Digital press operators need computer skills and adaptability to work with digital printers. Experience is valued more than a college degree, but education programs are available. The job requires working with the computer more than the printer, but direct press work is also necessary. Repair skills are helpful. A degree in digital printing machines is beneficial but not required.
A digital printer is a printing machine used by a computer, which means inkjet and laser printers qualify. Getting a job as a digital press operator is different than becoming an offset press operator or any other type of printing machine operator, because computer skills are needed more in this field than in any other field of printing. Computer skills, as well as adaptability and repair, are required in this job. There are education programs available for those wanting to become a digital press operator, but the experience is often seen as more than a college degree.
Unlike a person operating an offset machine, a digital press operator needs to be able to work with a computer. Traditional printing presses force operators to manually mix inks, ensure the plate pressure is optimal for printing, and correct for many other factors at the printing press itself. Digital presses force the operator to check the computer’s light or dark settings, select finishing and double-sided printing on the computer screen, and do many other things at the computer itself. In many ways, being a digital press operator is more about working with the computer than the printer.
While most of a digital press operator’s work is done from a computer, there will be times when you need to work directly with the press. This is usually done with a copy job, when the digital press platen is used instead of a computer image. Knowing how to work with the settings of a digital press will be necessary in this job.
To become a digital press operator, certain skills are needed in addition to being able to work with a computer. Although the computer does most of the digital printing work, adaptability is still required. Most print jobs will be different, requiring the operator to set up each job individually and give each job special attention. Repair skills, from knowing how to remove stray pieces of paper to being able to replace or repair a fuser unit, also help one become a digital press operator because the business will be able to spend less money on repairs.
A college degree is rarely required to become a digital press operator, because experience in this occupation is often valued at more than one degree. While this is true, majoring in digital printing machines will increase your chances of getting the job and moving forward, because it shows that you really have an interest in the job and know how to run the machines and process print orders. If the impossibility of obtaining a diploma or certificate focused on fingerprinting, learning is also acceptable.
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