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Useful experience for printers includes:

• work with machinery
• work in a factory
• work with computers.

Printers may do some or all of the following:

• discuss printing requirements with clients
• set up and adjust printing machines
• use stencils and screens to make prints
• mix ink and solvents, and adjust water and ink flow in machines
• monitor and evaluate press operations manually and by computer to check quality of printing
• produce a variety of printed products using different types of presses
• clean and maintain the printing presses, including minor repairs.

Strong demand for apprentices and printed products 

Opportunities for printing apprentices continue to increase as there are fewer experienced printers in the industry.

There is good demand for printers as many printing companies are experiencing expansion due to increased demand for packaging and signage, product labels for consumer goods, and brochures and business cards.  

Some government agencies and marketers still use printed materials to reach clients and customers as an alternative to increasingly crowded digital channels.

According to the Census, 3,333 printers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Digital printing brings new opportunities 

Offset printing continues to be the most common, as it allows for bulk runs of printed material. Digital 3D and laser cut printing that allows for short production runs is increasing. To meet demand, printers are learning new skills such as advanced technology and digital problem solving.

Wide range of employers

Printers may work for:

• commercial printing companies
• newspaper publishers
• packaging and label companies
• signage companies.

Competenz

info@competenz.org.nz - www.competenz.org.nz

Printers may progress into supervisory or management roles in printing companies.

They may specialise as one of the following:

Digital Printer

Digital printers operate presses that print on large rolls or individual sheets of paper and print as few as one copy to thousands.

Reel-fed Printer

Reel-fed printers operate presses that print on large rolls of paper, such as those that print newspapers.

Screen Printer

Screen printers use stencils and screens to print directly onto paper and textiles.

Sheet-fed Printer

Sheet-fed printers operate presses that print on individual sheets of paper or card of varying sizes.

Printers need to be:

• skilled at analysing detail and colours
• good at communicating
• good at basic maths
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• organised and able to follow instructions
• reliable and efficient
• able to work well under pressure.