How Do I Become a Printing Press Operator?

If you would like a career which involves running and maintaining machinery that prints text and graphics on items such as newspapers, glassware, and invitations, you may wish to become a printing press operator. To enter this field, you must obtain training, either through an on-the-job program or through a technical institute or community college. You will likely also need to complete ongoing training in order to adapt to evolving printing technology. Finally, if you wish to become a printing press operator, you should be physically fit, possess good math skills, and enjoy routine.

Operating and maintaining a printing press requires an in-depth knowledge of all machinery and equipment involved. You must be able to load and adjust the press to the specifications of each job, execute print runs without costly errors, and quickly troubleshoot when the machinery malfunctions. To gain the knowledge you need to successfully run a press, you must obtain training. Some printers offer formal apprenticeships which last for approximately two to four years, while others provide informal on-the-job training. Alternatively, many technical institutes and community colleges offer classes on various aspects of printing press operation.

The field of printing is constantly evolving due to technological innovations. Therefore, in addition to the initial training you will need to become a printing press operator, you will likely need to complete occasional ongoing training after you have entered the field. For instance, many printing presses are now partly controlled by computers. To run such a press, operators need to become thoroughly acquainted with all relevant computer applications. Often, necessary ongoing training is offered through one’s employer.

Once you become a printing press operator, you will likely spend a significant amount of time on your feet. You may also need to lift heavy machinery parts and paper reams. Therefore, you will need to be reasonably physically fit.

As a press operator, you will often need to perform mathematical computations as you adjust the press to suit each job. If you work for a small press, you may also be involved in working up estimates for potential jobs. Therefore, you should possess good math skills.

Finally, the work of a printing press operator can sometimes be repetitive. For instance, some jobs may involve running off hundreds or even thousands of identical items. Before you become a printing press operator, therefore, you may wish to consider whether you tend to enjoy routine work.