Printing Press Minder

OFO No: 662201

Other names for Printing Press Minder:

• Printing Machinist
  

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Youtube clip – Printing Press Operators

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Printing Press Minder?

A Printing Press Minder works in the printing industry.  They are responsible for the smooth running of the printing press and making sure that the print job runs correctly and on time. 

Printing Press Minders can also be known as Pressmen or Press Operators.

Kinds of printing presses they might work on:

• Gravure
• Lithographic
• Letterpress
• Digital
• Flexograph
• Offset etc

What does a Printing Press Minder do?

• reads client’s requirements
• checks quantities, stock specifications, etc
• makes sure the right paper/materials are put on the press
• puts on the right ink mixes
• checks registration and adjusts press to make alignment perfect
• looks out for irrelevant marks and dust particles
• is in charge of quality control
• cleans the press, rollers, cylinders etc between jobs
• fixes minor problems on the press

Are you … ?

• mechanically minded?
• detail orientated?
• a person with good colour sense?
• good with your hands?
• accurate?
• neat?
• organised?
• a good communicator?
• a team player?
• able to read instructions?
• deadline orientated?
• able to deal with stress?

How do I become a Printing Press Minder?

One of the ways you can become a Printing Minder 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 Printing Press Minder 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.

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – CTFL Manufacturing Processes: Printing NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – CNC Production Machining NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• National Certificate in Printing and Manufacture of Packaging (NQF Level 2, 3 and 4)
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• National Certificate: Printer/Finisher: N1, N2 and N3
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 7

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Printing Press Minder 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 … Screenprinter 

Is becoming a Printing Press Minder the right career choice for me?