Binding and Finishing Machine Operators

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A typical path starts with completing secondary school, especially English, math and practical shop or computer courses. Many students get experience through co-op, part-time work, or entry-level jobs in printing, packaging or manufacturing. Employers often train new workers on the job to set up and run binding and finishing machines, check quality, and follow safety procedures. Some people also take college or vocational courses in printing, graphic communications, or machine operation, depending on the employer and province. Good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and comfort working with machines are helpful.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

• Binding and finishing machine operators set up and operate various specialized equipment and machines that cut, fold, gather and finish brochures, magazines, books, business forms and other printed material.
• Specialty finishing equipment operators set up and operate various specialized equipment and machines that die cut, emboss, imprint, laminate, heat stamp and perform other finishing operations on printed material.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career