These specialists carry out the entire printing process, from the preparation and configuration of the machinery to the reproduction of the final product. They are responsible for copying and binding all kinds of printed materials and, specially, are a key figure in activities that require accurate, high-quality printing activities, such as the copying of microfilm and the reproduction of graphic art material.

To do their job, they must be an expert in the use of editing software and graphic art processes, configuring and adjusting parameters such as size, colour space, resolution or target format, among others, in order to optimise the printing results.

• Discuss the work's requirements with the client, determining the calendars, costs and number of required copies. Therefore, these professionals are responsible for planning the printing so that the work comes out as agreed.
• Review mock-ups and the work plan in order to determine the type and style of the typesetting.
• Work with filmsetting and electronic layout programmes in order to enter and modify text formats, etc.
• Manually prepare Pantone colours by mixing dyes or pigments.
• Programme the instructions and parameters of the printing equipment; (photocopiers, printers, plotters, etc.).
• Run tests to determine colour dot, density control and finishings.
• Print, using a photolithograph, or create prior proofs on photographic paper using a computer.
• Scan master copies with an optical scanner in order to digitise images.
• Prepare and work with basic bookbinding equipment to cut, raise, staple or bind a graphic product.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the printing equipment in terms of ink, chemicals, paper, etc. Assemble and align the machines, if necessary.
• Help prepare the designs of the printing products and their availability.
• They sometimes also carry out administrative tasks, such as recording the work's characteristics and ordering more materials.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Impressió en foratgravat (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Impressió en serigrafia i tampografia (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Impossició i obtenció de la forma impressora (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Impressió en offset (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Impressió digital (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Tractament i maquetació d'elements gràfics en preimpressió (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Impressió en flexografia (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Gestió de la producció en processos d'impressió (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Gestió de la producció en processos de preimpressió (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Graphic Arts - Intermediate Level: Graphic Printing
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Graphic Arts - Intermediate Level: Digital pre-printing
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Graphic Arts - Advanced Level: Design and management of graphic production

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Although it is not necessary, previous experience in the prepress or graphic design field, filmsetting jobs, layout jobs, etc. is valued.

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Customer orientation: Level 1

Analytical thought: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 1

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Graphic pre-press technician

Product quality checker

Painter

Installer of air-conditioning systems

Parquet flooring installer

• Work hours

  Usually full-time job. Occasionally, extra hours may have to be worked in order to meet the deadlines established in the client's orders.
  

• Salary

  The salary ranges between 17,366 and 24,181 euros gross per year. The average salary is 20,493 euros gross per year.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.
  

• Professional category

  Specialist staff