Machine Printers (Print Minders) are professionals who operate and maintain printing presses. Their work involves taking instructions from the pre-press operator and setting up the press with the right materials for the production run. Candidates who like a practical job and have an eye for design and colour; this could be a good match for them.
Machine Printer Eligibility
Educational Qualification
The minimum qualification for becoming a Machine Printer is Diploma/Degree in Printing, English, Maths, Science Subjects and IT.
Machine Printer Required Skills
- To be good at this job Machine Printers would also need to be able to concentrate for long periods; and also need to be able to work to deadlines.
- They should have good practical skills and hand-to-eye coordination; excellent appreciation for detail, design and colour matching.
- They should possess good problem-solving skills; the ability to concentrate for long periods and self-motivation.
- They should have the ability to meet deadlines; a willingness to keep up to date with developments in printing technology; the ability to work as part of a team and alone.
How to become Machine Printer?
One has to follow the given steps for becoming a Machine Printer
Step 1
After clearing 12 class ( For some courses 10th class) with any stream the aspiring candidates can go for Certificate/ Diploma/Advanced Diploma or UG courses in Printing from a recognised college/university. Some of the reputed institutes conduct entrance tests for offering admissions to students; sometimes the percentage of marks is also been given credit in short-listing candidates for admission.
For Diploma courses, they must be passed in 10th or 12th class with Printing as one of the subjects. For Bachelor’s Degree courses, candidates should be passed their 12th class with Printing as the main subject and others are Communication, English and IT.
Diploma/Degree Courses
- Diploma in Printing Arts
- Diploma in Printing Technology
- B.A. (Advertising and Print Journalism)
- B.Sc. (Printing Technology)
Institutes offering Courses for Machine Printer
- Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar
- Anna University – Chennai, Chennai
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Step 2
After getting their UG Diploma/Degree course candidates can join some printing enterprises for on job experience or opt for PG courses in the related field.
Machine Printer Job Description
A Machine Printer have to perform the following tasks:
- To match colours to the pre-press proofs and restock ink levels.
- To feed the print materials into the presses.
- To putt job data into computerised control units.
- To carry out quality checks during the print run and identify problems and fixing faults.
- To clean presses after a print run has finished.
- To carry out basic machine maintenance.
Machine Printer Career Prospects
There are many job prospects after passing it successfully. Students find placement in newspaper organisations, commercial printers, publishing houses, advertising agencies, package printing units, machine manufacturers, e-publishing companies, government presses, security printers, etc.
The pre-press and press areas are popular among students as a career option as they are highly technical and students like to put their academic knowledge to best use.
Machine Printer Salary
Starting salaries for qualified Machine Printers are between Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 on a monthly basis. Experienced Machine Printers can earn from Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 monthly. Extra payments may be received for shift allowances, specific responsibilities and overtime.
