Print Technician
Jack is a Print Technician at De La Rue
I work at De La Rue, a security printing company who produce bank notes used around the world.
My job is to run and set up large printing machines that either print the money we use here in the UK, or parts of bank notes.
The parts we create include metal security threads, which are woven through paper notes used in other countries, to stop them from being copied.
I follow detailed specification sheets, mix inks and monitor quality so everything we produce meets very strict standards.
The thing I love most is how interesting and complex it is. Bank notes are something people use every day but hardly anyone thinks about how they are actually made.
Before I worked here, I never really thought about it either. But once you see the process, you realise how many steps and technologies are involved. Something that looks simple in your wallet might have gone through many different machines and processes to be created.
I also enjoy working with such specialised equipment. The machines are massive and very precise, and it takes real skill to set them up properly.
Another thing I like is the sense of responsibility. The work we do has to be exactly right because of the security side of it. Knowing that people trust me to run the machine and produce something so important makes the job feel rewarding.
Attention to detail is one of the most important skills in my job. Everything has to be extremely precise, so I’m always checking that the machine is running correctly and that the printed material meets the required quality.
Problem solving is also really important. If something goes wrong, I need to figure out quickly what caused the problem and how to fix it.
Being aware of safety is another big skill. The machines are large and powerful, so you have to stay focused and follow safety procedures carefully.
I also need good computer skills because we record a lot of data about each job, such as how much material was used, how long it ran for and where it will be sent next.
Each shift usually has two printers and a print assistant. The printers run the machine while the assistant helps with tasks like loading reels or preparing inks. Working in a team makes the job much easier because the machines are so big and complex.
It’s also great having experienced colleagues around. Some people I work with have been doing the job for decades, so they know the machines inside out. You can learn a lot just by watching how they work and asking questions.
I still enjoy sports a lot. I play golf whenever I get the chance and also still play football sometimes and enjoy doing a bit of DIY at home.
Because I work long shifts, especially night shifts, I need a bit of time to recover after work. But one advantage of shift work is that I sometimes have weekdays free – I can shop when the shops are empty!
One of the things I’m most proud of is becoming a number one printer. That role means I’m responsible for running the machine and leading the team on my shift. If there is a problem with the job, I’m the person who has to figure out what happened and how to solve it.
It’s something I’m proud of because many of the people in the industry are much older and have been doing it for decades. Printing is an ageing profession, so reaching that position at my age is a big achievement.
One surprising thing about bank notes is that the polymer material starts completely clear, as a transparent sheet.
The printing layers add all the colours and designs you see, while leaving certain areas clear to create the see-through windows.
For now, I’m happy continuing to build my experience in my current role. Being a number one printer comes with a lot of responsibility and there is always more to learn about the machines and processes.
I’d also like to complete more health and safety qualifications in the future as part of developing my skills further.
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be not to worry so much about the future. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time stressing about what I was going to do with my life.
Looking back, I’d just tell myself to work hard, keep learning and take opportunities when they come along. If you stay focused and put the effort in, things usually work out.
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