Michael Claxton, of New Jarrold Printing.

Printer

Answers supplied by Michael Claxton, shift manager with New Jarrold Printing, an independent web offset magazine,
brochure and catalogue printer. New
Jarrold Printing recently won two industry awards for The Printing World “Print of the Year” title as well as winning “The Best Printing of a Consumer Magazine or Supplement”; both were awarded for the printing of the Financial Times “How to Spend It” magazine.

What does the job entail?
In simple terms, at New Jarrold Printing this would involve taking plain paper on large reels, printing and folding it to form part of a magazine or brochure. Up to 64 pages of A4 can be printed at very high speed to exacting specifications on very large printing presses to meet customer requirements. Different print companies use different methods and the type of machine used can determine the size of print sheets, runs, set up required or other processes required afterwards. Some machines may need to be operated by more than one person. This could include changing plates, mixing inks, cleaning down machines and monitoring print runs to ensure problems do not arise during the run. Many companies will often have different departments for folding, guillotine work, laminating, binding and other finishing processes.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
Printers are normally educated to O-level standard. Training would be required, usually in the form of “hands-on training” and college attendance to gain an NVQ qualification. There are constant developments in the industry, which is becoming increasingly computerised, so you may need to retrain specifically for incoming machines as they are introduced to your workplace, but this training is often provided in-house by the company supplying the machines.

What type of person will fit in?
Somebody hard working and enthusiastic, with an eye for colour and keen attention to detail. Printing would suit individuals with a good problem-solving approach to work. You must be able to work as part of a close team and to accept responsibility.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
No two days are the same as problems and challenges vary with each different job. There can be a real sense of satisfaction for a job well done. Minuses are that the job often involves shift work, which could include nights and weekends.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
Normally you would start as part of a crew and work up to a No.1 machine minder in charge of a small team of operatives. Beyond that you could work as a shift manager or in operational management.

What can I expect to earn?
Starting salaries can be relatively low on smaller presses at around £15,000, but can rise up to £35,000 or more in some parts of the country for No.1 printers on shift work.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Phone your local printers and see if they operate any work experience schemes (this is particularly likely for school leavers). Look out for advertisements in the recruitment section of the local press in addition to Print Week, one of the main trade press publications for the industry. You could also approach AMICUS/GPMU, which is the union covering the industry on (01638) 664044 as they are often notified of local vacancies.