8127- PRINTING MACHINE ASSISTANTS

Job Title: 

PRINTING MACHINE ASSISTANTS

Alternate Titles: 

Finishing operative (printing),Lithographer (printing),Machinist (printing),Print operator,Printer?s assistant

Job Description: 

Printing machine assistants set and operate letterpress, platen or cylinder, lithographic and photogravure printing machines, photocopiers, office printers, duplication machines and other reprographic equipment.

Education: 

No academic qualifications are required. Off- and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs in Screen Printing are available at Levels 1 and 2, and in Machine Printing at Levels 2 and 3.
Refer The S/NVQ framework for more details

NS-SEC: 

The simplified NS-SEC analytic class for this code is 6
The simplified NS-SEC operational category for this code is 12.3
Refer The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification for more details

Tasks: 


  • positions printing plates, loads inks into reservoirs and loads paper rolls or sheets into printing press;
  • sets controls to control the speed, pressure and ink flow of printing machine;
  • loads photocopiers, office printers, duplication machines and other reprographic equipment with stationery;
  • starts reprographic or printing machine and monitors operation for paper misfeeds and error messages, removes blockages and replaces damaged paper, and monitors quality of output;
  • carries out routine maintenance and cleaning of printing machine;
  • sets and operates machines for cutting paper to specified dimensions or for folding or binding to produce finished paper items;
  • sets and operates presses for stamping patterns and labels on textiles, clothing, pottery, footwear and other leather goods.
International Careers(ISCO): 
Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
Source Of Info: 

Office of National Statistics UK