Careers information
Print Designer/Prepress Operator
What do they do?
Designers/prepress operators design eye-catching printed material; often discussing ideas with customers and then ensuring all digital files are ready for print and contain all the elements needed for a quality result.
A typical day
Typically, an eight-hour day. Sometimes, longer days or weekend work is required.
Designers/prepress operators create designs ready to print. They use specialist software tools and have knowledge about design as well as print process requirements.
Print Machine Operator
What do they do?
Print machine operators work independently and in teams to produce many types of printed communications in different formats. They have knowledge of different machines, inks and solvents and use different types of presses to complete the jobs.
A typical day
Typically, an eight-hour day.
Print machine operators maintain and clean presses, set up and adjust printing machines, mix inks and solvents, and adjust flow to produce a variety of high quality printed products.
Print Finisher
What do they do?
Print finishers use a range of hand and machine skills to put the finishing touches on a printed product including gluing, stapling, folding, embossing and gold foiling. They can also assist with troubleshooting, production planning and estimating.
A typical day
Typically, an eight-hour day.
Print finishers prepare job components and equipment to complete print finishing, machine bookbinding or hand bookbinding and maintain quality control throughout production.
Sound like you?
Study areas | Attributes | Helpful experience | Preferred work environments |
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Career pathway
School | Entry level jobs | Advancing jobs | Senior jobs |
| NCEA Level 2 in:
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| Unit/Achievement standards in schools | Apprenticeship | Higher learning | Higher learning |