How to become a pre-press operator
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by industry bodies
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 Award or Level 3 Certificate in Printing and Graphic Communications
- Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Understanding the Print Environment
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You can do an advanced print technician apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Direct Application
You'll need a good general standard of education to apply directly for pre-press operator jobs. GCSEs in maths, English, art and IT may give you an advantage when looking for work. Some employers may ask for A levels or similar qualifications.
Other Routes
You can do specialist printing, packaging and graphic communications courses through the British Printing Industries Federation.
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Career tips
Some knowledge of desktop publishing software will be useful, like InDesign, Illustrator or QuarkXPress.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in print from the British Printing Industries Federation.