Media technology specialist – Printing

Requirements in the printing sector have changed significantly in recent years. While the profession of printer used to be primarily associated with manual and machine work, digitalization has now fully transformed it. Data preparation, process control, and new digital printing technologies now define the role of a Media Technology Specialist – Printing. Products include books, brochures, catalogs, posters, as well as advertising banners, exhibition walls, and even clothing.

Media Technology Specialists – Printing prepare printing processes, check and measure ink application, and adjust it according to specifications. They maintain and clean their machines and sometimes carry out repairs independently. In addition to machine technology, knowledge of substrates and color management is required, as well as a broad understanding of plate-making and finishing technologies. Depending on the area of work, they may also perform print finishing tasks themselves, such as die-cutting, perforating, and scoring.

The dual vocational training program usually lasts three years. A total of 13 elective qualification units define the focus for various professional profiles. In addition to the specializations offered at Kern—sheetfed offset, digital printing, and large-format digital printing—there are also Media Technology Specialists for web offset, flexographic, or packaging printing.

The school-based part of the training takes place at the Technical and Vocational Training Center 2 (TGBBZ II) in Saarbrücken-Malstatt. Classes are conducted in blocks, typically following a cycle of one week at school and two weeks in the company. In the second year, an intermediate examination must be completed, which is a prerequisite for the final examination in the third year. The final examination consists of a written and a practical part, conducted in the company. Under the supervision of examiners, a test piece is produced, and a situational technical discussion evaluates skills and knowledge.

Although no specific school leaving certificate is required, at least an intermediate school leaving certificate is recommended. Applicants should have good technical understanding, enjoy working with machines and paper, and be careful and attentive. Good color vision is a basic requirement for this profession.

Elective qualification: Sheetfed offset printing

In the sheetfed offset printing area at Kern, media technology specialists work on state-of-the-art machines from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. In addition to classic printing craftsmanship—such as handling paper, ink, and machine technology—advanced knowledge of color management and digital process control is required. Media Technology Specialists independently maintain their machines, including cleaning, routine maintenance, and minor repairs that do not require the manufacturer’s service.

Products include all types of commercial printing, such as flyers, posters, business stationery, as well as catalogs, magazines, and books. During printing, the sheets can be enhanced with special coatings and prepared for further finishing processes such as perforating, scoring, or die-cutting using specialized tools.

Elective qualification: Digital printing

In digital printing, media products are produced using both laser and inkjet processes. The product range is comparable to that in offset printing. Due to the flexibility and short lead times in digital printing, the focus is stronger on small print runs and personalized prints—products where individual elements or entire motifs vary from sheet to sheet. For example, personalized letters for advertising campaigns—so-called direct mailings—can be produced, where names and addresses are inserted into the print image from a database. Print preparation includes checking the print data as well as creating print files. For the production of direct mailings, address databases must first be processed according to Deutsche Post specifications, and associated shipping documents prepared. This process has parallels with the professional profile of Digital and Print Media Specialists.
In addition to controlling and monitoring the print production, machine maintenance and cleaning are part of the daily tasks of Media Technology Specialists.

Elective qualification: Large-format digital printing

In large-format digital printing, a secure use of computers is important. Media technology specialists, similar to media designers, must be able to independently create, check, and prepare print data. In addition, print layouts must be created, prints measured colorimetrically, and corresponding color profiles created. At Kern, various inkjet systems are used for roll and board materials in large-format printing.

In addition to the print production itself as well as machine maintenance and cleaning, further finishing processes are carried out following the print. This includes, for example, laminating, cutting, milling, drilling, gluing, and assembling the prints. Here, the profession overlaps with that of sign and illuminated advertising makers. The product range extends from large-format advertising posters and banners through equipment for exhibition and shop fittings to vehicle lettering and printed textiles.

Printing at Kern

The training at Kern takes place on state-of-the-art printing machines. Beyond the respective training focus, trainees gain an extensive insight into other printing processes as well as into the professional profiles of media designers for digital and print, media technology specialists for print finishing, and sign and illuminated advertising makers. In cross-departmental teams, a holistic understanding is conveyed, enabling trainees to place their own work in an overall context within the manufacturing process of a printed product.

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