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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.
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. These machines may:
Binding and finishing machine operators often work in large industrial plants. In smaller companies, they work in industrial bays. They may need to work shifts and overtime to meet print deadlines.
Binding and finishing machine operators often stand for long periods and do a lot of bending and reaching. They may need to lift heavy packages of paper. Workplace hazards in larger shops include moving machinery, handling chemicals, tolerating noise, enduring repetitive strain, and being exposed to solvent fumes. In smaller shops or those using digital equipment, there is no exposure to chemicals. However, hazards still include lifting heavy objects, risking repetitive strain injuries, and avoiding cutting blades. Binding and finishing machine operators must follow standard safety practices and be knowledgeable about occupational health and safety legislation.
Binding and finishing machine operators need:
They should enjoy working with computerized and mechanical equipment. They should be comfortable following routines, working with a team, and performing set tasks.
Printing and publishing is an evolving industry. Machine operators must be prepared to learn new skills continuously. More and more, the equipment they use is computer controlled.
There are no standard education requirements for binding and finishing machine operators. However, employers prefer to hire graduates of related post-secondary programs or high school graduates with 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 work for:
Many binderies have a small core staff and hire extra staff on a temporary basis to meet contract deadlines.
Newly hired machine operators usually start training on simpler or lighter equipment. As they gain experience, they train on more complex equipment. Machine operators with 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 [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 9473: Binding and finishing machine operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
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 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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: cpia-aci.ca
Printing and Graphics Industries Association of Alberta (PGIA) website: www.pgia.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.