|
|
 |
| Careers In Printing |
PrePress - Persons working in this area of the graphic arts industry deal with the preparation of the documents to be printed. Careers in this category would include:
- Graphic designer - although most printers receive electronic files ready for plating and printing, commercial shops and others who market themselves as a "full-service" shop do employ graphic designers.
- Electronic Pre-press - previews customer supplied files, communicates directly with customer service regarding any details that may affect the customers schedule. Strong computer skills, proficiency in the applications of PhotoShop, QuarkXpress, etc., basic math skills, and a general knowledge of networking are required.
- Color Imaging - works closely with customer regarding color expectations. Employees need to be good communicators, have strong customer service skills, knowledge of pre-press and printing operations, an understanding of color theory and the software used in image creation.
- Platemaker - exposes film to plate material for printing presses. Persons in this job must be aware of the chemicals used in the process and knowledgeable of the safety guidelines. Also important is the ability to work quickly to maintain production schedules and mechanical abilities to operate the machinery used.
- Other jobs in the prepress area would include: Mac operator, supervisor, quality assurance, proofer, clerk, film stripper, and more. The technology in this career category is changing rapidly, therefore; this is an area that requires ongoing training and education to stay current.
Pressroom - Persons working in this area of the graphic arts industry print products for customers doing business with the company. Jobs in this area require a high level of mechanical ability, team building skills, and the desire to create a quality product. Careers in this category would include:
- Rolltender - generally an entry position into the pressroom department. Employees are in charge of maintaining a steady flow of paper to the web press.
- Makeready - in most web shops this is the second position on the printing press. The employee is responsible for hanging the printing plates on the proper printing unit and also for monitoring quality of the product.
- Pressman - ultimately responsible for the overall team efforts of the press crew. Leadership abilities, an understanding of quality, and mechanical expertise are a must
- Bundler - this person removes the printed materials from the delivery end of the printing press and prepares them for shipping or for binding. This is often an entry-level position into the pressroom and requires mechanical aptitude as well as the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Other jobs in the pressroom area would include: quality assurance workers, supervisors, ink person, and more. Generally speaking, press operators are some of the highest paid operators in the business. Of course salaries range due to the type of press, the type of product, the type of process and the area in which the plant is located.
Post-press - This category includes a varied list of career opportunities. A lot can happen to a product once it is printed! Pages can be folded and bound into books, magazines, brochures and retail inserts. Printed labels are wound into qty's specified by the customer, promotional pieces are die cut, Bibles are gilded and ribbon marked, and so much more. Careers in this category would include:
- Machine operator - generally a position held by the most skilled of employees. There are many types of machines that operate in a bindery. Persons working on these pieces of equipment must have a high sense of quality in their work, must work proficiently in order to maintain production schedules, be mechanically inclined and are many times responsible for others who work under them. Some common machines which require operators are: stitchers, binders, casing-in, cutters, folders, case makers, stampers, sewers, gatherers, trimmers
- Other jobs in the post-press area would include quality assurance, supervisors, helpers and general workers, forklift operators, and more.
Customer Service (CSR) - employees in this department are the direct link between the company and the customer. Successful CSR's demonstrate knowledge of the graphic arts industry, excellent communication skills with internal and external customers. A high level of expertise is desired in the areas of time management and organizational skills.
- Other jobs in the customer service department may include: job planners, estimators, clerks, biller, administrative assistants, supervisors and more. (See Support Services)
Scheduling - making sure that customers get the production schedule they need is the responsibility of the scheduling department. Schedulers maintain a smooth flow of work through the manufacturing plant while optimizing equipment, and manpower. People working in this field must communicate with customer service as well as the supervisors on the manufacturing floor. Reports of many kinds are generated for and by the scheduling department. Because of this, successful candidates must be proficient in computer use.
Mailing and Distribution - After the product has been manufactured, it still must make it to its final destination - whether that is a warehouse or your mailbox. Jobs in the mailing and distribution category would include:
- Inkjet operator - operates the machine that personalizes magazines, labels cartons, or barcodes through the use of ink jet technology.
- Distribution specialist - arranges trucking for finished product utilizing customer standard operating procedures.
- Material handler - operates a forklift to stage final product for pick-up. This may also include shrink wrapping or banding of product per customer wishes
- Mailing specialist - examines and processes mailing of periodicals to take advantage of the best postage rate possible.
- Other jobs in the mailing and distribution department may include: supervisors, mail handlers, baggers, strappers.
Support Services - The manufacturing of goods is a primary concern for any graphic arts company. However, this endeavor would be difficult if not impossible without the contribution of those who work in support positions. Jobs in this area would include:
- Estimator - review job specifications to determine the price for the customer. Must have good math skills and the ability to think through the work process to determine all of the steps needed to complete the project.
- Biller - review all of the work done at the completion of the print job to issue a fair and complete invoice to the customer.
- Planners - work closely with CSR's and scheduling to outline the steps needed to complete the job.
- Accounts Payable - just like any business, printers must pay for the supplies and materials it purchases on behalf of the customer. Persons working in this department reconcile purchase orders to invoices sent by suppliers and pay the bills for the company.
|
|
|
