Screenprinter

OFO No: 662203

Other names for Screenprinter:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – A Day in the Life of a Screenprinter

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Screenprinter?

A Screenprinter specialises in a particular form of printing.

This printing is usually done on a relatively flat surface. 

A Screenprinter may also be known as a Silk Screen Printer.

Screenprinting is most commonly found in t-shirt, some clothing and fabric printing.  It can, however, also be used to print on metal, plastics and other materials.

A Screenprinter can either use a ‘hand’ machine or an electrical one.  In both cases, a fine mesh screen is stretched over a frame.  This frame is called the screen.  All areas that will NOT be printed are masked out on the mesh using various techniques.  The ink is then squeezed through the un-masked areas onto the substrate (article going to be printed) using a squeegee.  The ink is then left to dry naturally or using a heated dryer.

• CLICK HERE for Youtube video: How to print your own t-shirt at home – You might even start you own business!
  

What does a Screenprinter do?

• discusses order with client or designer
• prepares the screens – each colour needs a separate screen
• registers screens
• mixes colour inks to match designer’s requirements
• squeegees ink through screens
• makes sure work area is seriously clean at all times
• dries ink
• checks quality control
• folds and packs print runs for client
• cleans up everything including screens etc before starting new job

Are you … ?

• artistically inclined?
• good with colour?
• accurate?
• extremely neat?
• responsible?
• reliable?
• observant?
• detail orientated?

How do I become a Screenprinter?

You may get an apprenticeship in a screen printing company.  If you can’t get one immediately – maybe you could try and apply for a different entry-level position in a screen 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 screen printing side.

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

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

PATH 3

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

PATH 4

• Certificate in Visual Arts (NQF Level 4)
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• National Certificate: Art: N1, N2 and N3
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• National Certificate: Printer/Finisher: N1, N2 and M3
• 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 Screenprinter 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. 

Apprentice or learnership programmes may be available – look out for them.

• 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 will be required (per Trade) for the Photo-lithography 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/

Here are some private places where you can get some training:

• KEIP BROS TRADING CORP PTY LTD: (Johannesburg)

Offers various training courses.

Start your own small screen printing business from home:

• CHEMOSOL: (Johannesburg)

Offers various courses and workshops throughout the year.

• RUTH PROWSE: (Cape Town)

Sometimes offers short part-time screen printing courses.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Guillotine Operator … or … Graphic Designer 

Is becoming a Screenprinter the right career choice for me?