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Workers in pre-press occupations set type and prepare material by machine or by hand for printing articles, headings, and other printed matter. These occupations are becoming computerized at a rapid rate.    

JOB DUTIES  

Workers in pre-press occupations may:  

Review work orders  

Type at a computer keyboard to select the type, size, typeface, column, width, spacing, and other instructions  

Read the copy (matter to be printed) to determine the maximum line length  

Check and correct errors on the computer display screen before producing the typeset pages  

Prepare proof copy of the setup  

Correct the setup where necessary  

In some small specialized shops, workers may set type by hand.  

Machines, tools, and work aids used may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Workers in pre-press occupations may specialize in these areas:  

973.381-010 COMPOSITORS set type by hand and machine. This job is almost obsolete, but may remain in settings such as small newspapers or in shops where specialized artistic printing is done. The title, Compositor, is still be used in union contracts, although the job duties have changed.  

972.137-010 SUPERVISOR OF PREPRESS activities oversee such activities as photography, image assembly, scanning and platemaking done in preparation for offset lithographic printing.  

650.582-022 PHOTOTYPESETTER OPERATORS operate machines that photographically print typed matter onto film or strips of photosensitive paper used to make printing plates.  

650.582-018 PHOTOCOMPOSING-MACHINE OPERATORS set up and operate photocomposing machines which transfer data from magnetic tape into print on film or photographic paper.  

972.381-030 PASTE-UP ARTISTS assemble typeset copy and artwork into a "paste-up" for printing reproduction. Paste-up is also be called keylining. It is done manually or by computer. See COMPUTER TYPESETTER-KEYLINER below.  

979.282-010 ELECTRONIC PRE-PRESS SYSTEM OPERATORS use a computerized pre-press system to electronically assemble images into pages used in producing lithographic printing plates. These workers are called "Pagination Systems Operators" or "Electronic Page Makeup Systems Operators".  

979.382-026 COMPUTER TYPESETTER-KEYLINERS, often called desk-top publishers, use computers and desk-top publishing software to layout pages and select type for printed materials such as ads, brochures, newsletters, and forms.  

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Pre-Press workers may work alone under supervision or they may supervise trainees or apprentices.  

Working conditions for pre-press workers tend to vary from one shop to another. New plants are well lighted and clean. Some are air-conditioned. Dirt, dust, inks, caustic chemicals, and fumes, originally associated with this occupation, have been reduced through computerization. Keyboard operators may have to tolerate prolonged sitting.  

Pre-press workers usually work 35 and 40 hours per week. Some facilities employ workers on as many as 3 shifts. Some work rotating shifts. Many operations employ most workers on the afternoon and evening shifts. Newspaper employees often work on weekends and holidays.  

Pre-press workers may belong to such unions as the International Typographical Union and Graphic Communications International Union (AFL-CIO). Union members pay monthly dues.  

You Should Prefer:  

• Dealing with things and objects  

• Using machines, processes, and techniques  

• Doing routine and organized activities  

• Doing activities that require working on or producing things  

You Should Be Able To:  

• Make decisions using data that can be measured or checked  

• Do precision work to meet set limits or standards  

• See details in drawings  

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings  

• Recognize errors in numbers, spelling, and punctuation  

• Recognize errors in written materials, charts, and tables  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:  

You are preparing a layout for a graphic design and there needs to be 12 typed words across the top of the page with 1" margins on each side. On a 7" x 14" piece of paper, what point size will you need to use?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:  

Press terminology and procedures.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:  

A memorandum indicating that there is a problem with the machinery design that is obstructing the press preparation.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

Excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in preparing material for print.  

Some employers prefer pre-press workers who have completed a formal apprenticeship program. Workers may have to pass a written and physical exam to qualify for an apprenticeship.  

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: On-The-Job Training or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation. A Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) is required by some employers.  

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

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

/careers/0,1607,7-170-22526_23422-64454--,00.html0 ART, 0600 BUSINESS, 0700 CAREERS, 0900 COMMUNICATIONS, 1000, 1300 ENGLISH, 2200 MATH, 2600 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO, 3300 TECHNOLOGY  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

057 VISUAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY  

Approved vocational education programs in Visual Imaging Technology provide students with a set of foundation skills as well as a set of visual imaging skills that are generic to like occupations. These programs prepare students for such occupations as paste-up keyliner and other commercial artist occupations, film laboratory technician, process camera operator, lithographic press operator, and photographic finisher. Courses in other trade & industrial 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.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

143 PRINTING, GRAPHICS, & COMMERCIAL ART  

Programs in Printing, Graphics, and Commercial Art provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment communicating ideas or stimulating interest in industrial products using pictorial or printed media. Employment is available in the printing industry and in many branches of advertising. Individuals who teach Printing, Graphics, and Commercial Art at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.  

Courses vary among schools and areas of interest but may include:  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

There are a limited number of apprenticeship programs in this occupation in Michigan. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.  

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" Document found in the MOIS Support Menu.  

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***  

Please check Military website at http://www.myfuture.com.  

PRINTING SPECIALISTS  

The military produces many printed publications each year, including newspapers, booklets, training manuals, maps, and charts. Printing specialists operate printing presses and binding machines to make finished copies of printed material.  

What They Do  

Printing specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:  

• Reproduce printed matter using offset lithographic printing processes  

• Prepare photographic negatives and transfer them to printing plates using copy cameras and enlargers  

• Prepare layouts of artwork photographs, and text for lithographic plates  

• Produce brochures, newspapers, maps, and charts  

• Bind printed material into hardback or paperback books using binding machines  

• Maintain printing presses  

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful school subjects include shop mechanics and photography. Helpful attributes include:  

• Preference for doing physical work  

• Interest in learning about printing  

Training Provided  

Job training consists of 8 to 20 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in operating printing presses. Training length varies by specialty. Course content typically includes:  

• Photolithography techniques  

• Operation of offset presses  

• Techniques for making printing plates  

• Binding Techniques  

Training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs in this occupation.  

Work Environment  

Printing specialists work indoors in print shops and offices located on land or aboard ships.  

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian printing specialists work for commercial print shops, newspapers, insurance companies, government offices, or businesses that do their own printing. They perform duties similar to military printing specialists. They may be called offset printing press operators, lithograph press operators, offset duplicating machine operators, lithograph photographers, or bindery workers.  

Physical Demands  

Normal color vision is required to enter some specialties in this occupation.  

Opportunities  

The military has about 800 printing specialists. On average, the services need about 70 new specialists each year. After job training, specialists normally operate printing and binding machines under direct supervision. With experience, they work more independently, setting up and operating machines. In time, printing specialists may become supervisors of printing plants.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Opportunities for exploring this field may be available through part-time and summer jobs. Work-experience opportunities through postsecondary programs in printing, graphics, and commercial art may be available. Secondary vocational education programs in visual imaging technology may also provide experience.  

               School-to-Work opportunities include:  

informal apprenticeships  

Mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Printing: Pre-Press Occupations employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Printing: Pre-Press Occupations employer  

community service work with an agency  

Persons may enter this field by direct application to employers, completion of an apprenticeship, or by taking civil service exams. Unions, a local office of the Michigan Works!, and school placement offices can provide assistance. Newspapers' want ads may also list openings.  

A limited number of apprenticeship programs are available in Michigan. Contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training representative in your area if you would like more information.  

In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank  

Michigan Works!  

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers  

MONSTER.COM   

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

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Factors that may affect earnings include geographic area, type of employer, size of employer, union affiliation, and individual skills.  

Nationally, the median weekly income for pre-press workers was $420 in 2000 that is about $10.50 an hour, based on a 40-hour week. The average hourly wage (early 2001) for all production workers in the printing and publishing industry was $14.55.  

In Michigan, nonunion pre-press workers earned average wages of (mid 2000):  

Printing Typesetters and Keyliners, employed by the State of Michigan, earned between $12.19 to $18.76 per hour in 2001. Supervisors earned $16.03 to $20.93. Printing Compositors and supervisors employed by the City of Detroit earned from $10.78 to $24.76 (2001).  

In some printing shops, pre-press workers may receive extra pay for overtime work, additional pay per hour for late-shift work, and cost-of- living allowances. Some firms have profit-sharing plans.  

Fringe benefits received by Pre-Press workers vary from shop to shop. Workers under union contract usually have health, disability, and life insurance; up to 10 paid holidays yearly; 1-8 weeks paid vacation; a pension; and funeral leaves with pay. Some Compositors and Typesetters may also receive dental insurance. Most benefits are paid for, at least in part, by the employer.  

Individuals generally learn the trade through informal on-the-job training. Advancement may depend on additional work experience, classroom training, civil service examination, supervisory ability, and the availability of job openings.   

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, in 1998, there were about 80,300 pre-press workers employed. Employment for compositors and typesetters, paste workers and production pre-press workers is expected to decline through the year 2008. Areas such as desktop publishing grew much faster than the average for all occupations.  

Pre-press workers are employed in the printing and publishing industry. Electronic pagination workers were well represented in the area of newspaper publishing. Employment prospects will be best for those who have completed post high school programs in computer printing technology.  

There are approximately 2,475 pre-press workers employed in Michigan. The majority worked in the manufacturing industry in printing and publishing establishments.    

Employment of pre-press workers in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2006. An average of 120 annual openings is expected, with 8 due to growth nd 40 due to replacement of those who reiter, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Some additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.  

Computerization has changed these occupations dramatically. Electronic pagination has grown while employment in several traditional occupations such as printing strippers, compositors, typesetters, camera operators has decreased. Some shops may still retain some platemakers because the newer equipment is so expensive. Fifteen percent of print processing is now done "computer to press." A disk with the image is inserted into a digital press.  

The percentage of digital printing is growing very fast. Camera operators frequently retrain as electronic pre-press workers. There is frequent collaboration between the digital image maker and the printer in order to produce a good printing image. Certain fonts, and software used will not reproduce the computer image well. Another kind of digital process--short run color printing--has increased because it is easier with this digital technology. As a result, those familiar with color printing techniques are more in demand. Workers such as desktop publishers, computer artists, and scanner operators are in demand. Many shops go from the computer to film by means of scanner or (image setter). This process has replaced the darkroom photographic process.  

The growth of electronic media and changing environmental standards have impacted printing. In addition, Michigan's printing industry has had to hire and train electronically-oriented workers. These trends have been offset by a growing Michigan economy. Businesses that are growing make greater advertising and printing expenditures.  

Although most of the older crafts of printing are declining in growth, the newer desktop publishing is showing strong growth rates. The older craft knowledge of type, style and formats is still necessary, but may be applied using new equipment. New jobs will be found in commercial printing establishments. Opportunities will be best for those who also have completed postsecondary programs in printing technology.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2006  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below:  

SUMMARY PROFILE  

Pre-Press Occupations can be summarized by the following:  

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development