Printing Machine Technician
Printing machine technicians are in charge of setting up, operating, maintaining, and repairing assorted types of printing equipment. These technicians are skilled at dealing with offset printing machines, letter or letterset presses, lithograph machines, gravure presses, inkjet printers, and other printing mediums. He or she may be responsible for consulting directly with customers on projects. Printing machine technicians run off the required number of prints; package prints for customer delivery; check machinery on a regular basis; replace dies; monitor equipment for problems using specialized tools, gauges, dials, or other indicators; and make basic repairs when problems arise. He or she must arrange for equipment to be serviced when larger repairs are needed. Printing machine technicians commonly work for newspapers, direct mail firms, advertising firms, promotional products companies, or as private contractors.
Printing machine technicians must hold a high school diploma, and must have completed formal vocational training. Some employers may accept a minimum of two years of work experience, or a completed apprenticeship in place of vocational training. Other required skills include: communication skills, specialized repair tool experience, customer service skills, and problem solving skills. Individuals who have experience or training in computer control systems have the best chance of gaining employment.
Printing machine technicians are generally paid by the hour. The typical hourly wage for these technicians is about $15.
