Print Machinist

Embark on a dynamic career as a Print Machinist in the vibrant world of manufacturing.

Embark on a dynamic career as a Print Machinist in the vibrant world of manufacturing, where your expertise will bring ideas to life through the art and science of printing. Your skilled hands and keen eye for detail will transform blank canvases into captivating visual communications that inform, inspire, and influence.

As a print machinist in the printing and graphic arts sector, you’ll be at the heart of the manufacturing process, operating and maintaining sophisticated printing machinery to produce a wide array of high-quality printed materials. From setting up printing plates and cylinders to selecting the perfect paper stock and mixing inks, your technical prowess will ensure that stationery, signage, books, newspapers, magazines, journals, stickers, brochures, flyers, and other advertising materials meet exacting standards of quality and precision.

In this fast-paced environment, you’ll thrive under pressure, expertly managing tight deadlines and navigating the inevitable challenges of the print room. Your role will extend beyond the press, encompassing equipment maintenance, digital file preparation, and customer service.

Your role may include duties as follows:

  1. Setup and operation of advanced printing machinery including letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, newspaper, instant, digital and offset printing presses.
  2. Quality control and troubleshooting throughout the printing process
  3. Ink mixing and colour matching to achieve precise, consistent results
  4. Maintenance and servicing of printing equipment to ensure optimal performance
  5. Collaboration with design teams and clients to meet project specifications

Embarking on a career as a Print Machinist offers an exciting opportunity to blend technical skills with creativity in the manufacturing industry. If you’re interested in bringing ideas to life through the art and science of printing, follow these steps to become a Print Machinist:

  1. Complete your secondary education: Aim to finish Year 10, but completing Years 11 and 12 will provide a stronger foundation. Focus on relevant school subjects.
  2. Look to undertake an apprenticeship in the printing industry, and develop essential technical skills and personal attributes crucial for success in the field.
  3. Prepare job application materials and actively seek employment opportunities in the printing industry. Employers will often use online job sites to post job vacancies. Even if there are no job vacancies at the employer you are interested in working at, send your resume and a cover letter to introduce yourself and express your interest.
Also Known As:
  • Printer
  • Press Operator
  • Print Technician
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a print machinist include:

  • Colour management
  • Design software expertise
  • Digital literacy
  • Technical proficiency
  • Troubleshooting
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a print machinist include:

  • Precision
  • Adaptable
  • Efficient
  • Safety-conscious
  • Continuous learning
  • Artistic – “Creator”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Industrial Graphics Skills
  • Visual Arts in Practice
Core School Subjects:
  • Essential English
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Visual Arts
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for an Print Machinist can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$55,000
Median
$65,000
High
$75,000

An apprenticeship with a manufacturer is the best pathway to gain employment as a Print Machinist. You can undertake a the following as an apprenticeship:

  • Certificate III in Printing (ICP31220)
  • Certificate III in Print Binding Finishing and Packaging (ICP31320)

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last between 3 to 4 years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and study combination: As an apprentice you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

In this role you may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

Advanced qualifications for this role include:

  • Certificate IV in Printing and Graphic Arts Management (ICP40120)
  • Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts Business Management (ICP50120)

To progress your career, you could explore undertaking qualifications like:

  • Bachelor of Visual Arts
  • Bachelor of Design

Holding a degree in human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Explore the printing and graphic arts industry

The printing and graphic arts industry stands at the crossroads of creativity and technology, playing a pivotal role in shaping how we communicate visually in today’s digital-first world. From traditional print media to cutting-edge digital designs, this sector continues to evolve, adapting to new technologies while preserving the timeless art of visual storytelling.

Printing and graphic arts industry