Placement Overview

Runs a small printing company Fusions UK Ltd. This VIP role is to fulfil print orders that customers have placed.

Generic Job Description for a Printer

Printers set up and run machine printers in order to produce printed material for a range of purposes for example stationary, marketing material and packaging.

The work typically involves checking the files from which the artwork is supplied, loading paper materials and ink onto the press and creating pressing plates from the artwork files. They are then responsible for monitoring the process and adjusting the press to ensure the quality of the finished print product meets the expected standard. They may also be responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the print press machines.

Skills:

• Good concentration
• Good hand to eye coordination
• An eye for colour and detail
• Good problem solving skills
• The ability to work well as part of a team
• Technical understanding of the print process 

Pay:

• Entry £10,000 - £15,000
• £15,000 - £25,000 with experience
• Earning potential £35,000 or more for skilled printers working for large printing firms

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Typically up to 40 hours a week, 9 – 5, Monday to Friday
• Overtime and shift work is often required in order to meet deadlines

Environment:

• Indoors, often in noisy conditions
• Work involves constant exposure to chemical fumes

Qualifications:

• No set entry requirements but a degree in an Art related subject is useful
• Most degree courses require five GCSE’s grades A- C and two A-Levels
• Various degree and post-graduate courses available in Print Making

Training:

• Many printing establishments offer short courses in Print Making
• Courses are available for printing specialisms
• A few printers offer apprenticeships

Opportunities:

• There are more than 12,000 printing companies in the UK
• The industry currently employs around 200,000 people in the UK

Links:

www.printmaker.co.uk/pmc - Printmakers Council

www.artscouncil.org.uk - Arts Council England

www.banksidegallery.com - The Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers