Overview
Printing press operators set up and operate sheet and web-fed presses to print text, illustrations and designs on a wide variety of materials such as paper, plastic, glass, leather and metal. They are employed by commercial printing companies; newspapers, magazines, and other publishing companies; and establishments in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Review job orders to determine job specifications such as production time, colour sequence and quantities required, and advise press crew of these specifications
Mount plates or cylinders and make necessary adjustments
Fill ink fountains and take measurements, make adjustments and determine settings to control colour and viscosity
Set up press and check samples for ink coverage, alignment and registration
Monitor regular press runs for quality and consistency using computer control console and make adjustments as required
Remove and clean plates and cylinders at end of press run
Direct activities of press crew and ensure that safety procedures are adhered to.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$57,354
$83,424
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
236expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a college program in printing technology or a combination of on-the-job training and specialized high school, college or industry courses is usually required.
Additional information
Progression to supervisory positions, such as pressroom supervisor, is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
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