Bookbinders turn printed paper into books and catalogues using machines, and traditional hand binding methods for specialist books.
£16,000 Starter
to£28,000 Experienced
41 to 43 a week
evenings / weekends on shifts
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree or degree in:
You'll need to check that your chosen course covers methods used in bookbinding.
You'll usually need:
You could get into this work by doing an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in print finishing.
You'll usually need:
You could start out as a print room or reprographics assistant and work your way up through experience and taking courses.
You could apply directly to become a bookbinder. Employers will expect you to have some relevant experience in the printing trade.
You may find it useful to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent qualifications.
You could take short specialist courses in craft binding and finishing. These can be done through organisations like the Society of Bookbinders and Designer Bookbinders.
You can find out more about working in bookbinding and printing from the British Printing Industries Federation and the Heritage Crafts Association.
You'll need:
Your role could include:
If you're a craft or hand bookbinder, you might be:
You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be dusty and noisy.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
With experience, you could become a supervisor, or work for a specialist print finishing company.
You could also move into other jobs like printing or sales.
As a craft bookbinder, you could improve your job prospects by joining the Society of Bookbinders or Designer Bookbinders.