Industry Profile -- by Erin Ryan-Walsh

As many of us know, the invention of the printing press was the starting point for the industrial revolution. Similarly, today's printing industry is feeling the impact of the technological revolution. Traditional print shop occupations such as press mechanics, strippers, typesetters and bindery workers are waning while occupations like graphic design and desktop publishing are becoming more and more popular. Given this, the printing industry remains the fourth largest growing industry in Canada, yet at the same time growth and advancement in some occupations in the industry is predicted to be below average.

Regardless of their position, people working in the printing industry should be creative, have good literacy and numerical abilities, possess accurate color perception, manual dexterity, and the ability to work with a team as well as independently. Educational requirements vary from on the job training to post secondary. As mentioned above, occupations in the printing industry can be divided into two main categories, those which are traditional positions and new computer-based positions.

Traditional Positions

• Printing and Graphic Arts Craftsman is an overall title for all the people who work in the printing and publishing industry who design, prepare, produce and finish printed materials also known as press mechanics, press operators, typesetters, printers and bindery workers. This process is divided into three stages, which are pre-press, press, and bindery. Printers and graphic arts craftsman acquire their skills through formal training or by learning informally on the job. Very few people work in these positions and below average growth is predicted for the future. Depending on the position, pay will range from about $17,000 a year (bindery positions), to $45,000 a year (pre-press and press positions).
• Photographic Processing Technician also known as photographic laboratory technicians, develop film, and make prints and slides, retouch photographs, or use computers to manipulate objects. People who are interested in working in this field need to have good vision and color perception, mechanical ability, and the ability to concentrate on profiles. There are no formal educational requirements, but most photographic processing technicians have an interest in photography and are trained on the job. Salary will be in the $14,000 to $25,500 a year range.

Newer Computer-Based Positions

• Graphic Designers translate ideas and information into visual concepts designed to inform or persuade. Graphic designers should be self-disciplined, independent, have the ability to visualize ideas, and be creative. Most graphic designers have post-secondary training in visual communications or fine arts. Production demands may require artists to produce artwork at a break-neck pace. Yearly salary will fluctuate around $19,000 to $36,000 a year.
• Desktop/Digital Publishing Specialists use computer software to combine text, graphics and other visual elements to prepare copy. To be successful in this industry you need good language, publishing and design skills. Educational requirements vary. Skills can be gained in high school,post-secondary, or on the job. Salary may vary from $20,000 to $40,500 a year.

Many jobs are also available as customer service representatives. These people must have a thorough knowledge of the entire printing process and are able to work well with the public. Quick print shops also require customer service representatives with abilities to work with the public and operate various types of photocopiers, scanners and computers. As with other industries, opportunities in sales and accounting are also available. Pay for all positions will vary from one print shop to another.