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National code: ICP31220

Certificate III in Printing

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Overview About this course

Become a qualified printer and learn a wide range of practical skills and techniques for an in-demand industry. Develop your ability to communicate and consult with industry professionals, create specialised prints, and spread the word on the printed page.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Develop knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry

  • Operate print machinery

  • Mix colours

  • Work with technology to produce specialised digital prints

  • Apply software applications to digital production

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Ability to produce high-quality printed materials like brochures, flyers, corporate identity packaging and signage

  • Skills to document technical processes like mixing ink, colour management, inserting paper and placing plates in press machinery

  • Confidence to liaise with multiple project stakeholders, including graphic designers, and use effective communication and negotiation skills to produce final printed products

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry as evidenced by a letter of support from your employer

  • Submit your Training Plan Proposal (TPP) with your application

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • An interest in the printing processes and related industries

  • An interest in graphics and image reproduction for printing

  • Good communication and problem-solving skills

  • Confidence working safely around large machinery and printing presses

  • The capacity to work rotating rosters with some evening and weekend hours

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: Printing supervisor, Printing operator, Offset printer, Printer machinist and Screen printer

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Printing does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate III in Printing does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Certificate III in Printing does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Printing qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 21 Units of competency, including 4 core and 17 speciality units.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Inspect quality against required standards in a production environment ICPSUP2160

  • Maintain a safe work environment ICPSUP2600

  • Communicate in the workplace ICPSUP2620

  • Develop and apply knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry ICPKNW3220

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Delivery options Find a location to enrol

On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.