94151

Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations

TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training

Express Entry skill level: No
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Manufacturing & utilities

9 › 94 › 941 › 9415

Definition

Camera and platemaking workers operate graphic arts cameras and scanners, assemble film and negatives and prepare, engrave and etch printing plates or cylinders for various types of printing presses. They are employed in firms that specialize in colour graphics or platemaking and cylinder preparation, commercial publishing and printing companies, newspapers, magazines, and in various establishments in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Graphic arts camera operators, scanner operators, film strippers and assemblers
Set up and adjust black and white or colour separation process cameras to convert graphic art and photographs into film for assembly and exposure onto printing plates or cylinders
Operate computerized scanning machines or digital cameras to make colour separations and corrections from colour copy or transparencies for use in preparing film, digital files, printing plates or cylinders
Assemble and position, either using automated equipment or by hand, pieces of film containing all parts of a printing job to produce flats or composite negatives for preparing printing plates or cylinders.
Etchers and engravers
Examine the text, design, or pattern to determine how it will be etched or engraved onto the workpiece
Prepare surface of workpiece for etching or engraving by cleaning, polishing, treating, and applying additional methods
Etch or engrave the text, design or pattern onto the workpiece using hand tools, etching machines, photogravure or laser processes.
Prepress technicians, platemakers, proofmakers, and pre-flight/file-preparation operators
Operate various computer-controlled studio systems to perform colour separation, retouching and editing that allow changes to be made to a colour negative for printing purposes, plan page layouts and electronically alter shape, size and positions of illustrations and text
Prepare and initiate the development of printing plates for the offset process and are responsible for the maintenance of plate flasher type devices (CTP, Computer to plate)
Operate vacuum frames, plate processors and step and repeat machines to produce printing plates for various types of presses
Operate computerized equipment to prepare film, laser or dylux proofs for quality control purposes and for customers' review.

Example job titles

•camera operator - graphic arts
•cylinder preparer - printing
•dot etcher - printing
•file preparation operator
•film stripper-assembler
•platemaker - printing
•pre-flight operator - printing
•prepress technician

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, "Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations" are classified under NOC code 94151. This occupation falls under TEER 4, representing semi-skilled roles in the manufacturing and printing sectors. Individuals in this occupation are primarily employed by commercial printing companies, newspapers, magazines, packaging companies, and other publishing or printing establishments across Canada.

Workers in NOC 94151 set up and operate graphic arts cameras, plate-making equipment, and other prepress tools to prepare plates, cylinders, and screens for printing presses. Key duties include operating digital prepress software, performing colour separations, exposing and developing plates, and ensuring quality control before final printing. Typical requirements include completion of secondary school, and usually, a combination of on-the-job training or college courses in graphic arts or printing technology.

Since NOC 94151 is a TEER 4 occupation, candidates seeking Canadian permanent residency may qualify through specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), or other specialized pathway pilots targeting semi-skilled workers. It is essential to verify specific stream criteria as Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry pathways typically target TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant for official guidance.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.