Pre-press operator
Pre-press operators work in the printing industry, getting artwork from a client and supplying the printing plates used on a press.
Typical Salary
£16,000 – £30,000
per year
Working Hours
38–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks you could:
- use desktop publishing and graphics software to create artwork
- scan and retouch images
- check a whole document for accuracy
- prepare artwork for transfer to film
- transfer the final image from film onto printing plates
Skills needed
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by industry bodies
Career progression
You could become a pre-press manager or move into print administration jobs like estimator or production controller.
Most employers in the pre-press industry will offer training, either through a local college or short courses offered by the British Printing Industries Federation.