Machine Printer
What is the work like?
Machine printers, often known as print minders operate and maintain printing presses. Their work involves taking job instructions from the pre-press operator and setting up the press with the right materials for the production run.
As a machine printer, your day-to-day tasks would include:
- matching colours to the pre-press proofs
- restocking ink levels
- feeding the print materials into the presses
- putting job data into computerised control units
- carrying out quality checks during the print run
- identifying problems and fixing faults
- cleaning presses after a print run has finished (either by hand or using automatic cleaning systems)
- basic machine maintenance.
You would usually work on a particular type of press but you would train in a variety of printing techniques, which could include:
- flexigraphic (relief process) – commonly used to print onto items like shopping bags and food packaging
- screen printing (stencilling) – for printing onto clothing, posters or display signs
- gravure (intaglio process) – used for high quality work on catalogues, fabrics and wallpapers
- digital printing – becoming much more common, using inkjet and laser printing methods
- lithographic (planographic process) – the most widely used method and often used for large print runs such as catalogues, newspapers and magazines.
On large presses, you might work in a team, but on smaller ones you could be responsible for all the tasks on the print run.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Most organisations look for a good standard of general education, such as GCSE grades in English and maths, science subjects and IT. Good colour vision is essential.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a printing company. To be eligible, you are likely to need four or five GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English, or equivalent qualifications. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
You could start a college printing course to learn some of the skills needed for this industry, such as:
- ABC Awards in Print Production – covering various methods like lithographic, screen printing and print finishing
- City & Guilds (5261) Certificate in Printing and Graphic Communications – covers all the main print processes.
General art and design courses may offer you options in some printing methods like screen printing, so check with your local college for more details.
See the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) and Get Into Print websites for more details about careers in printing and training providers.
What further training and development can I do?
You would usually receive technical training from your employer on their specific machinery. They might also send you on courses run by equipment manufacturers.
You can take work-based NVQ qualifications in this job, which include:
- Machine Printing levels 2 and 3 – contains several options, such as lithography, web offset and screen printing
- Digital Print Production levels 2 and 3 – with units on machine operation, digital artwork and pre-press work
- Mechanised Print Finishing and Binding – covers finishing methods in general print, newspapers and magazines.
The BPIF also runs a range of short courses and in-company training. See the BPIF and Proskills UK websites for more details about work-based training awards.
Where can I go for more information?
29/35 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JF
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for qualified printers are between £14,000 and £19,000 a year.
- Experienced machine printers can earn between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
Additional payments are made for shift allowances, specific responsibilities and overtime.
Figures are intended as a guideline only
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, sometimes operating on a shift system, including nights. Overtime is often available.
You could work in a variety of settings from small workshops to large printing warehouses. Your workplace may be noisy, depending on the type and age of the machinery, and there may be some fumes from the chemicals and solvents used in the process. You would usually use protective clothing and equipment.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills and hand-to-eye coordination
- excellent appreciation for detail, design and colour matching
- good problem-solving skills
- the ability to concentrate for long periods
- self motivation
- the ability to work to deadlines
- a willingness to keep up to date with developments in printing technology
- the ability to work as part of a team or alone.
What opportunities are there?
Printing is one of the UK’s biggest industries, employing over 170,000 people. Printing companies exist throughout the UK but the largest concentration of printing work is in London and the south east, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol.
Once trained and experienced on different types of printing presses, you may be able to progress into supervisory or production control jobs. You could also move into related areas, such as print finishing, account sales, estimating, buying or machine maintenance.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Jobs in Print
Print Week
Jobcentre Plus
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