Pre-press worker

The pre-press technician carries out precise, high-quality printing activities, such as the copying of microfilm and the reproduction of graphic art material. This worker must be an expert in the use of editing software and graphic art processes.

• Control the photographic processing equipment, irons or photolithographs for single-colour or multi-colour proofs.
• Prepare and work with basic bookbinding equipment to cut, raise, staple or bind a graphic product.
• Oversee the maintenance of the machinery and printing equipment, which is why this professional must be very familiar with these tools.
• Analyse colour proofs related to dots and density.
• Manually prepare Pantone colours by mixing dyes or pigments.
• Review mock-ups and the work plan in order to determine the type and style of the typesetting.
• Control the densities and strips of colour through the use of density meters.
• 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.
• Work with filmsetting and electronic layout programmes in order to enter and modify text formats, etc.

Regulated training and graduates

• 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 offset (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Impressió en flexografia (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Arts Gràfiques: Impressió digital (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: Digital pre-printing
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Graphic Arts - Intermediate Level: Graphic Printing
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Graphic Arts - Advanced Level: Design and management of graphic production

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Analytical thought: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 1

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.

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Prepress and reprography specialist

Graphic pre-production technician

Image and sound technician

Broadcast operator

Technical telecommunications equipment installer

• Work hours

  Eight-hour working day.
  Occasionally, extra hours may have to be worked in order to meet the deadlines established in the client's orders.

• Salary

  The annual remuneration of the skilled pre-press worker varies between 17.366 and 24.181 euros a year, based on experience. Median: 20.493 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.