Printing Press Operators prepare type forms, press plates for final printing, and tend or setup presses. They perform preparatory work to ensure that printed impressions are distinct and uniform, such as placing exact thicknesses of paper under low areas of press plates to level them and adjusting control margins and flow of ink to inking rollers. Printing Press Operation is offered by vocational high schools, technical colleges, and community colleges.
Many operators learn the trade by on the job training and apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship programs are usually 2-4 years in length. There were approximately 2,796 Printing Press Operators employed in Alabama in 1996. They are employed by commercial shops, book and magazine publishers, newspaper plants, banks, insurance companies, manufacturing firms, and private and government agencies. An average of 103 jobs occurs each year. Earnings may vary according to location and individual ability.