Become a Printer

Printers, or print machine operators, help set up and run printing presses to meet customer specifications. Duties may include installing printing plates, filling ink, loading paper, and making sure the machines run smoothly. Becoming a printer doesn’t require more than a high school diploma and on-site training, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances of landing a job.

Steps

Getting an Education

1. Focus on math and computer classes in high school. Aim to do the best you can in math courses throughout high school, as printers need to calculate how much ink or paper is needed for a job. Since many print machines have digital components, using a computer is a large part of the job. Take classes that focus on design or computer programming to help get a better understanding of how machines work.
   • Talk to a guidance counselor to see what elective classes your school offers. Let them know that you want to become a printer so they can help lead you in the right direction.
2. Earn your high school diploma or general educational development (GED). The minimum requirement for most printing jobs is a high school diploma. Focus on studying and being a good student so you can maintain good grades. If you’re already out of high school and don’t have a diploma, sign up for GED classes in your area so you can take the exam.
   • Many GED courses can be taken online as long as you take the final test in person.
3. Try for a 2-year associate’s degree if you want additional training. Some technical schools may offer printer training degrees so you can learn about different print methods and machines. Check with your local technical or community colleges to see what degrees they offer related to printing machines. Make sure to complete all of your studies and participate in any hands-on activities so you can continue learning.
   • You don’t need to have a college degree to become a printing machine operator.

Gaining the Necessary Skills

1. Take art classes to get an eye for color. As a printer, you’ll have to check the color on your prints to make sure it’s what the client wants. Look for academic or recreational art courses, such as painting or graphic design, so you can develop color theory. Even if you’re not an artist, pay attention to how colors blend to learn how printer ink will mix when you start working.
   • Check the schedule at a local rec center to see if it offers any community classes.
   • You can look for online courses as well to help you develop color theory.Template:Greenbox:'''Warning:''' If you are farsighted or have any form of colorblindness, being a printer may not work out as a career.
2. Maintain good attention to detail. Printers need to inspect the products that run through the machines to make sure colors are correct and that there are no typos. Work on projects or hobbies that are detail-oriented, such as building models or tuning up your car, since these will help you stay focused and require precision.
3. Earn certifications if you want to stand out to employers. Look for certifications you can earn online, such as the FIRST Press Operator Certification, to help you gain familiarity with the machines. Sign up for the certification class and take the training for 6 weeks. When you’re finished with the course, take the written test to earn your certification.
   • Certifications aren’t required for getting hired since much of your training will be on-site.
   • You can also try advanced certifications after the initial course, such as the PrePress Operator Certification.
   • Certifications usually need to be renewed every 2-3 years by retaking a written exam.

Finding a Printing Job

1. Prepare a resume for the job. When you write a resume for a printing job, list your educational history, like when you graduated high school or if you went to any technical schools. Be sure to include relevant skills to the job, such as working with computers, previous experience with machines, or any certification courses you completed. Don’t forget to include your work history if you’ve worked other jobs in the past.
   • Try to keep your resume 1-2 pages long at most.{{greenbox:Types of Resumes
     
     Use a Write-a-Chronological-Resume if you have consistent work history without long gaps of time between jobs.
     
     Try a Write-a-Functional-Resume to list your skills and experience if you have limited work history or you just graduated.
     
     Pick a combination resume to list work history as well as provide any skills and experience you have.
     
     Tailor a Write-a-Targeted-Resume to the employer by listing your relevant experience related to the job listing.}}
2. Look for printing apprenticeships to learn more on-site. Many printers offer full-time paid apprenticeships so you can learn how to operate the machines at the location. Contact printing companies or check local job boards to see if they offer apprenticeships. Provide them with your resume so you have a better chance at getting accepted into the program.
   • Printing apprenticeships usually last between 1-2 years.
   • You may not need to complete an apprenticeship if you studied printing at a technical school.
3. Apply for assistant printing jobs to work your way up. Instead of looking for printer jobs, try searching for assistant printing jobs to work under someone who’s more experienced. That way, you can still help with printing while you learn and work your way up through the company. Check online job boards or contact printing companies to see if they have any openings available.
4. Be prepared to work in a loud and stressful environment. Printers work full shifts surrounded by loud machinery, so make sure you wear earplugs or any safety equipment required by the company. Since many print jobs have strict deadlines, you may feel more stressed while you’re working. Make sure you can handle stress well, and take time to relax while you aren’t at work to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
   • Many printers work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet their deadlines. Be sure that you’re okay with working during these times.

Tips

• The printing machines may differ depending on where you’re working. No matter where you work, you’ll receive on-site training to help you learn how each specific machine works.

Warnings

• Printing machine operators are on their feet for most of their shift and may include working on nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Printing jobs have been declining as automation and computers have started to take over.

References

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