Different Types of Jobs Available in the Print Industry

Unknown to many, there is a wide range of jobs in the printing industry. The printing industry experienced a severe decline in 2010, specifically because of the advancement in technology and the fast decline in the performance of the newspaper industry. However, the benefits and the opportunities that come with printing jobs, which require computer expertise, have consistently remained strong and potential career path for people who want to be in this lucrative industry. The following are different types of jobs available in the print industry.

1. Press Operators

One can either work as a Newspaper or Magazine press operator. A press operator works in a pressroom on site or in a distinct facility that is away from advertising and editorial offices. They are responsible for operating the Goss community presses; a popular printing press within the Newspaper industry. Other tasks performed by the press operators include duties in the packaging department where inserters, stitcher trimmers and laser addressing labels are on demand. Publishers are usually in need of press operators who are skilled on managing all press room operations depending on the operation size. One does not require any formal education to become a press operator but apprenticeship opportunities are usually available.

2. Job Printers

These are basically printers who work independently to serve clients. Their clients comprise of small weekly Newspapers, commercial businesses, cities as well as clubs that produce newspapers and pamphlets. They usually operate presses, proof read pages for errors, design publications and calibrate feed guides for varying page sizes as well as cleaning ink rollers.

3. Bindery

This is also another productive and interesting career path in the printing industry that a person can seek. Bindery work involves finishing books, magazines, catalogues and directories by stitching and binding them using staples or glue. A person aspiring to work as a binder must be ready to assemble books or magazines out of large sheets of printed paper, then fold them, confirm that the pages are in the right sequence and finally bind them. In addition, one must be ready to lift up to 40Ibs.’ by the end of the day and must also be willing to stand for long periods of time. Print management companies and publishers normally look for individuals with at least three years working experience. However, educational requirements are minimal to none, depending on the publishing company.

4.Graphic Designers

Graphic designers are in great demand in the printing industry. They are usually in the fields of interactive media, website design as well as print page design. To become a graphic designer, one must be in possession of a college degree in graphic design and some working experience. However, there are some people who get lucky and be hired as soon as they get out of college. There are a good number of publishers and printing houses that offer on the job training to fresh college graduates.

5. Artists

Artists' jobs are extremely competitive and one must be in a position to stand out to be successful. An artist creates his or her work and then transfers it to a computer program or directly performs it on the computer. Their work entails creating visual concepts to communicate their ideas and information to their readers. More often, they work together with graphic designers and editors when designing publications. It is important to note that employers usually seek artists who have formal training.