Potential earnings
£44,158.95
Pre-press technicians prepare, format and compose text and graphics in a form suitable for use in a variety of print processes.
Main tasks
- Arranges and pastes printing material onto paper ready for photographing.
- Processes filmsetting or desktop publishing output to produce image on film and transfers to printing plates and digital output.
- Examines proof copies, checks for quality and accuracy and makes any necessary alterations.
- Scans and retouches digital images to create sample proofs, plans and lays out artwork to match planned design.
- Uses computer applications to generate images and text.
- Determines from specification the kind and size of type to be used.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£28,682.52
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 13% |
| Level 2 | 4% |
| Level 3 | 27% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 55% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
