Reprographic Assistant
What is the work like?
Reprographic assistants, sometimes known as print room operators, copy and bind a range of printed materials in bulk, using photocopying and/or offset litho printing equipment.
As a reprographic assistant, you would deal with a variety of items including manuals, brochures, leaflets and documents. Your typical day-to-day duties might include:
- discussing the job requirements with the customer
- working out timescales, costs and the number of copies required
- programming instructions into the copying equipment, for instance colour saturation
- making sure machines have the correct levels of inks, chemicals and toners for each job
- supplying print materials to the machines
- mounting printing plates or cylinders, if working on a press, and lining them up correctly
- monitoring the progress of the copying run
- quality checking samples
- finishing copied items, for example trimming, binding and laminating
- carrying out basic equipment maintenance and cleaning.
You would also have administrative duties like recording job details and ordering supplies. You may help prepare designs and layout for print runs, depending on your skills. For more details about this side of the work, see the job profile for Pre-press Operator.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any specific qualifications to become a reprographics assistant but GCSE passes in maths, English, art and design, and IT may give you an advantage.
You may be able to get into this job through a printing or reprographics Apprenticeship scheme. 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 also take one of several print-related qualifications at college, which would teach you some of the skills needed for this job. Courses include:
- City & Guilds Certificate in Printing and Graphic Communications (5261) levels 2 and 3
- Edexcel (BTEC) Certificate and Diploma in Graphics; and in Art & Design
- ABC Diploma in Digital Pre-Press Level 3.
Courses in general art and design, audio-visual studies and desktop publishing courses would also help you when applying for work in reprographics.
The British Printing Industry Federation, Get Into Print and Proskills UK websites have details about careers in printing and reprographics together with training providers.
What further training and development can I do?
Your company would train you on specific equipment when you start work. They would also send you on training courses run by the equipment manufacturers, or the manufacturers’ representatives may come to your firm to show you how to set up and operate their reprographic equipment.
You could work towards the NVQ in Printing (5158), which has several options, depending on your exact duties, including:
- Mechanised Print Finishing and Binding levels 2 and 3
- Digital Print Production levels 2 and 3
- Hand Binding Level 3.
The British Printing Industry Federation (BPIF) and Proskills UK have details about short training courses in specific technical areas and work-based training, leading to the NVQ.
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, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries for reprographic assistants start between £11,000 and £13,500 a year.
- Experienced assistants can earn between £14,000 and £17,000.
- Reprographic staff with supervisory responsibilities can earn up to £22,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. If you work in a print shop, this is likely to include Saturdays. Part-time working and flexible hours may be possible.
You would spend most of your time working in an office, workshop or print shop.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to work in a methodical and well organised way
- the ability to follow manufacturer's instructions and job specifications
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- good computer and administration skills
- an appreciation of colour, detail and design
- good customer care skills
- the ability to work well as part of a team and alone
- a willingness to work flexibly.
What opportunities are there?
Your main opportunities are likely to be with the copying and printing departments of large companies, civil service departments, local government, hospital authorities, universities, colleges and large schools. You can also find jobs with high street ‘instant print’ shops.
If you work for a large organisation, you could progress to departmental supervisor or production controller. In a print shop, you could become a shop manager.
You can find job vacancies advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus and Jobs in Print.
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