Oliver Bigg – Delga part of the Meliora group
Name: Oliver Bigg
Apprenticeship programme: Level 3 litho printer
Employer: Delga part of the Meliora group
Training Coordinator: John Campey
What stage are you at in your apprenticeship journey?
Currently 1 year into the apprenticeship, looking to complete by December 2023.
What made you decide to undertake an apprenticeship? How did you come to work in print?
I decided to join an apprenticeship scheme to further my education and achieve another qualification. I choseprint because I wanted to try something new.
Tell us about some of the key knowledge, skills, and behaviours you have developed since starting your apprenticeship
I can make ready and run most 4 colour work and occasional special pantone colour jobs. Over this year I have become more confident in myself and with knowing my way round a press and solving common problems.
Tell us about a typical day at work for you
Shadowing minders, helping them where I can by prepping pallets, filling up ink ducts, cleaning stripper blankets etc. doing make readies and running jobs myself.
What’s the most enjoyable part of your apprenticeship?
Working with both minders – they’re a great team and both work slightly differently so I get shown different styles of working in print.
What do you see yourself doing on achievement of your apprenticeship?
I would like to see myself working on presses for a few years and developing my skills as a printer. I’d really like to move onto the nanographic presses that Landa produce and then eventually look to become promoted to supervisor then manager.
Would you recommend apprenticeships in the print industry to others, and what would you tell them about the industry?
Yes, I already have. It’s an interesting career and a great role if you’re mechanically minded.
What do you think are the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship?
Earn while you learn. If you decide you want to try something different at least you have that qualification to fall back on.