Reprographic Assistant
Job Description:Reprographic assistants use copiers, scanners and printers to make documents, brochures, leaflets and pictures.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- take customer orders
- help prepare designs and layouts for print runs
- work out timescales, costs and the number of copies required
- programme instructions into copying, scanning and printing equipment
- make sure machines have suitable levels of inks, chemicals and toners
- mount printing plates, if working on a press, and line them up correctly
- monitor the progress of the copying run and quality check samples
- finish copied items by trimming, binding or laminating
- perform basic equipment maintenance and cleaning
- record job details and order supplies
Skills:
You’ll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- analytical thinking skills
- observation and recording skills
- physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to work well with your hands
Entry Requirements:
To become a Reprographic Assistant, you typically don’t need specific requirements. However, having a good general education can be advantageous. Here’s a list of subjects that can be useful in this profession:
- English: Good communication skills are important in this role as you may need to interact with clients and colleagues. Accurate written communication is also necessary for labelling materials and instructions.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills can be helpful when measuring and calculating quantities, especially if you’re involved in tasks such as print job costing.
- Art and Design: Courses related to art and design can be beneficial, as you’ll be handling and reproducing various types of visual materials.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency with computer software and hardware, including printers, photocopiers, and scanners, is essential for a Reprographic Assistant.
- Science: Understanding some scientific principles, especially in areas like chemistry and physics, can be useful when working with different types of inks, toners, and materials used in the reprographics process.
- Business Studies: Knowledge in areas such as customer service, record-keeping, and basic business operations can be valuable if you work in a reprographics department within an organization.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you’ll need.
In the UK, for example, courses include:
- Certificate in Reprographics
- Award in Graphic Design
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a print operative intermediate or a print technician advanced apprenticeship.
Direct Application
You may need to have studied certain subjects, for example maths, English, IT and art and design, in order to apply directly for jobs. Experience in using desktop publishing software will also be helpful.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 39-41 hours of work. You could be required to work between 8am and 6pm.
You could work in an office or in a workshop. Your working environment may be physically demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a departmental supervisor or production controller.
In a print shop, you could become a shop manager.