Book Binder, Factory Worker, Finishing Machine Operator, Production Worker
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $19.28 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $24.33 |
| Top | $29.76 |
Interest in controlling computerized units to start, stop and regulate machines and equipment
Interest in copying to perform work according to production specifications
Interest in making adjustments to machines and equipment
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Interest in controlling computerized units to start, stop and regulate machines and equipment throughout various finishing operations
Interest in copying to perform work according to production specifications
Interest in applying decorations and lettering to bound books, and in making adjustments to machines and equipment
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Binding and finishing machine operators run specialized equipment and machines that collate, cut, fold, gather, glue, stitch and drill printed material. Their duties vary depending on the machine but, in general, binding and finishing machine operators:
Binding and finishing machine operators may operate a wide variety of machines including ones that:
Binding and finishing machine operators work in large industrial plants or, in smaller companies, in industrial bays. Shift work may be required and working overtime to meet print deadlines is common.
Binding and finishing machine operators often stand for long periods and do a considerable amount of bending and reaching. They may be required to lift heavy packages of paper.Workplace hazards include moving machinery, handling chemicals and exposure to fumes from solvents. They must follow standard safety practices and be knowledgeable about occupational health and safety legislation.
Binding and finishing machine operators need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy working with computerized and mechanical equipment, following routines, and performing set tasks.
Printing and publishing is an evolving industry and machine operators must be prepared to keep learning new skills. More and more of the equipment they use is computer controlled.
There are no standard education requirements for binding and finishing machine operators. However, employers generally prefer to hire graduates of related post-secondary programs or high school graduates who have experience operating machines or equipment. A security clearance may be required if the operator will be working with sensitive materials.Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training is an asset.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Binding and finishing machine operators are employed by:
Many binderies have a small core staff and hire extra staff on a temporary basis when needed to meet contract deadlines.
Newly hired machine operators usually are trained on simpler or lighter equipment. As they gain experience, they are trained on more complex equipment. Machine operators who have experience running a variety of machines may become supervisors.
In Alberta, 94% of people employed as binding and finishing machine operators work in the Manufacturing (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $33.62 | $19.28 | $20.00 |
| Overall | $16.71 | $33.62 | $24.33 | $25.50 |
| Top | $20.00 | $39.00 | $29.76 | $30.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $46,870 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $43,453 |
Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council (CPISC) website: www.cpisc-csic.ca
Printing and Graphics Industries Association of Alberta (PGIA) website: www.pgia.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 08, 2016. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.