Finisher

OFO No:

What is a Finisher?

A Finisher works in the Printing Industry.  They are responsible for the ‘finishing’ touches to the print job.  These finishing touches are usually done by hand or with the aid of some machinery. 

These touches could include:

• collating (putting pages in the right order)
• binding (manuals, books, etc)
• glueing (spines, folders, packaging etc)
• scoring and folding (brochures, pamphlets, reports etc)
• cutting and die-cutting (packaging, brochures, folders etc)
• perforating (a line of holes for easy tearing)
• embossing, foiling or imprinting (fancy stationery, brochures etc)
• inserting (into envelopes or flyers into documents etc)
• stacking and packing (all jobs)
• labelling etc (boxes, envelopes etc)

What does a Finisher do?

• discusses and understands job requirements
• spends time using their hands to fulfil some of the tasks (listed above)
• manages time well
• does repetitive work for long periods of time
• keeps work space clean and tidy
• checks quality is maintained

Are you … ?

• mechanically minded?
• detail orientated?
• responsible?
• reliable?
• a team player?
• good with your hands?
• able to read and take instructions?
• quality driven?
• deadline orientated?
• good with your hands?
• good with your fingers?
• Accurate?

How do I become a Finisher?

One of the ways you can become a Finisher is to contact:

• THE PRINTING INDUSTRIES FEDERATION OF SOUTH AFRICA PIFSA

Each PIFSA course is broken into 3 sections:  TT1, TT2 and TT3. The duration of each TT modules is 4 weeks (20 days) and 3 days of examinations.

A minimum of 3 trainees would be required (per Trade) for a Finisher course to commence. Should there be less than 3 individuals, they will be advised to enrol for Distance Learning (Correspondence).

Please contact your local branch for further information. 

See link for contact details:  http://www.pifsa.org/

Another way is to:

Get an unskilled job in a printing company then, if you show that you’re hard working and ambitious, the printing company may send you for training . . . AND pay for it.  It’s up to you to show some passion and dedication.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Graphic Designer … or … Armature Winder 

Is becoming a Finisher the right career choice for me?