Press Operator Apprentice - Offset Print - 1st Shift

Job Description

Job Description

All jobs at Southern Champion Tray (SCT) require Team members to act in accordance with the shared Core Values and Operating principles of the company as the perform specific job functions. These include:

• Trustworthy – We strive for our actions to match our words in all our relationships.
• Servant – Hearted – We enable and empower our team to serve the needs of customers, Team members, suppliers and the community.
• Relational – We aim to build healthy relationships while fostering an environment that promotes compassion, balance, and personal and professional growth.
• Resourceful – We value strategic insourcing, first looking to create solutions internally, and then looking to apply that knowledge to future opportunities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the guidance of the Print Lead and/or Print Manager, the Operator Apprentice is responsible for learning all aspects of the offset printing trade. The Apprentice will be expected to learn the essential job duties and develop the expertise necessary to independently set up and operate the press in a safe manner while achieving optimum print quality and production speeds. The Operator Apprentice will adhere to the training and learning objectives outlined in the Operator Apprentice Training Plan and must demonstrate a level of proficiency within each task and within the designated timelines to successfully perform this role. The Operator Apprentice is responsible for participating and completing training courses offered to learn about the industry, equipment, color management, and other required skills.

Throughout the apprenticeship, the Operator Apprentice must consistently demonstrate the ability to learn, comprehend, retain and perform the skills and learning objectives outlined and in the timeframes specified. Training progress and proficiency will be documented and reviewed each week by the Print Lead and/or Print Manager. Upon successful completion, the Apprentice will be eligible to promote into a First Press Operator role when a position becomes available and is expected to take on this role regardless of shift. 

Operator Apprentice receives instruction and performs duties as assigned, and in a consistent manner, while maintaining standard operating procedures and learning to complete the responsibilities below: 

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews job ticket instructions to determine printing specifications, machine set up procedures, and determine supplies needed; follows instructions and advises the Print Lead and/or Supervisor of any incorrect or non-recorded information necessary for proper set up and operation
• Sets up and operates machine in a safe and consistent manner observing all safety guidelines and quality procedures to attain target speeds
• Understands and performs machine adjustments necessary in order to maintain machine at safety, quality, and production standards
• Assists with safe set up and troubleshooting issues with the feeder when needed
• Consistently inspects printed board to verify accuracy and clarity of print jobs and in accordance with SCT Quality procedures throughout the production run; examines the product produced ensuring correct viscosity, color, shading, contrast, straining, and usage of ink 
• Assumes responsibility of production and print quality, documents and reports all non-conforming product to Quality Tech and/or Supervisor
• Analyzes and corrects issues utilizing the resources and tools available 
• Effectively uses tools available to achieve and maintain color quality focused on running product to the correct numbers 
• Documents and maintains accurate logs of productivity, maintenance, and downtime
• Performs routine cleaning, and ensures proper maintenance is performed; actively participates in troubleshooting, diagnosing and assisting with repairing or resolving malfunctions
• Participates in trainings to learn new procedures and/or new tools and innovation which add to the efficiency, quality and safety of the operation; actively seeks to learn and gain knowledge from other Operators and outside resources
• Completes ongoing workplace and food safety trainings while adhering to all safety and quality policies as required by safety laws and BRC regulations
• Assists with guiding and assisting the 2nd Press Operator with job duties and requirements and ensuring safe operation of the machine and safety procedures.
• Must possess professional appearance, mannerisms, positively interact, and represent the company to customers during press checks.
• Actively maintains a clean work environment including the machine, floors, desks, and fans in accordance with 5S
• Utilizes machine downtime by assisting with set-up, performing 5S tasks or helping in the operation of other presses
• Participates and effectively communicates with customers on press checks while presenting self in a professional manner that aligns with SCT’s values and reputation
• Assists as needed to help direct activities and duties of the machine crew; responsible for advising Supervisor or Lead Person regarding production performance and issues
• Assists with 2nd Press Operator responsibilities including feeding machine due production and/or business needs
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or as necessary to meet business needs 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or equivalent; minimum of 2 years of experience feeding or assisting with the operation of an offset / sheet fed press; folding carton industry experience is a plus. Must have a strong mechanical aptitude and an understanding of the design, mechanics, repair and maintenance of machines. Must have basic computer skills and ability to utilize software. Apprentice must be flexible to work mandatory overtime when required.  Apprenticeship requires the ability to move to any shift upon successful completion of the Apprentice program.

AUTHORITY: Must have the ability to lead a crew that has been placed with them to execute the demands of the printing operation efficiently and to respond to oral instructions from the supervisor and written instructions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must have ability to read and understand instructions on job ticket and accurately record information on production reports and/or computer, legibly in English. Must be able to understand and speak clearly, communicate, and understand directions in English as needed.