3923 Printers

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

• setting, adjusting and monitoring substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
• mixing ink and solvents to standard, and regulating paper and ink supply during print runs
• monitoring, evaluating and determining press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions
• producing a variety of printed products using relief, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses, and in-line finishing systems
• preparing plates, blankets and impression cylinders on small offset lithographic printing presses
• loading paper into feeding mechanisms
• monitoring machine operations and quality of printing
• undertaking maintenance, adjustment, repair and cleaning of machines
• producing and managing digital print images, and transferring and outputting images
• may set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines

• 392311 Printing Machinist
• 392312 Small Offset Printer

Produces books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, leaflets, packaging materials and stationery using printing presses.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisations:

• Flexographic Printing Machinist
• Gravure Printing Machinist
• Label Printing Machinist
• Letterpress Printing Machinist
• Lithographic Printing Machinist
• Reel Fed Printer
• Sheet Fed Printer

Alternative Title:

• Instant Printer Operator

Sets up and operates small offset printing presses used in instant print shops or for in-house printing.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisation:

• Digital Printer