🏗️Engineering & Architecture
Printing Technologist
Runs the printing of books, packaging and advertising materials
Organizes the printing process, from preparing the layout to the finished, quality-checked print product.
What they do
- ▹Prepares layouts and color separations for printing (prepress)
- ▹Sets up offset or digital printing presses
- ▹Checks color registration and print quality
- ▹Selects paper, board and post-print finishing methods
Skills you need
- ▹Understanding of color models (CMYK) and prepress
- ▹Working with printing equipment
- ▹Attention to detail and color perception
- ▹Basic design and layout skills
- ▹Keeping a print run on schedule
Focus on these subjects at school
Computer scienceChemistryArt
Where they work
- ▹Printing houses and textbook publishers
- ▹Advertising and printing combines
- ▹Packaging plants
- ▹State publishing houses
- ▹An own print shop or digital printing business
Pros
- + Steady demand for printing books, textbooks, packaging and advertising
- + Tangible result — a finished print run
Challenges
- − Missing a print-run deadline is highly stressful
- − Work is tied to expensive equipment
Programs that lead to this profession
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