Print finishing and
binding workers
Description
Print finishing and binding workers bind books and other publications and finish printed items by hand or machine.
Tasks
folds, collates and sews printed sheets by hand or machine
compresses sewn book in nipping machine to expel air and reduce swelling caused by sewing
trims head, tail and fore-edge of book and gilds and marbles page edges as necessary
cuts board and cloth for book cover and spine
embosses lettering or decoration on cover by hand or machine
repairs worn book bindings
sets up and supervises automatic binding and finishing machine.
Educational Requirements
There are no formal academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job. National Traineeships and apprenticeships in Machine Printing are available at NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3.