Plateless printing equipment operators

Overview

Plateless printing equipment operators operate laser printers, computerized high speed colour copiers and other printing machines to print text, illustrations and designs on a wide variety of materials such as paper, plastic, glass, leather, and metal. They are employed in rapid printing services, newspaper and magazine publishing companies, commercial printing companies and in manufacturing and other establishments that have in-house printing facilities.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Review work order to determine job specifications, such as ink colour and quantity required

  • Set up and make adjustments to printing machine, such as filling ink or paint reservoirs and loading stock

  • Input codes and key in programming data on console keyboard of computerized machines

  • Operate and monitor printing machines during print run and make adjustments as required

  • Clean machines and replace worn parts.

Job titles

  • balloon printer
  • blueprint blocker
  • blueprint developer
  • blueprinting machine operator
  • box printer - printing
  • box, case and lining printer

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$36,289

Median

$44,694

High

$70,848

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

107

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school may be required.

  • Completion of college or other specialized courses in printing may be required.

  • On-the-job training is provided.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No post-secondary education required

No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.

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