Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 1.3

PRINTERS set up and operate letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, newspaper, instant, digital and offset printing presses.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

setting, adjusting and monitoring substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions;
mixing ink and solvents to standard, and regulating paper and ink supply during print runs;
monitoring, evaluating and determining press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions;
producing a variety of printed products using relief, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses, and in-line finishing systems;
preparing plates, blankets and impression cylinders on small offset lithographic printing presses;
loading paper into feeding mechanisms;
monitoring machine operations and quality of printing;
undertaking maintenance, adjustment, repair and cleaning of machines;
producing and managing digital print images, and transferring and outputting images;
may set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines.

Occupations:

392311 Printing Machinist
392312 Small Offset Printer