Trainee Plate Maker
Location: Colwick, Nottingham
Department: Pre Press
Shift: Double Days – morning and afternoon rotation
Contract: Full-time
Training: Full training provided, with the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship
About the role
We are looking for a Trainee Plate Maker to join our friendly and hardworking Pre Press team at our Colwick site in Nottingham.
The Wilkins Group produces high-quality printed paperboard cartons for the food industry. Our Pre Press team plays an important part in the process, preparing the printing plates and other elements needed to keep our Litho printing presses running to a high standard.
No previous plate-making experience is necessary. We're looking for someone who is practical, reliable and keen to learn. You'll work alongside experienced members of the team who will teach you the skills you need to become a confident Plate Maker.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to start a career in manufacturing and learn a skilled trade while earning a wage. There is also the opportunity to work towards an apprenticeship as you develop your skills.
What you'll be doing
As a Trainee Plate Maker, you'll receive hands-on training and gradually take on more responsibility. Your role will include:
- Assisting experienced Plate Makers with the day-to-day production of printing plates
- Learning how to operate plate-making machinery safely and correctly
- Preparing and assembling plates to the required specifications
- Handling materials and finished plates safely, including some heavy lifting
- Checking your work carefully to ensure it meets our quality standards
- Keeping your work area clean, tidy and organised
- Following all health & safety procedures and working practices
- Supporting the wider Pre Press team to ensure production runs smoothly
What we're looking for
We're not necessarily looking for someone with experience — we're looking for the right attitude and someone who wants to learn.
You might be a good fit for this role if you:
- Enjoy practical, hands-on work
- Have an interest in how things are made and enjoy working with machinery or tools
- Have good attention to detail and take pride in doing a job properly
- Are reliable, punctual and happy working as part of a team
- Can follow instructions and are willing to learn new skills
- Are comfortable working on your feet and handling materials
- Have some experience with hand tools, power tools, sewing or fabrication — although this is not essential
- Have a positive attitude and aren't afraid to ask questions
Full training will be provided, so if you don't have previous experience in plate making, don't let that put you off.
Why join us?
This isn't just a job where you'll be expected to learn everything on your own. You'll be supported by experienced colleagues who will help you build your skills from the ground up.
You'll get the opportunity to learn a specialist manufacturing skill, gain valuable experience in a busy production environment and potentially work towards an apprenticeship as you progress.
We're looking for someone who wants to come in, learn, get stuck in and become an important part of the team. If you're practical, hardworking and keen to build a career with us, we'd love to hear from you.
The hours
The role operates on a double-day shift pattern, rotating between morning and afternoon shifts.
Morning: 6am till 2pm Friday: 6am till 1:30pm
Afternoon: 2pm till 10pm Friday: 1:30pm till 9pm
Interested?
If you're looking for your first step into manufacturing, or you're simply someone who enjoys practical work and wants to learn a new skill, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to join our Pre Press team and start your journey towards becoming a skilled Plate Maker.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
