Apprentice Publishing Support Assistant

As an Apprentice, you will receive thorough guidance, information, and hands-on training on essential aspects central to supporting a modern publishing environment within the creative and academic heart of the University of Manchester.

Training opportunities encompass a blend of editorial, production, and digital publishing skills, with a strong foundation in communication and technology.

Assisting with the preparation, editing, and proofreading of manuscripts for print and digital publication Learning the fundamentals of copyright, permissions, and intellectual property in publishing Supporting the design and layout of books, journals, and digital resources using industry-standard software Coordinating with authors, editors, and production teams to meet publication deadlines Managing metadata and keeping digital content well-organised and accessible Helping to produce marketing materials and learning the basics of book promotion and distribution Using content management systems and digital platforms to publish and update materials Assisting with data entry, proofreading, and maintaining accurate publication records Learning about the end-to-end publishing process, from commissioning to final release Participating in team meetings and supporting live publishing projects Engaging with students, researchers, staff, and external partners to support publishing needs Taking on additional training and development to remain informed about industry trends and best practices Working safely and ethically within a publishing environment Developing project management skills for publishing projects

Training:

You will spend your time working alongside seasoned publishing professionals, soaking up their expertise and putting new knowledge into practice in real-world scenarios. Picture yourself at the heart of digital publishing innovation, where each day presents fresh challenges and opportunities to shine.

The apprenticeship is an engaging blend of theory and hands-on experience, delivered in partnership with LDN Training. You'll master essential skills in content management, digital editing, and production workflows, learning how to publish and update materials across multiple platforms. Your journey will include producing digital and print-ready content, honing your proofreading and copyediting abilities, and maintaining meticulous publication records.

Throughout the programme, you’ll also explore project management within publishing, strengthen your communication skills with diverse stakeholders, and keep pace with the latest industry trends. By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have built an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your expertise and readiness to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving publishing environment.

Training Outcome:

Upon completion of the apprenticeship in 2 years’ time, you will have a portfolio of key publishing skills and a wealth of varied, relevant experience.

Most apprentices are successful in securing a role with the university or choose to continue their academic studies. Opportunities to progress onto a higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship exist for high-performing candidates upon completion of their first apprenticeship with us.

Employer Description:
One of the world’s leading universities built on research and teaching practices, coupled with one of the most respected apprenticeship programmes in the UK. Our programme builds its success’s year-on-year and continues to develop, matching the needs of the university and our community. We are proud of our strong reputation, supporting each of our apprentices with individualised training, specialised projects, and targeted development to build a future career at the cutting edge of technology.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (variable times to suit workplace requirements). 1 hour for lunch.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Interest in publishing,Experience with Microsoft 365