Reprographic assistant

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Reprographics
• Level 2 Award in Graphic Design

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a print operative intermediate or a print technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You may need some GCSEs to apply directly for jobs, for example maths, English, IT and art and design. Experience in using desktop publishing software will also be helpful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• design skills and knowledge
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• analytical thinking skills
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• thinking and reasoning skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of maths

What you'll do:

Reprographic assistants use copiers, scanners and printers to make documents, brochures, leaflets and pictures.

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

Location : You could work in an office or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £25,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a departmental supervisor or production controller.

In a print shop, you could become a shop manager.