your business's specific needs.

The print programmes provide nationally recognised qualifications that combine practical workplace training with technical knowledge. They equip people with the skills needed to produce high-quality printed work across a variety of processes—including digital printing, offset and screen printing, reel-fed printing, binding and finishing, direct mail production and print industry management. Training covers pre-press preparation, press operation, finishing, colour management, quality control, and safe use of print machinery, with alignment to industry standards across multiple specialisations. The Level 4 print programme is an apprenticeship. The two binding and finishing programmes can be done indepentantly or as one apprenticeship.

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Benefits of these programmes

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  • Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
  • A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
  • Coverage of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility
  • Build skills in pre-press, press operation, colour management, binding and finishing, and print quality control
  • Pathways for progression from production roles to supervisory or management roles in print
  • Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.
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How we work with you

We partner with members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential learners, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences, and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.

When apprentices enrol, we assign them a Competenz account manager. Our account managers understand the industry and the skills learners and businesses need to gain.

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice

Use this form to register with Competenz. We’ll get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.

Get started →
Onboarding guides

Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays — your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how to help your apprentice succeed.

Onboarding guides →
See your business impact

View the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. The lasting value of investing in your workforce.

ROI Calculator →

The dairy industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled technicians. Training your own people is the most reliable way to build capability that actually stays.

Competenz Training Advisor — Dairy Systems, Waikato region

You run the operation. We handle the training architecture.

Print is a global industry that encapsulates design and creation across a wide array of products. Print is everywhere you look – from the labels on your favourite foods to the packages delivering your online purchases.The print industry blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, using digital channels to stay relevant in our everyday lives. It’s a field full of diverse and rewarding career pathways.

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What do people in print do?

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Work skills vary depending on the workplace, but may include:

  • Creating or preparing digital files and artwork for print
  • Using design software and setting up files to meet print process requirements
  • Setting up, running, and maintaining printing machines
  • Mixing inks, adjusting machines, and monitoring colour and quality
  • Folding, trimming, binding, gluing, finishing, and applying specialty effects such as foiling or embossing
  • Troubleshooting issues and supporting production planning.

Most roles involve an eight-hour day in a workshop or production setting.

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Sounds like you?

If you’re practical, curious about how things work, and comfortable in both workshops and outdoors — this is worth reading.

Study areas that help

  • Visual arts, graphics, textiles or design
  • Sciences or workshop technology
  • Computing, ICT or digital technologies.

Helpful experience

  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with tools, equipment, or machinery
  • Creative work (drawing, designing, styling)
  • Using computers or digital software.
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Work environments

  • Indoors (workshop, plant, or production floor)
  • Structured, hands-on environments.

Good to have

Problem-solving mindset

  • Strong eye for detail
  • Good literacy and numeracy
  • Confidence using IT, computers, and technology
  • Practical mindset and a ‘can-do’ attitude.

Career pathway

The apprenticeship is the foundation — not the ceiling.

School

Getting ready

From school, subjects like English, maths, visual arts, graphics, technology and digital technologies provide a strong foundation for print careers.

Entry level

You can start your print career through a traineeship or apprenticeship in roles such as:
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  • Print finisher or bindery operator
  • Guillotine, folder or gluer operator
  • Prepress operator or designer
  • Digital, screen, sheet-fed or reel-fed printer.

Advancing

With experience, you may progress into roles such as:
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  • Senior printer or finisher
  • Machine specialist or technician
  • Prepress or production coordinator
  • Quality or workflow supervisor.

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Senior

Longer-term pathways can lead to:
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  • Production manager
  • Print or operations manager
  • Technical specialist
  • Business owner or print manager.

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Common questions

How do I set up my account for Competenz Central?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I’m an international student - can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need a visa or work permit?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How old do I need to be?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How long is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How much does an apprenticeship/traineeship cost?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I have a job, what do I do next?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need to be employed to be an apprentice/trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What experience do I need to do an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be a trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be an apprentice?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Who is Competenz?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.