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Press Operator Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Trainee - Press - Night

Richmond, VA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

The Press Assistant is responsible for assisting the Press Operator in setting up and operating a Press to produce print on label rolls as well as being able to operate a press or die-cutter with ...

Position Summary The CNC Press Brake Programmer & Operator is responsible for programming, setting ... day one (no trainees) Experience forming aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel from ...

Position Summary The CNC Press Brake Programmer & Operator is responsible for programming, setting ... day one (no trainees) Experience forming aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel from ...

Trainees work closely with skilled welders, machines operators, and experienced industrial painters ... Trainees learn to operate various fabrication equipment including drills, grinders, press brakes ...

Press Operator Trainee information

What does a press operator trainee do?

A Press Operator Trainee learns to operate and maintain printing presses or similar machinery under the supervision of experienced operators. Their duties often include setting up the press, loading materials, monitoring production runs, inspecting finished products for quality, and performing basic troubleshooting and maintenance. The trainee position is designed to provide hands-on training and develop the skills necessary to become a fully qualified press operator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a press operator trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Press Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with printing presses, quality control tools, and safety protocols is typically required, and on-the-job training or certifications in press operation are often provided. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and the ability to work well in a team help you excel in this hands-on, fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintaining production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting a safe workplace.

What are some common challenges faced by a press operator trainee, and how can they be addressed?

As a Press Operator Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery, maintaining high quality standards, and troubleshooting minor technical issues. Adjusting to the fast-paced environment and understanding safety protocols are also important hurdles. Overcoming these challenges typically involves thorough on-the-job training, asking questions when unsure, and closely following established procedures. Building good communication with experienced operators and supervisors can also greatly help in developing your skills and confidence.

What is the difference between Press Operator Trainee vs Press Operator?

AspectPress Operator TraineePress Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning processFull responsibility for operating printing presses, independent work
Employer UsageEntry-level position, training role in printing industrySkilled role, responsible for press operation and quality control

The Press Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Press Operator is a fully responsible role requiring skills and experience to operate printing presses independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Press Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Press Operator jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Press Operator Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Trainee - Press - Night

Richmond, VA


Sabert
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Uninterrupted breaks


$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

ThePress Assistant is responsible for assisting the Press Operator in setting up and operating a Press to produce print on label rolls as well as being able to operate a press or die-cutter with basic blank or simple color products safely and effectively.

Essential Job Functions:

Operation

Setup and verify the placement of specified anilox rolls, setting print cylinders in proper print stages, filling ink, and the proper material at the press

Setup and verify the placement of the correct inks, coating, and varnish

Setup and verify correct plate and registration, unwind position, size/height/width during make ready

Load proper film onto unwind

Fill ink pumps, secures hoses, and transfers ink to designated printing unit

Set ink viscosities to prescribed standards using Zahn cup and timer

Lift and transport ink kits as necessary

Evaluate and monitor color and defects during the run and adjust accordingly

Evaluate and adjust register during make-ready and run

Proper monitoring, upkeep, change and disposal of doctor blades

Assist operator in matching printed ink samples to color standards at prescribed intervals

Watch web for problems during operator absence and reacts accordingly

Secure materials for impending jobs as production activity allows

Return ink and other materials to their designated storage areas with proper information attached

Perform other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned

Report any safety concerns to management immediately

Quality Control

Verify adequate number of feet have been run to satisfy the order quantity

Check for defects and correct side to print on using base film guide

Check ink viscosities at prescribed intervals and ensures ink volume sufficiency

Maintenance

Maintain accurate weight records

Maintain adequate ink and film supplies to press and replenishes unwind material as required

Clean equipment and keep work area neat and organized

Reporting and Record Keeping

Document ink viscosities at prescribed intervals

Verify all job-related items (job bag and contents, Flexo Inspection Verification signoffs, Job History Sheet, press and press area clean, etc.) are complete prior to next job

Record of all data and comments regarding position of colors, plates, and anilox rolls on the ink history sheet

Compliance/Other tasks

Comply with all company policies and procedures including GMP, PPE, HACCP, LOTO, and JSA regulations.

Responsible for ensuring, where applicable, the product safety, quality, regulatory compliance and legality of all products produced and sold.


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About Sabert

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sayreville, NJ, US

Year founded

1983

Social media


What Sabert employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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