Printer

Printers work in all fields of printing, are familiar with the holistic process of printing and can work within other aspects of it, such as printmaking and bookbinding. Printers receive a work on a printing plate, in photo format or in computerized form, adjust it along with the colour texture and paper in a printing machine, and then print. Printing is a certified trade.

Printers work in locations such as:

• general printworks for printing books, advertisements and more
• newspaper printworks for printing newspapers, brochures and magazines
• packaging printworks for printing packaging, product markings and labels
• digital print shops for a variety of projects in smaller editions

Printers work extensively with others, such as compositors, bookbinders, graphic designers, designers, illustrators, and photographers.

Main tasks

• receiving a project description that specifies how the work is to be carried out
• ensuring print quality
• control printing machinery and the computers and devices that come with it
• taking care of printing machines, cleaning and configuring

Competence requirements

A printer needs to be familiar with the procedures used in the printing industry. This means making job descriptions, running printing plates and preparing data for digital printing, overseeing the day-to-day care of machines and knowing how to punch, fold, perforate, number, emboss and perform surface treatment when finishing a print.

Study

Printing is taught at Tækniskólinn. The average duration of study is three years, divided into four semesters of theoretical studies and 48 weeks of internship.