Using a computer screen, call up type and art elements from computer memory and position them into a completed page, using knowledge of type styles and size and composition patterns. The composited page is then transmitted for production into film or directly into plates. The average nonsupervisory worker in the printing industry worked approximately 38.3 hours per week in 1998, compared to 41.7 hours per week across all manufacturing industries. Workers in the industry generally put in an 8-hour day, but overtime often is required to meet publication deadlines. Some employees, particularly those employed by newspapers, work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Larger companies tend to have shift work.
There is a fair amount of flexibility with shift schedules and overtime, which is largely based on seniority. The most notable changes in the printing and publishing industry are occurring in the prepress stage. Columns can be displayed and arranged on the computer screen exactly as they will appear in print, and then printed. Nearly all prepress work is expected to be computerized by 2008, and workers will need more training in electronics, computers, and mathematics. Advancement Opportunities for advancement depend on the specific plant or shop.