6. Digital Prepress Technician
Print Jobs are highly rewarding and should be more recognised
From flexographic printers to print finishers, many careers in the printing industry play a significant role in creating amazing products. These printing industry jobs are important in ensuring that the products we see every day are high quality and meet our expectations by delivering on their intended purpose.
In terms of market size, the printing industry is ranked 14th among the Manufacturing sectors. Despite its size, the printing industry remains one of the least understood sectors of the economy by the public.
In this article, we will take a closer look at nine specific jobs in the printing industry and explore their roles in creating printed products:
1. Prepress Technician
As their title suggests, prepress technicians are responsible for preparing files for printing. This includes proofreading, performing quality control checks and converting files to the proper format for the printing process.
Prepress technicians must have a keen eye for detail to catch errors that could lead to a poor final product. They must also be familiar with various file formats and how to convert them for use in the printing process.
- What skills you need: Prepress technicians must have strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills, and be familiar with various file formats and printing processes. For example, a candidate for this position should be able to identify a CMYK file and explain why it is used in printing.
- Why this career matters: Prepress technicians play a critical role in the printing process by ensuring that the files to be printed are of high quality and free of errors. The final product may be of poor quality if they do not pay attention to the smallest details.
A printing press operator is responsible for setting up and operating a printing press.
2. Printing Press Operator
A printing press operator is responsible for setting up and operating a printing press. This includes tasks such as loading paper, adjusting the print settings and monitoring the progress of the print job.
Printing press operators must be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the printing process. They must also have a keen eye for detail to spot errors that could lead to a poor final product.
- What skills you need: Printing press operators must have strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude, and be able to troubleshoot problems. They must also be familiar with the various types of printing presses and how to operate them.
- Why this career matters: Printing press operators play a key role in the printing process by ensuring that the print job runs smoothly and that the final product meets the high standards set by the customer.
3. Bindery Worker
A bindery worker is responsible for finishing printed products. This includes tasks such as cutting, folding and stitching printed materials. Bindery workers must be able to operate various types of finishing equipment. They must also have a keen eye for detail to ensure that the final product meets customers' expectations.
- What skills you need: Bindery workers must have strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and be able to operate various types of finishing equipment. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of the various types of bindings and how to execute them properly.
- Why this career matters: Bindery workers play a vital role in the printing process by ensuring that the final product is high quality and meets the customer’s expectations. The final product might be of lower quality if they don’t pay attention to detail.
4. Print Finisher
A print finisher is responsible for applying various finishes to printed materials. This includes tasks such as laminating, die-cutting and embossing. Print finishers must be able to operate various types of finishing equipment.
They must also have a keen eye for detail to ensure that the final product meets customers' expectations.
- What skills you need: Finishers must have a high level of attention to detail and mechanical aptitude, and the ability to run various finishing equipment. They should also have a strong understanding of the various types of finishes and how to properly apply them.
- Why this career matters: Some of the contributions of print finishers include providing protection from wear and tear, making the product more aesthetically pleasing or giving it a unique texture. They must be vigilant in all phases of the project to ensure that everything operates smoothly and the finished product is up to the customer’s standards.
5. Flexographic Printers
Flexographic printers are responsible for printing images and text on various substrates, such as plastic, paper, and metal. They must be able to operate various types of printing equipment. They must also have a keen eye for detail to ensure that the final product meets customers' expectations.
- What skills you need: Flexography is a form of digital printing that uses UV-curable inks to create images on flexible plastic films bonded to the paper. Someone working on flexography must have strong attention to detail, be familiar with different inks and be able to operate various types of printing equipment.
- Why this career matters: Flexography is a versatile printing process that can be used to print on various substrates. It is commonly used for packaging, labels and newspaper inserts. Additionally, flexo printing jobs also play a key role in the printing process by ensuring that the final product meets the customer’s expectations.
Digital prepress technicians play a vital role in the printing process by ensuring that the digital files are ready for print.
6. Digital Prepress Technician
A digital prepress technician is responsible for preparing digital files for print. This includes tasks such as proofreading, colour correction and file conversion. Digital prepress technicians must be able to operate various types of computer software.
They must also have a keen eye for detail to ensure that the final product meets customers' expectations.
- What skills you need: Digital prepress technicians must be proficient in computer software, such as Adobe Creative Suite. They must also have strong attention to detail to catch any errors during the file preparation process.
- Why this career matters: Digital prepress technicians play a vital role in the printing process by ensuring that the digital files are ready for print. The final product could be of poor quality without their attention to detail.
7. Colour Separator
A colour separator is responsible for the preparation of colour files for print. This includes tasks such as colour correction and file conversion. Colour separators must be able to operate various types of computer software. They must also have a keen eye for detail to ensure that the final product meets customers' expectations.
- What skills you need: Colour separators must be familiar with various computer applications, such as Adobe Creative Suite. Any mistakes while preparing the file must be spotted, and they must have exceptional attention to detail to find any flaws that may occur throughout the file preparation process.
- Why this career matters: Colour separators play a vital role in the printing process by ensuring that the colour files are ready for print. If they aren’t careful, the end product might be low quality.
8. Press Operator
A press operator is responsible for the operation of a printing press. This includes loading paper, mixing inks, and running the press. Press operators must be able to operate various types of printing equipment.
They must also have a keen eye for detail to ensure that the final product meets customers' expectations.
- What skills you need: Press operators must be familiar with different types of printing presses. They must also have the ability to mix inks and load paper onto the press. Additionally, press operators must be able to troubleshoot any issues that may occur during the printing process.
- Why this career matters: Press operators play a vital role in the printing process by ensuring that the press runs smoothly. The final product could be of poor quality without their attention to detail.
9. Gluer Minder
A gluer minder is responsible for the operation of a glueing machine. This includes loading paper, mixing inks and running the machine. Gluer minders must be able to operate various types of glueing equipment.
They must also have a keen eye for detail to ensure that the final product meets customers' expectations.
- What skills you need: Gluer minders must be able to operate different types of glueing machines. They must also be able to mix inks and load paper onto the machine. Additionally, gluer minders must be able to troubleshoot any issues that may occur during the glueing process.
- Why this career matters: Gluer minders play a vital role in the printing process by ensuring that the glueing machine runs smoothly. The final product could be of poor quality without their attention to detail.
10. Packaging Technologist
A packaging technologist is responsible for the design and production of packaging materials. This includes creating prototypes and testing materials, and overseeing the production process.
Packaging technologists must be able to operate various types of computer software. They must also have strong attention to detail to catch any errors during the production process.
- What skills you need: Packaging technologists must be familiar with various computer applications, such as Adobe Creative Suite. They must also be able to create prototypes and test materials for packaging products.
- Why this career matters: Packaging technologists play a vital role in the printing process by ensuring that the packaging materials are of high quality. The final product could be of poor quality without their attention to detail.
We are proud to have a job in the print industry
These are just some of the many jobs in the printing industry. Each job plays a vital role in the production of high-quality printed products. Without them, the printing industry would not be able to function and provide you with the printed materials you need.
So, if you’re ever in need of printed products, be sure to thank the people who made it possible. They play a vital role in ensuring that you receive a high-quality product.
Duplo International is a leader in print finishing solutions. We provide a wide range of products that enable our customers to produce the highest quality printed products possible. Duplo values it’s people and takes pride in working in a highly rewarding industry. For more information on opportunities in the print industry Contact us today.
