COMMERCIAL PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS Number 71 Interest Area 5-C 1998
THE JOB
The most common methods of printing are letterpress, offset lithography and web offset. Letterpress printing is reproduction from type. Ink is transferred from a plate to the printed surface by direct contact. In offset lithography, thin, flexible metal plates are processed photographically and carry an image that is moistened and inked. The image is then transferred to a cylinder that reproduces it on paper or other surfaces. Web presses are used to print newspapers, magazines, and books. These presses are the largest, fastest, and most complex in use today. Both surfaces are cylinders, and paper is automatically fed between them from a roll. The web prints both sides of the paper and folds, cuts, and assembles the pages. Other basic printing methods include engraving, embossing, and gravure. This work is performed by COMMERCIAL PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS.
Similarities in jobs include many of the preparations preceding a run, observations and adjustments during the run, and subsequent cleanup operations. The differences arise from the diversity of machines, materials, quality specifications, and other factors. Press Operators maintain their press by lubricating the press and auxiliary equipment and inspecting and operating it to be sure all mechanisms are working properly.
Press Operators frequently inspect printed sheets during the run and check for sharp impression, color accuracy, and the correct position of the image. They often make adjustments and changes to prevent offsetting of wet ink from one sheet to another. They clean the press at the end of the run, giving special attention to the inking and water mechanisms. Workers on small presses may work alone, sometimes operating two automatic machines simultaneously. Crews on the largest presses may number eight or more. The pressroom supervisor may be assisted by other workers classified as to the functions of the operation. They perform some of the tasks mentioned above and related duties, depending on the particular shop. Those receiving training may work at several phases of press operation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Modern pressrooms are usually clean and well-lit, but heating and ventilation are regulated to the requirements of paper stock. Most presses are noisy. The work requires constant activity, standing for long periods of time, and frequent lifting. Printing Press Operators are generally confined to the press area. The hazards are those ordinarily encountered in working fast-moving machinery. Inks, solvents, coatings, and lubricants may cause skin irritations. Good eye-hand coordination, normal vision, and color perception, as well as the normal use of hands and fingers, are important physical requirements for the job. Print shops range in size from those operated by the owner and one or two assistants, to those having several hundred workers. Most shops, however, employ fewer than 50 workers. Press Operators in some of the larger letterpress and offset establishments are represented by local unions. These include the Offset Workers, Printing Pressmen & Assistants Union in Southern California; the Western Graphic Arts Union in Northern California and the Graphic Arts International Union.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures below represent the combined data for Offset Lithographic Press Setters, Letterpress Setters, Set-Up Operators, and Print Press Setters, Set-Up Operators.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 10,920 Estimated number of workers in 2005 11,250 Projected Growth 1993-2005 3% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,600
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Employment for this group is relatively stable. Fluctuations in industry are closely related to variations in the national economy, with advertising especially affected. Advances in technology are also affecting the labor market for this occupation. At the present time, there seems to be sufficient work, especially in the larger, metropolitan areas. Some employers, however, are experiencing an inadequate supply of qualified workers.
For those who have not kept up with changes in printing methods, it will be more difficult to obtain work. It is important for beginners to complete the required course of study in a technical school or college where printing equipment is available.
Demand is growing slowly for rotogravure Press Operators even though the process is experiencing increased use in catalog and magazine publication. Due to the high cost of rotogravure presses, they are rarely found in small shops. Sheet-fed Offset Press Operators will find more openings, particularly in smaller firms. Specialties such as the printing of business forms, engravings, and lithography on metals, plastics, and fabrics employ most of the remaining press operators.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Printing Press Operators are classified according to the kind, size, and complexity of the presses they operate. Starting wages average between $6.00 and $9.75 an hour. The range of starting pay for those who have completed training at a technical school is from $7.00 to $13.00 hourly. Pay for an experience worker just starting a new job averages $8.50 to $14.50 per hour. A journey-level worker with three or more years of experience with the same employer averages $11.50 to $18.00 per hour. Some workers earn as much as $26.00 or more per hour.
The workweek in most union shops is five, seven-hour days, while non-union shops work five, eight-hour days or four, ten-hour days. Most firms' overtime pay ranges from 1-1/2 times the basic rate to two times for Saturday, Sunday, or holiday work. Exceptions exist in magazine printing plants where the normal workweek includes the weekend. Fringe benefits generally include paid holidays, vacations, sick leave, and health and retirement plans. Only a few firms provide group life insurance. Other benefits include company-subsidized cafeterias, credit unions, and various recreational activities.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Printing Press Operators learn their trade through four-year press operator apprenticeships, two-year press leader apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. In order to complete an apprenticeship one attends classes at night and completes from 6,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. During the training period, the pay increases every six months if the required hours are completed successfully. For apprenticeship information contact the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
At California State University, San Luis Obispo, there is a four-year course in printing management. Schools throughout California offer printing courses, especially community colleges with printing programs.
Mechanical interests and a general high school education with courses in English, math, chemistry, physics, and print shop courses all are helpful.
Knowledge of electronics is very important. Work as a helper in a printing company or related assignments in the armed forces may be useful.
ADVANCEMENT
Printing Press Operators in a majority of the shops can be promoted to higher-paying technical jobs, supervisory, or other positions. Promotional prospects are enhanced when workers keep up with technological developments. In addition, there are classes available to help keep up with the current trends in printing. Most companies advance present employees rather than recruit outside help.
FINDING THE JOB
Jobs are frequently found through trade journal and newspaper want ads, direct application to employers, information from present employees, vocational training schools, unions, private employment agencies, and California Employment Development Department Job Service offices.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Printing Industries of America, Inc. 100 Daingerfield Rd Alexandria, VA 22314-2888 (703) 519-8100 www.printing.org
National Association of Printers & Lithographers, Inc. 780 Palisade Avenue Teaneck, NJ 07666-3129 (201) 342-0700 www.napl.org
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Compositors and Typesetters No. 86
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Cylinder-Press Operator 651.362-010 Platen-Press Operator 651.362-018 Rotogravure-Press Operator 651.362-026 Web-Press Operator 651.362-030 Offset-Press Operator I 651.382-042
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Offset Lithographic Press Setters 925120 Letterpress Setters & Set-up Operators 925150 Print Press Setters & Set-up Operators, NEC 925190
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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