Printer's Assistant

899511 · Medium Next-day ready

Career data Verified

Print finishers trim, fold, glue and bind books and other printed material.

Most common salary $53k – $74k

Upper salary up to $96k

Training 0-1 year

Performs routine tasks in the production of printed materials.

Assisting with setting up, operating and adjusting machines; maintaining and lubricating printing machines; clearing waste and cleaning work areas and machines; folding, collating and fastening printed products by machine and hand; performing hand binding and finishing operations; operating specialised machines such as casing-in and mini binders, and automatic carton folding and gluing machines; carrying out routine quality control.

Works indoors in print shops, factories, newspapers and publishers.
Usually works in adequately heated and ventilated workspaces.
Workplaces may be dirty from inks and ear-protection is likely to be necessary for the noise from the printing machinery.

The physical demand is up to the medium level.
Standing and walking is frequently required to programme or operate equipment and to move paper/card or other materials about the printing area.
Sitting is not required.
Stretching out and across is frequently required as printing tasks are carried out.
Squatting or crouching may be required on an occasional basis.
Twisting of the body or neck may be required on an occasional basis.
Bending is occasionally required in order to carry out the required tasks.
Contact with printing inks and lubricants or solvents or other materials as cleaners is frequently required.
Lifting is frequently required for many printing roles such as moving paper and or card, but is unlikely to exceed a medium physical demand. The degree of plant automation will determine the extent of the lifting necessary.
Repetitive movements of the hands and arms are likely to be frequently required for some printing tasks.
Driving is not required.
Hand tools are likely to be required to adjust and maintain the machinery. Other machinery including binding and cutting machines and presses may be operated.
Mental skills necessary include organisational, planning and technical skills.

Entry signal Reviewed

Enter via experience or on-the-job training; no mandatory pre-entry qualification. Flagged next-day ready.

Entry barrier Experience or on-job training

Licence / registration No licence required

ANZSCO skill level 4

Next-day ready Yes

How this was determined (model-generated): Printer's assistant — Level 2/3 or experience or OJT; no licence.

A New Zealand Register Level 2 or 3 qualification or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). In some instances relevant experience may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.