Printing Press Operators and Assistants

No previous experience is needed for assistants; operators need on-the-job or apprenticeship training.

Operators and assistants should have experience working with a variety of printing presses. They should know how to set up the presses, monitor the presses while they run a job, and maintain the press equipment. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are a must for press operators and assistants. They also must be able to work well as a team, both with each other and with others in the printing company. Any miscommunication during the printing process can be costly if it means re-running a job or any part of it. Working well under pressure is another requirement because most print jobs run on tight deadlines.