Pre-Press Technician
OFO No: 662101
Youtube clip – So you want to be a Pre-Press Technician
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Pre-Press Technician?
A Pre-Press Technician works at a printing company.
They are responsible for a variety of duties. The most important part of their job is to make sure that the customer’s job specifications are met BEFORE it goes to final printing.
Pre-Press Technicians ensure that the customer’s requirements are met by the printers.
Some printers still use metal plates. The Pre-Press Technician usually prepares these plates. However, in modern digital printing companies – these plates are all done with computers. This is called the direct-to-plate technique: where the design is sent straight to the press. (the printing machine)
What does a Pre-Press Technician do?
- processes large printing jobs
- formats and corrects any errors found
- checks the job specifications are right
- works together with the designers and customers
- makes plates if necessary (old style of printing)
- creates electronic versions of the pages to be printed (digital printing)
- emails proofs to customers for checking
Are you … ?
- interested in the printing industry?
- a person with an eye for detail?
- observant?
- responsible?
- accurate?
- precise?
- good with colour?
How do I become a Pre-Press Technician?
You may get an apprenticeship in a printing company. If you can’t get one immediately – maybe you could try and apply for a different entry-level position in a printing company, for instance: a sales person, front desk or admin person.
Once you’re in – you can maybe then show you have skills and interest in getting involved in the actual printing side.
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – Design Foundation NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Learnership – CNC Production Machining NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- Certificate in Graphic Web Design and Multimedia (NQF Level 4)
- These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges. Check your local one to see what they offer
- Trade Test
PATH 5
- Certificate in Photography (NQF Level 4)
- These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges. Check your local one to see what they offer
- Trade Test
PATH 6
- National Certificate: Printer/Finisher: N1, N2 and N3
- Workplace experience
- Trade Test
PATH 7
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as a Pre-Press Technician without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
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: Guillotine Operator … or … Typesetter … or … Graphic Designer
Is becoming a Pre-Press Technician the right career choice for me?