A Print Technician designs, produces and tests different print materials and inks to ensure you're creating the best product every time
Even though communications are increasingly digital, there are still many different items that are printed. That’s everything from leaflets, birthday cards and wrapping paper, to product packaging, billboard advertising and money.
The printing industry is technologically advanced and as well as printing designs and colours, some printers also produce textures and even print different smells. You could be the technician who helps to bring creative design ideas to life, with accurate printing that achieves exactly the right standard on every printed item.
You can choose to focus on one of three areas in the early stages of your printing career, making sure everything is technically correct either before you print, as you print, or afterwards.
With experience, you could become a production manager or take on a sales and management role in a major UK or worldwide printer. Alternatively you could become involved in print innovation, helping to push the industry forward and solve new creative challenges.
There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.
But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:
Options available after GCSEs:
Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.
You’ll see the items you help to print all around you, in marketing and advertising campaigns, in shops, or even – if you print money – in people’s wallets! You’ll get to know different print materials and inks, how to programme large printing presses and how digital design files become a printed item.
This role can also be known by some other job titles including:
Pre-Press Technician
Press Technician
Post-Press Technician
