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Print operator

Alternative titles for this job include Pre-press operator, reprographics assistant, print finisher

Print operators produce products like magazines, books, advertising posters, display signs, labels and packaging.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£33,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • training with a professional body

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. 

Courses include:

  • printmaking
  • reprographics
  • understanding the print working environment

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a print industry apprenticeship with a printing company. For example:

  • Print Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Print Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 2 and 3 years to complete. They combine training on the job and time spent with a learning provider.

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

More Information

Work

You could start as a print room or reprographics assistant and become a print operator or technician through on-the-job training and promotion.

Direct Application

You'll need a good general standard of education to apply directly for printing 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 equivalent qualifications.

Other Routes

You can do printing, packaging and graphic communications courses through the British Printing Industries Federation.

More Information

Career tips

A working knowledge of desktop publishing software will be useful, though not essential, as you will receive training from your employer.

Further information

You can find out more about printing careers from the British Printing Industries Federation.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • observation and recording skills
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a print operator, you could:

  • read print instructions and select the right materials for each job
  • use desktop publishing software to create digital designs
  • prepare and colour match customer files and artwork ready for printing
  • program print machinery settings
  • monitor the printing process and meet production deadlines
  • troubleshoot production problems and fix them
  • check the accuracy and quality of print samples
  • apply finishing processes such as folding, binding and laminating
  • monitor stock levels and reorder materials

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or in an office.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could become a team leader, production manager or move into print operations, planning and sales.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Print Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £14,722.50 a year Annually
  • Location: WEST POINT, NEW HYTHE LANE, LARKFIELD KENT

Apprentice Pre-press designer/Print Technician

  • Wage: £16,640 a year Annually
  • Location: TEMPLARS WAY IND EST, MARLBOROUGH ROAD, SWINDON

Courses In England

Foundation Degree in Creative Arts (Graphic Media Communication) - Calderdale College

  • Provider: CALDERDALE COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Halifax

Graphic Design (Illustration and Visual Communication) - HNC*

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Blackpool

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