Print technician - Pre-press print technician

Print technicians are found in the print and graphics communication sector in printing, packaging, creative and design companies.

It is a technologically advanced and fast-changing sector. The industry plays a central role in marketing and communications. It provides a physical product which is integrated into the multi-channel, multi-media and digital landscape.

It includes:

• magazines, newspapers, books and posters
• cartons, packaging, labels, signs and banners
• personal gifting, such as calendars, photo books and greeting cards
• functional printing onto materials other than paper, such as plastics, electronic circuits to make flexible screens, textiles and a wide range of other materials
• physical printed security products such as passports, ID cards, bank notes and credit cards

Employers vary in size from small to large. Print technicians may work in copy shops, reprographic units, specialist print businesses or large multinational organisations.

This is a core and options apprenticeship standard. Apprentices are trained and assessed against the core and one option:

• Option 1: Pre-press print technician
• Option 2: Press print technician
• Option 3: Post-press print technician

Pre-press is the first stage of production. Pre-press print technicians conduct the processes and procedures that occur between the creation of a design and the printing process. The procedures used in pre-press are called workflows, which vary from case to case.

Press print technicians conduct the printing. Printing is carried out using printing presses. There are seven different categories of printing: lithography, screen, flexography, gravure, letterpress, pad and digital. Each requires different techniques. Companies may use one or more categories of press.

Post-press print technicians conduct finishing or post-press processes after printing. They are usually the final stages of creating a printed product. Through finishing, printed material is made into finished products such as books, booklets, catalogues, pop-ups and display units. They use special techniques. For example: cutting paper, cutting and folding sheets, gluing or stapling sections together and producing a fully bound book. There are also highly skilled 'craft finishers'. They use special tools and work with materials such as wood, leather, fabric and metals including gold leaf. Examples of craft work include special edition or historic books, or high value promotional campaigns. Work may also be conducted in teams, with each performing different functions to hit the quality criteria and production schedule.

Print technicians conduct one stage of the printing process to produce a range of printed goods. They set up and operate complex print machinery and equipment to produce print products to the client’s order specification and timescales. They use their technical judgement to optimise production, maintain machinery and to resolve production problems and improve performance.

They produce risk assessments and safely handle hazardous materials. They must ensure a safe working environment that complies with health, safety and environmental requirements. To manage the production process, they must keep records using both digital and manual processes. They must work effectively with others, including giving clear instructions to colleagues. They may be required to supervise operatives.

On a daily basis technicians have contact with colleagues both within the department and in other departments. They may also interact with clients. Typically, they report to a production manager.

They are responsible for ensuring that work meets quality assurance requirements and the customer brief. Work must be completed in line with health, safety and environmental regulations, standards and guidance. They may have to wear personal protective equipment and follow workplace safety rules such as safely handling hazardous materials.