Bookbinder

You could:

• set up and feed paper into machines
•  glue and stitch using hand operated machines
•  cut paper to size using hand and machine cutting tools
•  check the quality of work and meet production deadlines
•  identify issues and report machine breakdowns
•  take away and stack finished products

If you're a craft or hand bookbinder, you might:

• use hand tools to make bindings for books and to sew pages
•  use traditional materials to add decoration and clean discoloured pages
•  produce specialist books like family histories or books for libraries and museums
•  repair antique books

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• observation and recording skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• concentration skills
• the ability to work on your own
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• specialist training courses

With experience, you could become a supervisor or work for a specialist print finishing company.

You could also move into other jobs like printing or sales.

As a craft bookbinder, you could improve your job opportunities by joining the Society of Bookbinders or Designer Bookbinders.