Print finisher

Print finishers operate machines to turn printed materials into finished products. They work on a wide variety of different products, such as books, magazines and catalogues.

Also known as:

• Bookbinder

Work activities

Print finishers receive printed materials and make them into finished products. Print finishers operate machines that combine a number of actions, such as cutting, stitching together pages and binding them into a book. Print finishers also adjust and control the machines. Most print finishers are multiskilled and able to perform different tasks depending on the requirement of the job. However, some work in a team of finishers who each perform just one function in the process. Bookbinders are highly skilled craftworkers who use special hand tools and quality materials, such as gold leaf, leather and linen thread for gilding and lettering. They may also use their bookbinding skills to repair and renovate old or damaged books.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need to:

• Be reasonably fit as some lifting is required.
• Have IT skills.
• Be good with your hands.
• Work accurately as attention to detail is important.
• Be able to cope with changes in printing techniques and re-train if required.
• The job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

The following future skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

• Job-related technical skills.
• Teamworking skills.
• Management and leadership skills.

Pay and opportunities 

The pay rates given below are approximate. Print finishers earn in the range of £18,000 - £30,000 a year.

Print finishers usually work a 41-43-hour week; shift work and weekend working may be required and overtime may be available.

Employers are printing firms of all sizes – large and small, specialist print finishing firms, high street quick-print shops, local government print departments and educational institutions. Opportunities for print finishers occur in printing firms in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of bookbinder or print operative could be a great way into this role. You will train on-the-job and may attend college to gain relevant qualifications.

Experienced print finishers often move into supervisory positions.

Qualifications

Entry requirements for this career vary according to the employer. Many employers prefer applicants to have GCSEs in subjects such as English, maths and ICT.

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some companies prefer to employ applicants with skills gained in the printing industry. Practical skills and abilities gained in manufacturing production work, e.g., as a process operator/machine operative, are useful.

Related careers

• Artworker
• Machine operator
• Machine printer
• Reprographics assistant
• Screen printer