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Printing Press Operators
What they do?
Printing press operators perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Review job orders to determine job specifications such as production time, colour sequence and quantities required, and advise press crew of these specifications
B. Mount plates or cylinders and make necessary adjustments
C. Fill ink fountains and take measurements, make adjustments and determine settings to control colour and viscosity
D. Set up press and check samples for ink coverage, alignment and registration
E. Monitor regular press run for quality consistency using computer control console and make adjustments if required
F. Remove and clean plates and cylinders at end of press run
G. Set up and adjust in-line binding and finishing equipment
Where they find work?
1. Printing and related support activities - 66.0%
2. Information and cultural industries - 14.0%
3. Paper manufacturing - 7.0%
4. Plastics and rubber products manufacturing - 2.0%
What education do I need?
1. Completion of secondary school is usually required.
2. Completion of a college program in printing technology or A four-year apprenticeship program in printing or A combination of on-the-job training and specialized high school, college or industry courses is usually required.
3. Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario, Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
4. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Computer Basics - Word and Excel
3. Mechanics
4. First Aid
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Printing Press Operators is $18.50/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
3% of Printing Press Operators are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Printing Press Operators is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an above-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($18.50) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (3%) 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 below average because increasing use of the Internet/electronic media should result in job losses, particularly for printing press operators. In addition, automation and computerization of printing presses will likely improve productivity, allowing employers to do more with fewer workers.
2. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (32%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Communication skills
2. Mechanics
3. Customer service
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
4% of Printing Press Operators are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 36,800 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 10% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average influenced by a similar-to-average age of workers (41).
