Machine printer Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a machine printer, your work would involve:

• 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)
• carrying out basic machine maintenance.

You would usually work on a particular type of press, but you would train in a variety of printing techniques. These 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 – 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.

Hours

You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, possibly on a shift system which could include nights. Overtime is often available.

You could work in a variety of settings, from small workshops to large printing warehouses. Your workplace could be hot and noisy, depending on the type and age of the machinery.

You would need protective clothing and equipment due to the chemicals and solvents used in the printing process.

Income

Starting salaries for qualified printers are between £16,000 and £19,000 a year. Experienced machine printers can earn up to £40,000 a year.

Additional payments are made for shift allowances, specific responsibilities and overtime.

Figures are intended as a guideline only

Entry requirements

Most employers expect a good standard of general education, such as GCSEs in English and maths, science subjects and IT. You would also be expected to have good colour vision.

You may be able to get into this career through an Apprenticeship scheme with a printing company. To get on to a scheme, 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. To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

You could learn some of the skills needed for this job by taking a college printing course, such as:

• ABC Diploma in Print Media at Level 3 covers various processes including digital 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 techniques like screen printing. Contact your local colleges to find out what is available.

For more details about careers in printing and training providers, visit the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) website and the PrintIT! website.

• British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF)
• PrintIT!

Training and development

Your employer would usually train you on their specific printing machinery. You might also attend courses offered by equipment manufacturers.

You could take work-based NVQ awards, 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 levels 2 and 3 – covers finishing methods in general print, newspapers and magazines.

For more details about work-based qualifications, see the Proskills UK website. The BPIF also offers a range of short courses and in-company training. See their website for more details.

Skills and knowledge

To be a machine printer you should have:

• 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 meet deadlines
• a willingness to keep up to date with developments in printing technology
• the ability to work as part of a team and alone.

More information

Proskills UK
www.proskills.co.uk

PrintIT!
www.printit.org.uk

British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF)
Farringdon Point
29/35 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JF
www.britishprint.com

Opportunities

Printing is one of the UK’s biggest industries. The largest concentration of jobs are in London and the south east, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol.

With training and experience, you could progress to a supervisory role or production control. You could also move into related areas, such as print finishing, account sales, estimating, buying or machine maintenance.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):

• Jobs in Print
• Print Week
• Directgov (Jobseekers page)

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