Print Designer / Prepress Operator

Career information

What do they do?

Designers/prepress operators design eye-catching printed material; often discussing ideas with customers and then ensuring all digital files are ready for print and contain all the elements needed for a quality result.

A typical day

Typically, an eight-hour day. Sometimes, longer days or weekend work is required.

Designers/prepress operators create designs ready to print. They use specialist software tools and have knowledge about design as well as print process requirements.

Sound like you?

Study areas
  • Sciences or Workshop Technology
  • Creative Arts (Visual/Textiles/Graphics/Performance/Music)
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.
Attributes
  • Strong eye for detail
  • Good literacy and numeracy
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good initiative/‘can do’ attitude.
Helpful experience
  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with machinery
  • Working with computers
  • Creative work (writing, drawing, styling).
Preferred work environments
  • Indoors (workshop or plant)

Pathway

School

These can be useful from School:

  • NCEA English, Maths, Visual Arts, Technology, Computing or Graphics
  • Printing Production (Digital Processes, Screen, Sheet Fed, Reel Fed, Pad Printing, Binding and Finishing)
Entry level jobs

Traineeship or apprenticeship

  • Print Designer
  • Prepress Operator
Advancing jobs

Higher learning

  • Team Leader
  • Supervisor
  • Production Planner
Senior jobs

Higher learning

  • Business Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Business Owner

The logistics sector needs skilled people

Learn more on the qualifications available.

Find out more

Available jobs

No jobs currently posted.
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