HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical path is to finish secondary school, especially courses in math, English, mechanics, and computer basics. Some students then take a college or university program in graphic communications, print production, or a related field, while others learn through on-the-job training with a printing employer. Early experience often comes from entry-level work in a print shop, helping with press setup, cleaning, materials handling, and quality checks. Requirements can vary by employer and province, and some roles may prefer related education or experience with printing equipment and production processes.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Review job orders to determine job specifications such as production time, colour sequence and quantities required, and advise press crew of these specifications
- Mount plates or cylinders and make necessary adjustments
- Fill ink fountains and take measurements, make adjustments and determine settings to control colour and viscosity
- Set up press and check samples for ink coverage, alignment and registration
- Monitor regular press run for quality consistency using computer control console and make adjustments if required
- Remove and clean plates and cylinders at end of press run
- Set up and adjust in-line binding and finishing equipment
- Direct activities of press crew and ensure that safety procedures are adhered to.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Communication SkillsCustomer ServiceSafety ProceduresTaking DirectionsTime Management