Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in the production of books, from printing to delivery.
- Company: Join Pan Macmillan, a leading UK publisher with a diverse range of titles.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, flexible hours, and discounts on books and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in publishing while working with creative teams and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, teamwork, time management, and a passion for publishing are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, 15-month apprenticeship based in London with some remote work flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 19200 - 24000 £ per year.
About the company: Pan Macmillan publishes a broad and vibrant range of books for audiences of all ages – from dazzling bestsellers to influential prize-winners, books to inspire lifelong readers and listeners to enduring classics for generations to come. The fourth largest UK publisher, we pride ourselves on publishing successfully and sustainably and are committed to working together to positively impact culture and society at large.
Each of our imprints is distinctive, containing the carefully curated collections of different kinds of books published for the widest possible readership. These imprints comprise Bluebird, Bramble, Campbell Books, Harriman House, First Ink, Kingfisher, Macmillan, Macmillan Business, Macmillan Children’s Books, Macmillan Collector’s Library, Mantle, Nightfire, One Boat, Pan, Picador and Tor. Pan Macmillan is part of Macmillan Publishers International Ltd (MPIL), a division of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned media company based in Stuttgart.
About the team: The Production team at Pan Macmillan acts as the bridge between a finished manuscript and a physical book. This involves creating and managing detailed schedules, managing budgets and coordinating seamlessly with Editorial, Design, Sales and Marketing teams, as well as external suppliers such as printers and typesetters. Ultimately, we ensure every Pan Macmillan book is manufactured efficiently, cost-effectively and to the highest quality standards, ensuring it reaches readers looking its very best.
About the role: As the Production Apprentice, you will learn about the creation and delivery of trade titles across global markets. You will gain experience within Adult and Children’s book production and you will work very closely with a wide range of teams at Pan Macmillan, including Editorial, Design, Rights and Sales.
Key learnings and responsibilities:
- Assist with all aspects of book printing and production
- Order and monitor reprints from confirmation to final delivery
- Ensure orders, materials and communications are timely, clear and accurate
- Produce accurate costings to facilitate business decisions
- Negotiate schedules, specifications and prices in conjunction with senior members of the team
- Agree, monitor and report schedules and approvals in-house
- Check and code invoices carefully and accurately
- Supply data and information to other internal departments, including quotes, schedules and files
- Ensure system records are accurate and up-to-date.
Skills you’ll need to succeed:
- Naturally curious with an eagerness to learn
- Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team
- Willingness to stay up-to-date with market trends
- Excellent time management skills
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond thoughtfully to changing needs
- A passion and desire to work in publishing with a keen interest in production and getting books into the hands of readers
- Experience working with software such as MS Office and Google Workspace.
About the programme: As a Publishing Apprentice, you’ll gain exposure to all of the key stages in the publishing process, starting from the initial conception of a book all the way through to production, sales, marketing and publicity processes. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be invited to monthly 3-hour live sessions hosted online in addition to working on your course content via our online learning platform. To meet the off-the-job requirements for your apprenticeship, you’ll also spend a minimum of 6 hours a week within the workplace developing your publishing knowledge, skills and behaviours listed within your bespoke LDN Training Plan.
Salary: £24,000
Full time / part time: Full time
Application deadline: 6 July 2025
Potential start date: 22 September 2025
Qualification: Level 4 Publishing Professional
Duration: 15 months
Some of the benefits we offer:
- 28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service + bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Discounted private medical insurance
- Group income protection scheme
- Enhanced family pay and leave
- Flexible working hours and summer hours (early finish on a Friday during summer months)
- 2 Volunteer Days per year
- 75% off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales (highly reduced rates)
- Season ticket loan/advance
- Discounts on shopping and gym memberships; Christmas club savings
- Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch
This is a full time 15 month fixed term role, and will be based in our offices in Farringdon, London, with some flexibility to work from home each week. All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role.
At Pan Macmillan, we are highly committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at every level of our organisation. We welcome applications from all individuals, including any age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Our efforts to promote DEI are ongoing, and we continually strive to learn and improve our policies and practices.
Publishing Production Apprentice employer: Pan Macmillan
Contact Detail:
Pan Macmillan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Publishing Production Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the different imprints of Pan Macmillan. Understanding their unique styles and target audiences will help you demonstrate your passion for publishing during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who work in production. Attend events or join online forums to gain insights and make connections that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in the publishing world. Being knowledgeable about recent bestsellers, emerging authors, and industry challenges will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your time management skills and adaptability in a team setting. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight these abilities, as they are crucial for the Production Apprentice role.
We think you need these skills to ace Publishing Production Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Publishing Production Apprentice position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should be clear and concise, showcasing relevant experience, skills, and education. Emphasise any previous work or projects related to publishing, production, or teamwork that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Write a Personalised Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for publishing and your eagerness to learn. Mention specific aspects of Pan Macmillan that attract you, such as their commitment to diversity and quality in publishing, and explain how you can contribute to their team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the publishing industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pan Macmillan
✨Show Your Passion for Publishing
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the publishing industry during the interview. Talk about your favourite books, authors, or trends in publishing that excite you. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Since the Production team collaborates with various departments, be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams. Think of examples where you effectively communicated or resolved conflicts, as this will highlight your ability to work collaboratively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company’s Imprints
Research Pan Macmillan's different imprints and their unique offerings. Being knowledgeable about their catalogue will show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in contributing to their diverse range of publications.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As the role involves managing schedules and budgets, be prepared to discuss how you stay organised. Share specific tools or methods you use to manage your time and tasks effectively, which will reassure them of your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
