Printer Jobs

Printers are responsible for setting up and running printing presses to produce high-quality work, usually to a deadline. They check that the final product is of the right quality and meets the customer's requirements. Print production assistants load the materials to be printed on, such as paper, card, plastic or metal, and the inks then position the printing plates. During the print run, the machine print operator must watch for faults and problems and constantly monitor and adjust the press. Printers also check the quality of the product as it comes off the press.

Role requirements for Print Production Operators Printers should: have good hand-to-eye coordination, good concentration, an eye for detail, be able to stay alert, be good at solving practical problems, have good colour vision, enjoy working with their hands and be interested in working with machinery. 

There are opportunities in the printing industry at every level, from people with no formal qualifications to graduates. Printers may train through apprenticeships and vocational training such as NVQs/SVQs. Good colour vision is usually essential.