51-5112.00Apprenticeship

Printing Press Operators

Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.

Career Cluster:Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
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Technology Tools

Adobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordAdobe AcrobatSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
  • Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
  • Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
  • Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
  • Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
  • Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
  • Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
  • Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
  • Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
  • Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
  • Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
  • Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
  • Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
  • Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.
  • Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.
  • Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
  • Direct or monitor work of press crews.
  • Maintain time or production records.
  • Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.
  • Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.
  • Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.
  • Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.
  • Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.

Skills

Quality Control Analysis
72%
Operations Monitoring
66%
Operation and Control
56%
Monitoring
56%
Repairing
53%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Troubleshooting
53%
Speaking
53%
Time Management
53%
Active Listening
53%
Equipment Maintenance
53%
Critical Thinking
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Complex Problem Solving
50%
Coordination
50%
Active Learning
47%
Social Perceptiveness
44%
Equipment Selection
38%
Persuasion
35%
Writing
35%
Instructing
31%
Systems Analysis
31%
Systems Evaluation
31%
Mathematics
28%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Management of Personnel Resources
28%
Service Orientation
28%
Learning Strategies
28%
Negotiation
25%
Management of Financial Resources
16%
Operations Analysis
16%
Programming
13%
Technology Design
13%
Installation
3%
Science
0%

Knowledge

Mechanical
71%
Production and Processing
67%
Customer and Personal Service
47%
English Language
45%
Mathematics
44%
Computers and Electronics
44%
Chemistry
37%
Public Safety and Security
28%
Education and Training
27%
Administration and Management
27%
Engineering and Technology
22%
Design
15%
Administrative
13%
Personnel and Human Resources
11%
Sales and Marketing
11%
Communications and Media
8%
Physics
7%
Law and Government
6%
Fine Arts
5%
Economics and Accounting
5%
Building and Construction
4%
Psychology
3%
Geography
2%
Food Production
2%
Transportation
2%
Telecommunications
2%
Sociology and Anthropology
0%
History and Archeology
0%
Philosophy and Theology
0%
Foreign Language
0%
Medicine and Dentistry
0%
Biology
0%
Therapy and Counseling
0%

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Abilities

Near Vision
75%
Control Precision
63%
Problem Sensitivity
60%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
56%
Manual Dexterity
56%
Selective Attention
53%
Speech Recognition
53%
Visualization
53%
Deductive Reasoning
53%
Written Comprehension
53%
Oral Expression
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Oral Comprehension
53%
Multilimb Coordination
53%
Speech Clarity
53%
Information Ordering
53%
Far Vision
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Static Strength
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Reaction Time
47%
Extent Flexibility
47%
Trunk Strength
47%
Rate Control
47%
Written Expression
44%
Auditory Attention
41%
Fluency of Ideas
41%
Hearing Sensitivity
38%
Depth Perception
38%
Time Sharing
38%
Response Orientation
38%
Originality
35%
Stamina
31%
Wrist-Finger Speed
31%
Speed of Closure
28%
Memorization
28%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Number Facility
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
22%
Dynamic Strength
22%
Gross Body Equilibrium
22%
Spatial Orientation
10%
Explosive Strength
10%
Sound Localization
6%
Peripheral Vision
6%
Glare Sensitivity
6%
Dynamic Flexibility
3%
Night Vision
0%

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
91%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
84%
Getting Information
81%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
79%
Scheduling Work and Activities
75%
Handling and Moving Objects
74%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
74%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
73%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
73%
Training and Teaching Others
70%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
69%
Processing Information
67%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
67%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
64%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
63%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
63%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
63%
Performing General Physical Activities
63%
Thinking Creatively
63%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
63%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
62%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
60%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
59%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
59%
Working with Computers
59%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
58%
Analyzing Data or Information
58%
Coaching and Developing Others
57%
Assisting and Caring for Others
55%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
54%
Documenting/Recording Information
53%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
52%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
50%
Developing and Building Teams
47%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
46%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
45%
Selling or Influencing Others
45%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
45%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
44%
Performing Administrative Activities
38%
Staffing Organizational Units
36%

Work Context

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

100%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

95%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

93%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

93%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

90%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

86%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

85%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

82%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

80%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

79%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

76%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

76%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

76%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

74%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

74%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

73%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

72%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

71%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

71%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

71%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

69%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

69%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

65%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

65%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

58%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

56%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

53%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

51%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

50%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

47%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

44%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

42%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

40%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

40%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

39%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

35%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

35%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

34%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

34%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

24%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

19%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

19%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

17%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

17%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

16%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

15%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

14%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

13%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

12%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

10%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

6%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

4%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

3%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

3%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

1%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

73%

Post-secondary certificate

19%

Some college, no degree

6%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

78

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

62

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

16

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

12

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

11

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

6

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
89%
Dependability
76%
Cautiousness
65%
Achievement Orientation
37%
Perseverance
36%
Stress Tolerance
34%
Adaptability
23%
Integrity
21%
Self-Control
20%
Self-Confidence
19%
Cooperation
18%
Intellectual Curiosity
14%
Initiative
9%
Sincerity
3%

Work Values

Support
50%
Achievement
39%
Independence
33%
Recognition
33%
Working Conditions
33%
Relationships
22%

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