The company is working with Leeds College to develop a new course which will take into account the latest technology being used across its print sites.

Its apprentices will be on a two-year course, which will culminate in a City and Guilds certificate.

Three of the apprentices will be trained in traditional and digital printing production, while the other two will learn electronic and electrical engineering.

Print trainees will work on sheetfed litho presses, heatset webs and a number of digital machines including HP Indigos and an HP T300 high speed inkjet press.

Communisis (Leeds Direct Mail) general manager Ifor Pedley said: "Our aim is for the apprentices to start in the next few weeks. This will mark the next generation of operators who will increasingly be driving presses from laptops instead of control desks.

"It is an exciting time to be trained in the print industry, especially at Communisis where we are investing in state of the art technology that offers clients a unique opportunity to communicate with their customers on a personalised basis."