Education in printing technologies leads to many exciting careers in this very rewarding (and understaffed) industry. Many of our students have gone on to see major success in their careers - all based upon the foundation of what they learned here at Fullerton College.
Production/Print Manager*
Liaison between sales and production. Oversees and manages all print production.
Quality Control/Assurance Manager*
Develops, implements, and coordinates quality assurance program to prevent or eliminate defects and insures continuous production of printed products consistent with established standards.
Electronic Pre-Press Manager/Supervisor*
Supervises and coordinates activities of workers in the pre-press department. Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow. Oversees the many steps; page make-up, imaging, scanning, film output and plate-making, required to pre pare customers computer files for print production. Assigns duties and examines workflow exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
Pressroom Foreman Manager/Supervisor*
Schedules and coordinates the pressroom work-flow supervising press operators and reviewing finished work for accuracy and quality. Supervises all employees in department. Insures that proper records are maintained on work in process. Works with department heads of other production departments. Works with department supervisors on coordination of jobs and schedules.
Bindery/Finishing Manager/Supervisor*
Oversees a wide variety of automated/computerized and manual machines that cut, fold, gather, bind, trim and assemble sections, die-cutting or foil stamping, all forms of completing graphic arts production that change printed stock into another form or printed sheets into a final finished piece. Trains workers to set up and operate machines to perform functions in order to produce books, magazines, pamphlets, catalogs, and other printed materials.
Proofreader*
Reviews, proofs and makes corrections to copy, verifying customer orders are properly prepared. Examines copy for correctness of spelling, punctuation, format, spacing, capitalization and font usage.
Cd-Rom Production Specialist*
Uses several types of computer software to convert words and images into electronic format that can be "burned" onto a CD.
Scanner Operator*
Operates computerized b/w and color scanners to scan images (photos or illustrations) to transfer them into electronic format. Totally familiar with techniques as well as operation of equipment.
Electronic/Digital Prepress Technician Desktop Specialist*
Processes digital prepress jobs using various computers, workstations and output devices. This processing includes examining (preflighting) incoming files for suitability; importing files into the appropriate application software; editing files to facilitate and assure correct output; outputting files into proper format to the appropriate output device & inspects output materials to as- sure conformance to customer and company specifications. Processes customers' files by sending them to film or directly to plate.
Proofer/Digital Proofing Platemaker
Operates automatic color proofing equipment. Transfers files from customer supplied discs or in-house files to film, CTP and digital proofing through high quality imaging devices. Inspects incoming materials, prepares, exposes and processes plates, performs manual and machine operated tasks related to producing plates. Performs any necessary programming required. Knowledgeable on computer to plate and computer to press technologies.
Screen Maker/Platemounter Screenprinting*
Checks film for accuracy of job specifications. Makes decisions on proper mesh. Prepares frame for mounting, stretches! mounts mesh, mixes emulsion and sensitizer, retends and coats all screens with film or emulsion. Prepares and makes direct/indirect screen, and prepares positives. Reclaims chemicals and maintains equipment.
Mounter Helper/Screen Printing*
Assists screen maker/plate mounter with cleaning and reclaiming the screens.
» Press Room/Printing Process Positions in Printing
Digital Press Operator*
Operates digital printing presses: printing plates are imaged directly from digital data, either on-press or off-press; knowledgeable of both MAC/PC platforms, as well as database integrations.
Small Offset Press Operator*
Operates any of a wide variety of sophisticated single or multi-color presses, sheet size 14" x 20" and under, requiring one operator. Controls ink color and density, registration and consistency of impressions throughout the entire press run. Knows the mechanical workings of the machine, possesses good manual dexterity, and reacts promptly in order to produce a good quality product.
Large Sheetfed Operator Offset Press*
Operates any of a wide variety of sophisticated single or multi-color presses, sheet size 20" x 26" and up, requiring more than one operator. Performs manual and computerized tasks in the set-up, maintenance and operation of a lithographic printing press.
Feeder Operator/Large Sheetfed Press*
Cleans and maintains machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions. Adjusts registration, print quality, color settings and mixings. Monitors pH and conductivity of fountain solution on press; inputs data into the data collection system to indicate paper and ink usage.
Web Press Operator*
Lead operator on a web-fed lithographic press works with crew members in operating the press and folder, changing paper rolls, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and performing other press related duties.
Jogger/Webpress*
Takes-off signatures from the folder, inspects for quality, keeps counts and stacks the bundles on skids. Jogs product off counter stacker and stacks neatly on skid to assure good running in bindery or mailing department. Pulls, inspects and initials all running samples. Has a working knowledge of both local and remote scales and how to set them up. Assures accurate count of product for the job.
Roll Tender/Webpress*
Ensures accuracy and quality of the finish printed product; reads and understands a job ticket. Knows and follows established quality checking procedures in the pressroom. Takes sample copies for the bindery, and takes proper running samples during the course of the job. Stacks product neatly on skids. Does procedures related to end of run for each print job including press clean-up.
Machine Adjustor/Envelopes*
Performs manual and computerized tasks in the set-up, maintenance and operation of the envelope press; troubleshoots press problems; set-ups of cut off knife; adjusts vacuum center; adjusts size and timing; sets scores; sets folding cylinders; sets position & gummer; selects window dye settings. Is familiar and able to adjust two or more types of equipment within the industry.
Roll Handler/Material Handler Envelopes*
Provides stock to all areas as required, removes completed loads, and maintains necessary logs to ensure accurate inventory. Reads order numbers, transfers pallets of paper/orders to/from area of need, palletizes completed cartons, replaces/fills gum bottles.
Flexographic Press Operator*
Directs the crew and performs manual and computerized tasks related to the setting-up, maintaining and operating of a flexographic printing press including: paper travel, pressure settings, web guide adjusment, anilox selection, diecutting and delivery systems set-up for good print quality roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet.
Gravure Press Operator*
Performs manual and computerized tasks in the set-up, maintenance and operation of gravure printing equipment to adjust speed, ink and water densities, impression pressurer as well as other operational tolerances involved with press operations.
Ink Formulator/Ink Chemist*
Develops color formulas for printing images on assorted materials and substrates. Mixes and matches all ink colors in accordance with job specifications. Receives ink requisition from other departments.
Screen Printing Press Operator*
Prints and produces orders following the specifications listed on the work order with an emphasis on accuracy. Coats, shoots, blockouts, and reclaims screens as needed to complete work order.
Ink Maker-Silk Screen*
Develops color formulas for printing images on assorted materials, including lexan and polycarbonate overlays, for decals, labels, large format, signage/posters, panels and nameplates, and inspects printed material on press to ensure adherence to customer and plant specifications and adjusts as needed.
Material Handler
Loads and unloads freight cars or trucks and moves materials throughout the printing plant.
*Requires printing industry related education or formal on-the-job training.
