We wanted to end Apprenticeship Week 2023 by highlighting one of our award winning apprentices. We caught up with Kyle Clark who is in his 4th year of a SVQ in Sheet Fed Printing. Last year Kyle won Print Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year along with fellow colleague Hazel Linden.
1. What does your typical day/responsibilities involve?
I am responsible for producing high quality printed work on our LED UV 6 colour B1 press. This involves making sure the job materials are selected accurately by my assistant before loading the job into the press. I also need to look over my work ticket to make sure that everything is tying up correctly before I can go ahead and start to make ready and print the job.
2. What made you interested in the Apprenticeship at J Thomson’s?
My neighbour had asked if I was looking for something different to what I was doing and this sounded a lot better.
3. Did you always want to work in print, if not what else did you consider?
No, I never knew anything about the print trade before I got into it.
4. What is the best part of your job?
I like the variety of jobs I can produce during a shift and how things are always changing.
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still in the trade and hopefully progressing further.
6. Are there any other areas in J Thomson that you have worked?
Yes in the Plate Making Room and Bindery.
7. What qualification will you gain when apprenticeship is completed?
A SVQ in Sheet Fed Printing.
8. What is the most exciting project you have printed so far?
University of St Andrews undergraduate prospectus
9. Would you recommend apprenticeships, why?
Yes it is a great way to learn and make money at the same time.
10. You get the chance to print your own autobiography, what is the title?
Tales of the Apprentice.
11. When you are not in work, what do you like doing in spare time?
Travel around Scotland to find new destinations to ride my mountain bike.
