High competition for entry-level roles
Opportunities for new graphic pre-press workers are poor due to a large number of graphic design graduates competing for entry-level roles. It is also a relatively small occupation in the print industry, with one graphic pre-press worker to every three printers.
However, experienced graphic pre-press workers with design skills and the ability to convert digital design to a printed product, are in demand.
According to the Census, 420 graphic pre-press workers worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Increase your chances of finding work
You can increase your chances of finding a job by completing a work experience programme, such as Gateway, before looking for an apprenticeship.
Digital pre-press brings new opportunities
Increased availability and affordability of pre-press and digital printing equipment has reduced the need for specialist graphic pre-press businesses. Now, most printing companies employ pre-press workers directly and do their own pre-press work.
As a result, the scope of pre-press work has changed. Pre-press workers employed by digital businesses that offer a full range of services tend to be involved in all stages of the workflow, from design concept to final product. This means they are learning new skills, including how to operate digital printing equipment, and interpret increasingly complex product requests.
Types of employers varied
Graphic pre-press workers may work for:
- publishers, including newspaper publishers
- commercial printing companies
- copy shops
- signwriters
- marketing and business management companies
- packaging companies
- film and video services such as cinema advertising firms
- advertising agencies.
