Screen printer

Screen printers use a fabric screen method of printing. They print designs, pictures and other images onto a variety of materials.

Work activities

Screen printers are involved in the process of transferring an image onto a wide variety of materials, such as:

• Clothing
• Paper
• Glass
• Stainless steel

Screen printers set up and operate the machines used for printing images on to the materials listed above. They select and mix the inks to be used before starting a job. Then the printer will make a stencil. This stencil will match the shape that they want to print on to the chosen material. The stencil is fixed to a very fine mesh screen. The screen is then placed over the material which is to be printed on. Thick coloured inks are then passed through the stencil onto the material below. The screens are used again once they have been cleaned.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you should:

• Be an accurate worker.
• Have an eye for colour.
• Be physically fit and well-co-ordinated, particularly for operating machinery.
• Have some artistic and technical skills.

People skills are also important in this job especially if you are self-employed. 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. According to jobs site Indeed, screen printers working in England currently earn an average of £20,500, although you should expect to start on considerably less than this.

Screen printers usually work a full-time week. Shift work and weekend working may be required and overtime may be available.

Employers are specialist screen-printing firms – large and small, and some local government print departments. Opportunities for screen printers occur in printing firms in towns and cities throughout the UK.

There are opportunities for screen printers to become self-employed.

Where are vacancies advertised?

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

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career. Some employers prefer applicants to have some GCSEs in subjects such as English, maths or ICT. However, you might not need any qualifications to get into this type of work. An intermediate or advanced apprenticeship is also a great place to start.

As a new entrant, you will train on-the-job and might also attend college. Relevant courses are available throughout the UK.

Progression is usually to supervisory positions. Some screen printers become self-employed and set up their own businesses.

Qualifications

Entry requirements for this career vary according to the employer. You might not need any qualifications to get into this type of work. Some employers prefer applicants to have some GCSEs in subjects such as English, maths or ICT.

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate or advanced 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.

Applicants with practical skills gained in the printing industry have an advantage. A background in practical work using your hands is helpful. Artistic ability can also be important.

Related careers

• Machine printer
• Print finisher