Duplicating Machine Operators operate machines which reproduce copies of written, typed, or printed material. Although other clerical workers may operate the simpler duplicating and copying machines as part of their jobs, full-time Duplicating Machine Operators usually run the more complicated types of machines which are geared to produce large quantities in one run.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Duplicating Machine Operators may:

Select type or embossed plate and set it up on the duplicating machine

Keep supplies stocked

Select paper stock to be printed according to size, color, thickness, and quantity specified

Load paper in feed trays and adjust parts, such as inking rolls or ribbon and feeding mechanisms

Start machines which may push paper stock under a revolving cylinder or against the flat impression bed of type to duplicate material

Keep records of the number of copies made

Collate materials

Clean and oil machines

Deliver completed work

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Duplicating Machine Operators may specialize in these areas:

207.682-010 DUPLICATING-MACHINE OPERATOR I and

207.682-014 DUPLICATING-MACHINE OPERATOR II operate machines which reproduce copies of written, typed, or printed material.

207.685-014 PHOTOCOPYING-MACHINE OPERATORS operate machines to make copies of handwritten or typewritten material.

207.682-018 OFFSET-DUPLICATING-MACHINE OPERATORS control offset-

duplicating machines to reproduce single or multi-color copies of charts, schedules, bulletins, and related material.

207.685-018 PHOTOGRAPHIC-MACHINE OPERATORS operate machines which photograph and reduce original documents and records onto reels of film, film cartridges, microfiche, or ultra fiche. The material can be stored then (when used) be magnified by other machines.

207.685-010 BRAILLE-DUPLICATING-MACHINE OPERATORS operate equipment to reproduce braille-embossed pages.

Duplicating Machine Operators may be designated according to the type of machine operated such as computype operator, dupligraph operator, and multigraph operator.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Duplicating Machine Operators usually work under a minimum amount of supervision. Generally, they work in a room or area that is separated from other clerical work areas. Most operators work in offices that are well lighted, ventilated, and temperature controlled.

They are exposed to a moderate amount of noise from duplicating machine operations.

The normal workweek is 40 hours a day, 5 days per week. Some may work a 35 hour or 37.5 hour week. Some may have to work Saturdays.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Operating/tending machines according to specific processes or methods

• Working indoors

You Should Be Able To:

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Compare/see slight differences in shadings/shapes of copied material

• Make decisions such as regulating flow of ink in duplicating machine

• Make decisions such as selecting the proper paper stock

• Coordinate eyes/hands as when installing printing plates

• Follow written job orders or spoken instructions

• Adjust to routine, repetitive work

• Keep records of reproduced work

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a company wants 10,000 copies of a flier, and you charge $.03 per copy before tax, what is this company's total bill?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The many mechanical devices that help us perform tasks are known as machines. Machines of all sorts play important and integral parts in our lives.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a request for more supplies if you are in need.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide what adjustments could be made in your plant, which would increase the productivity.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

010 BUSINESS SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY

Approved programs in the Business Services and Technology are a combination of programs in accounting and computing, business data processing, and secretarial programs. The "cluster" provides students with access to acquiring an employable skill for an occupation within the broad field of business and office.

Courses in other business and office programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

138 GENERAL OFFICE CLERK TRAINING

Programs in General Office Clerk Training are designed for the individuals who wish to learn the basic clerical skills needed for employment in the various office settings. The programs will prepare students to perform such duties as duplicating data, compiling records and reports, tabulating and posting data in record books, sorting and filing correspondence and records, handling mail, and operating office machines.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

               Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

  ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in business service & technology may include co-op assignments which offer practical experience. Community colleges' clerical programs may include work experience opportunities also. In addition, some summer jobs might provide experience in operating duplicating machines.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Duplicating Machine Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Duplicating Machine Operator employer

community service work with an agency

Most Duplicating Machine Operators find jobs by applying directly to private employers, consulting newspaper want ads, and contacting civil service offices. Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from school placement offices and local offices of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

                 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Duplicating Machine Operators may vary according to the equipment operated; the amount of work produced; and the size, type, and geographic location of the employer.

Nationally, the median annual salary of Duplicating Machine Operators was $18,200 in 1998. Operators working for the federal government had beginning salaries of $15,023, $16,392, or $18,401 in 1999 depending on previous experience. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

The annual salary ranges for clerical employees, a group which includes Offset Duplicating Machine Operators, employed by various city governments in 1999 were:

Reproduction Machine Operators employed by the State of Michigan in 1999 had annual salaries ranging from $24,856 to $38,251. Supervisors earned from $31,616 to $50,107 per year.

Depending on the employer, most Duplicating Machine Operators receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick leave. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer. Some also receive dental care plans, full or partial reimbursement for educational expenses, and savings and stock investment plans.

Duplicating Machine Operators may advance to print shop chief clerk or duplicating department supervisor.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were 229,200 Duplicating, Peripheral Computer Equitpment and Other Office Machine Operators employed in 1996. Employment in this occupation is expected to decline through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Duplicating, Peripheral Computer Equipment and Other Office Machine Operators looked like this:

Employment might increase because of the growth in the volume of duplicating work.

Approximately 6,700 mail, Duplicating, and Other Office Machine Operators are employed in Michigan. They worked for manufacturing firms, insurance firms, banks, printing shops, duplicating service centers, educational institutions, and government agencies.

The employment of Mail, Duplicating, and Other Office Machine Operators is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations in Michigan through the year 2005. An average of 100 annual openings is expecte due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Duplication needs will also increase, because of the increased volume of paper communication. However, technological developments such as micrographic and new types of machines, including high speed copiers, are competing successfully with duplicating machines. Therefore, overall, fewer operators will be needed to perform duplicating services.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Duplicating Machine Operator can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development