Screen Printer

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Dive into the vibrant world of screen printing, where creativity meets precision.

As a Screen Printer, you’ll transform blank canvases into eye-catching designs on clothing, posters, cards, and an array of materials, bringing ideas to life through the art of stencil-based printing.

As a screen printer in the manufacturing industry, you’ll be at the forefront of creating visually striking products using specialised printing techniques. Your expertise will be crucial in every step of the process, from preparing intricate stencils and mixing perfect ink colours to ensuring precise alignment and operating sophisticated printing and drying machines. You’ll work with a diverse range of materials, applying your artistic touch and technical skills to produce high-quality printed items that captivate and communicate.

In this role, you’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and efficiency are paramount. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the quality and consistency of prints across various mediums, troubleshooting technical issues, and adhering to strict safety standards.

Your work will contribute to the visual landscape of fashion, advertising, and commercial products, making you an essential part of the manufacturing process in the printing and textile industries.

Your role may include duties as follows:

  1. Create and prepare stencils for accurate design reproduction
  2. Formulate inks to achieve precise colours and consistencies
  3. Set up, operate, and maintain screen printing equipment
  4. Ensure alignment, colour accuracy, and overall print quality throughout production
  5. Thoroughly clean equipment and workspaces to maintain print integrity

Embarking on a career as a Screen Printer 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 Screen Printer:

  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:
  • Screen Print Operator
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a screen printer include:

  • Attention to detail
  • Colour management
  • Problem solving
  • Technical proficiency
  • Time management
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a screen printer include:

  • Creative
  • Adaptable
  • Team Player
  • 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 a Screen Printer can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$50,000
Median
$60,000
High
$70,000

You can undertake a the following as an apprenticeship:

  • Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (ICP20120)
  • Certificate III in Printing (ICP31220)

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:

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Team Leader

As a Team Leader in manufacturing, you’ll play a crucial role in bridging the gap between management and frontline workers.

– Up to $100,000 salary

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Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers in manufacturing sub-industries play a dual role, contributing both to direct production and marketing efforts across various sectors.

– Up to $85,000 salary

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Industrial Designer

Make your future and design your career as an Industrial Designer, where creativity meets functionality to craft the products of tomorrow.

– Up to $140,000 salary

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Marketing and Communication Manager
Marketing and Communication Manager

As a Marketing and Communication Manager, you’ll be the creative force behind your company’s image, shaping perceptions and driving engagement.

– Up to $160,000 salary

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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
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