151- Print finishing and binding workers

Job Title: 

Print finishing and binding workers

Job Description: 

Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines for print production.

Summary: 

Binding and finishing workers set up, operate or oversee the operation of specific machines, equipment or computerized units that bind and finish printed material. They may also used hand tools to produce, repair or modify printed materials and products. Workers who perform finishing operations in the paper, carton and packaging industries, as well as those who encode and stamp plastic cards, are included. They are employed by binderies, commercial printing companies, newspapers, magazines, and other publishing companies, and establishments in both the public and private sectors that have in-house printing, binding and finishing departments.

Tasks: 

Job activities and tasks include:

  • setting up and supervising the operation of automatic binding and finishing equipment and machines
  • binding full, half and limp-bound books, and repairing bindings, including repairing, restoring, or rebinding old, rare, or damaged books, using hand tools
  • folding, collating and sewing signatures by machine and hand
  • operating paper guillotines for pre-press and post-press paper cutting and trimming, and programming electronically operated units
  • operating systems to insert printed material into newspapers, magazines and envelopes
  • embellishing printed products automatically and manually
  • operating photographic and electronic reproduction devices
Knowledge: 

Knowledge of prepress fundamentals, print concepts and workflows, proofing systems, press controls and checks, post press and finishing, digital imaging, page composition, image scanning and editing, page imposition, prepress output, offset printing processes, colour management in print production

  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques of print production
  • Knowledge of principles of drafting and imaging and the interpretation, uses and production of sketches, models, assembly, 2D and 3D perspectives/models, plates, layouts, and drawings
  • Knowledge of assemblage as well as maintaining print production plant, equipment and tools
  • Knowledge of repairing and troubleshooting print production plant, equipment and tools
  • Knowledge of consumables in print production plant and equipment usage
  • Knowledge of materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective assembly of print products
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, standards and codes of the UAE and specific Emirates related to print production and more general subjects including OHSE and cultural understanding and awareness
  • Using mathematics and scientific rules and methods to solve problems
  • Solving and identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
  • Using manufacturer?s catalogue, technical orders, drawings, schematics, blueprints, repair manuals and engineering bulletins from manufacturer
  • Assembling, repairing, modifying, troubleshooting and/or removing components for print production and which includes preparing, undertaking and completing such work to the standards required
  • Using proprietary/specialist and specific print production tools and equipment in performing and delivering specialist, unique and/or standard quality services
  • Actively looking for ways to help people
  • Monitoring/assessing performance of oneself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
  • Flexibility to work effectively in a variety of situations and adapt to new ways of doing things
  • Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience including understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
  • Time Management - Managing one?s own time and the time of others
  • Team work or individual - job may require him to work alone or in conjunction with other support or related personnel
    • Work Context: 

    Bindery work requires careful attention to detail. Accuracy, patience, neatness and good eyesight are all important. Mechanical aptitude is necessary to operate automated equipment, and workers with computer skills will increasingly be in demand. Manual dexterity is needed in order to count, insert and fold. In addition, creativity and artistic ability are necessary for hand bookbinding.

    Education: 

    Secondary School Certificate, Certificate in printing, finishing and binding or related field of work, higher qualification or equivalent.

    Required Work Experience: 

    2 - 3 year and above

    Probable Employers: 

    twofour54, The National, Khalij Times, The Gulf

    Occupational Size: 
    Less than 5,000
    Expected Earnings: 

    Above the industry average

    Projected Growth: 
    Very good
    Alternate Titles: 

    Examples of job titles:
    Book binder - Collator operator - Cutter operator - Foil Stamp operator - Folder operator - Gatherer operator - Multibinder operator - Perfect binder operator - Saddle stitch operator - Small machine bindery worker
    Examples of some related occupations:
    Binder - Binder operator - Bindery cutter operator - Bindery operator - Bindery technician
    Bookmaker - Case binder operator - Cerlox binder operator - Covering machine operator
    Graphic and printing equipment operator - Offset printer operator - Paperback machine operator - Pre-press technician - Print binding and finishing worker - Production associate

    UAE Industry Groups: 
    Arts, entertainment, multimedia and ITC applications
    International Careers(ISCO): 
    Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
    Source Of Info: 
    Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals(Copyright NQA ). Referenced from New York University, Abu Dhabhi