Potential earnings
£35,306.79
Print finishing and binding workers bind books and other publications and finish printed items by hand or machine.
Main tasks
- Sets up and supervises automatic binding and finishing machine..
- Repairs worn book bindings.
- Embosses lettering or decoration on cover by hand or machine.
- Cuts board and cloth for book cover and spine.
- Trims head, tail and fore-edge of book and gilds and marbles page edges as necessary.
- Compresses sewn book in nipping machine to expel air and reduce swelling caused by sewing.
- Folds, collates and sews printed sheets by hand or machine.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£24,773.99
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.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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.
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 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | 17% |
| Level 1 | 4% |
| Level 2 | 17% |
| Level 3 | 30% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 4% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 28% |
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.
