Printers, classified under ANZSCO code 3923, are professionals who specialize in setting up and operating various types of printing presses. These include letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, newspaper, instant, digital, and offset printing presses.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations within the printer unit group require a certain level of skill, which can be obtained through qualifications and experience. In Australia, a skill level of 3 is typically achieved through an AQF Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training, or an AQF Certificate IV. In New Zealand, a skill level of 3 is equivalent to an NZQF Level 4 qualification. However, in some cases, relevant experience and on-the-job training may be necessary in addition to formal qualifications.

Tasks Include:

• 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, as well as 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.

Occupations:

• 392311 Printing Machinist
• 392312 Small Offset Printer

392311 Printing Machinist

A printing machinist is responsible for producing a range of printed materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, leaflets, packaging materials, and stationery. They operate printing presses and have a skill level of 3. Specializations within this occupation include flexographic printing machinist, gravure printing machinist, label printing machinist, letterpress printing machinist, lithographic printing machinist, reel-fed printer, and sheet-fed printer.

392312 Small Offset Printer

Also known as an instant printer operator, a small offset printer sets up and operates small offset printing presses commonly used in instant print shops or for in-house printing. They have a skill level of 3. A specialization within this occupation is a digital printer.

By choosing a career as a printer, individuals can contribute to the production of various printed materials, playing a crucial role in the communication and marketing industries.