Printing Technology Courses and Training Programs
Pre-press technicians and press operators control and maintain the printing machinery for newspapers, books and magazines. You can gain skills in this field by completing a certificate or associate's degree program in printing technology. Find out what you'd learn in a printing technology program, and get info on career advancement opportunities for printing professionals.
What You Need to Know
Even with the advent of technology that digitally puts the news or a book in the palm of our hands, a good physical book with real paper to touch and flip still remains an important material concept to many. Those specializing in today's printing technology will certainly enjoy the convenient benefits of using such tech to produce physical products, but the honed attention to detail is still a must in the field.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Programs</b></td><td> Certificate or associate's degree programs available</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Courses</b></td><td> Printing technology, silkscreen, electronic imaging, digital printing and management, graphics, printing stages, preventative maintenance, printing software, typography, production management</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Future Career Options</b></td><td> From pre-press technician or press operator to a press room supervisor or printing cost estimator</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatIsPrintingTechnology">What Is Printing Technology?</h3><p>Traditional printing machines use rollers and presses to imprint the final image to the page. Newer forms of print technology are non-impact and make use of computers. For example, electrostatic and digital printing is quicker and allows printers to preview the material before it is printed on the page. Pre-press technicians and press operators are needed to approve the image for mistakes, load paper, monitor ink distribution and maintain the machinery.
</p><h3 id="section---WhichProgramsAreAvailable">Which Programs Are Available?</h3><p>Certificate programs are short, specialized studies in printing technology, silkscreen, electronic imaging or digital printing. These programs can typically be completed in a year and may include elective courses in offset press work and pre-press techniques. With the increasing importance of computerized technology, many working press operators go back to update their knowledge through certificates at advanced levels. In some cases, publishing technology programs can be completed partially online or with the option to mix classroom and online studies. A graphic design with digital tools certificate program may be offered. A graphics and printing technology certificate might also be available.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreAssociateSDegreesLike">What Are Associate's Degrees Like?</h3><p>Associate's degree programs may emphasize graphics, digital technology or management, which may appeal to you if you want to advance to supervisory positions within the industry. With the prevalence of e-books, you should consider programs that incorporate new media, such as digital publishing and graphics, into the curricula. Though a college degree is not always required, press operators and technicians must have excellent computer and communication skills, both of which can be learned through an associate's degree program. An Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design might be worthy of your consideration. You could also enroll in an Associate of Applied Science in Graphics and Printing degree program.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>You can expect to be introduced to the stages of printing. You will probably be introduced to printing shop practices. Although traditional printing methods are still being used, digital and quick printing is becoming more prevalent. You may consider taking elective technology-based courses that introduce you to printing software.
</p><p>Individual courses will vary depending on your program's specialization. Printing management programs might also emphasize a particular curriculum for students.
</p><p>The following topics might be covered in your program:
</p><ul><li>Pre-press checks
</li><li>Press operation
</li><li>Final bindings
</li><li>Preventative maintenance
</li><li>QuarkXPress
</li><li>Photoshop
</li><li>Graphic design
</li><li>Typography
</li><li>Estimating
</li><li>Planning
</li><li>Production management
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowCanIFurtherMyCareer">How Can I Further My Career?</h3><p>You may begin your career working as a pre-press technician or a press operator. However, with experience, you can advance to more complex presses or become a press room supervisor. As you climb the ranks, you will also make printing cost estimates to clients. Alternatively, you may continue your education through voluntary press operator certification or a bachelor's degree in printing management or new media studies.</p>