Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

The Work

Reprographics/ Print Sales & Service tech operatives may be responsible for a variety of tasks, including operating photocopiers and various print finishing machines. The range of duties varies from place to place.  
 
Reprographics/ Print Sales & Service tech operatives prepare photocopying machines for the next job, by setting and adjusting the machine as required. They also clean and carry out routine maintenance of the machinery, including replacing the toner in photocopiers. They check that the machinery is safe and clean when the work is complete.  
 
Photocopiers, which may be high volume and high speed, have to be loaded and unloaded with paper. The printed material is then transferred to the next stage of production.  
 
Operatives may also operate other machines such as guillotines, perforators, creasing and folding machines, collators, staplers and binding machines. They also package the work when it is finished. A supervisor normally sets tasks for the operative. The operative must accurately record the jobs done for costing purposes. They must take care to ensure quality and reduce waste.  
 
Operatives may also have to assist with preparation of artwork, which may involve using a computer. At all times, the operative must make sure that health and safety regulations are followed.  
 
Reprographics/Print Sales & Service tech operatives may be called photocopier operators or general assistants in a printing firm.

More information here

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
• Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
• Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
• Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
• Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
• Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
• Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
• Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper sise.
• Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
• Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Training is done on-the-job and the time taken depends on the work situation and range of duties. Pathways into Print Sales & Service tech may be via FET centre courses in Sales or ICT. IT & maintenance skills are required for maintaining printers and customer service skills to engage with customers. A driver’s license will likely be required to travel to customers offices.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship ICT/ Software and Tech development support Comptia NFQ level 5 course Search our FET coursefinder

FET Centre Post leaving cert Computer specialist frontline Tech, Computer Science, Systems & Networks, Computer Application & Technology, IT Technician support specialist NFQ level 5 search our PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeships   Equipment Systems Engineer, Network Engineer Associate, Telecommunications and Data Network Technician at NFQ levels  Search our Apprenticeship finder

Apprenticeship Route

FIT - ICT Associate Professional Network Engineer is a new IT apprenticeship-style (learn & earn) pathway to a career in the technology sector. FIT ICT AP is a ‘learning by doing’ format of ICT skills development which has been endorsed by the industry and government. This is a two-year programme during which candidates who are competent tech enthusiasts attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Award. 

A Bachelor's degree is beneficial for career development and advancement. Relevant degree courses are available from most Institutes of Technology and a range of private colleges. Relevant subject areas include: Computer science, information technology, engineering and computer-related fields.

Higher Education CAO Entry: Arts - Computer Science, Arts - Information Technology, Business with Computing, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computing, Computing - Applications or Programming) NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Continued professional Development 

Springboard courses ICT Skills & coversion courses NFQ level 6-9

Higher education Post graduate study: courses at NFQ level 8 - 9

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €60k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Sigmar/ CPL/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite the strong employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period, employment only returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2022.

Although the green transition may result in an increased demand for elementary workers in energy and sewerage plant operations, the small numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation do not allow for detailed demand analysis.

• Irish printing federation

  • C/O Diarmuid Dawson, Duggan Industrial Estate, Athboy Road, Trim, Co. Meath
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