Bindery Workers

High School

People with some knowledge of printing and binding are likely to have an advantage when they apply for jobs in the field. High school students interested in bindery careers can gain some exposure to bindery work by taking shop courses or attending a vocational-technical high school.

Postsecondary Training

Occupational skill centers, often operated by unions, can also provide an introduction to the industry. Postsecondary training in graphic arts, often offered at community and junior colleges, is also useful. Local offices of printing industry associations offer individual courses related to the field.

Most bindery workers learn their skills through on-the-job training. It typically takes one to three months to learn to use simpler machinery, but it can take up to one year to become skilled in the use of complex equipment, such as computerized binding machines.

Formal apprenticeships are becoming less common but are available for workers interested in acquiring highly specialized skills. A four-year apprenticeship is usually needed to learn how to restore and bind rare books.

Shorter apprenticeship programs combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction may be required for union shops. Four-year college programs in graphic arts are recommended for people who want to work in bindery shop management. With today's fast-changing technology, all bindery workers are likely to need occasional retraining once employed in a job.

Certification

Colleges and universities offer certificate programs in printing and related areas that help students and current bindery workers build their skills and learn about new printing technology. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The PRINTING United Alliance offers online classes, including Print 101: Introduction to the Printing Industry, that are open to both members and nonmembers. Contact the alliance for more information.