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Printing Machine Operators and Related Occupations
What they do?
Printing machine operators use laser printers, computerized high-speed colour copiers, and other printing machines to print text, illustrations, and designs.
A. Printing press operators print illustrations, designs, and text on paper, plastic, and other material. They may supervise crews of large presses.
B. Pre-press technicians operate various computer-controlled systems, and camera and platemaking workers operate cameras/scanners; assemble film/negatives; and prepare, engrave, and etch printing press plates/cylinders.
C. Binding and finishing machine operators bind and finish printed material.
D. Photographic and film processors process and finish still/motion picture film.
Where they find work?
1. Printing and related support activities - 49.0%
2. Other services (except public administration) - 13.0%
3. Retail trade - 8.0%
4. Information and cultural industries - 5.0%
5. Paper manufacturing - 3.0%
6. Administrative and support waste management and remediation services - 3.0%
7. Miscellaneous manufacturing - 2.0%
What education do I need?
1. In general, you usually need a high school diploma.
2. You may receive on-the-job training.
3. To be a printing machine operator, you may need college or other printing courses.
4. To be a photographic film processor, you need a college or other specialized program or extensive experience.
5. To be a camera, platemaking or other worker in a pre-press occupation, you need a college program in graphic arts technology or an apprenticeship or a combination of on-the-job training and specialized courses.
6. Many recent entrants have a community college diploma, and almost 2 in 5 have a trade/vocational certificate.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Computer Basics - Word and Excel
3. Machine Shop
4. Graphic Design
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Printing Machine Operators and Related Occupations is $14.00/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the processing, manufacturing and utilities sector and are close to the average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an above-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
6% of Printing Machine Operators and Related Occupations are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Printing Machine Operators and Related Occupations is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($14.00) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is above average.
3. The unemployment rate (6%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be average because the use of electronic formats and the introduction of new production technologies will likely increase productivity, allowing employers to do more with fewer people.
2. The retirement rate will likely be below average, and the number of retiring workers should not contribute significantly to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Printing Machine Operators and Related Occupations are found in Ontario and Manitoba while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (28%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Machinery
2. Detail/precision work
3. Quality control
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
18% of Printing Machine Operators and Related Occupations are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 32,000 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 4% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively high percentage of younger workers suggests more entry-level positions and jobs that may serve as stepping stones in a career. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be below average because of a tendency to retire at an older-than-average age (64).
