“Look, understand, try out” at the BerufsCHECK 2022 at Gutenberg AG

12.04.22

Thanks to the BerufsCHECK week, which was launched in 2016, the students of the 8th grades from the upper and secondary schools were able to actively participate and pepper our experts on site with burning questions.

We presented five professions that are closely related to each other but require different apprenticeships. The students received practical insight into being a print media technologist offset and digital, polygrapher and print media processor. A short theory-oriented introduction to our newest and youngest member - the media design department - as a mediamatician, was also a must.

Accuracy is required here

When a print order is placed, our media technologists offset printing processes are planned, carried out and then checked. They independently operate a so-called sheetfed offset machine and are therefore responsible for the best possible print quality. Regularly checking the data on the printing forms should not be missed, because if necessary, you have to make improvements on the computer such as color space corrections, personalizations, etc.

But what exactly is the difference between offset and digital media technologist?

Media technologists in digital printing are the all-rounders in the printing industry. The difference between offset printing and digital printing is clearly the technology and the process. While the process in offset printing is much more complex because it is based on the chemical principle, in digital printing the data is processed directly on the digital printing machine. Toners are applied to the paper in one step using laser technology, charging and discharging.

The requirements, however, are very similar. What is most important for the relevant professions is a good eye and a subjective sense of color. But the physical effect of color also plays a big role here, because every color has a different effect on our psyche and our body - so every single color has a typical wavelength and energy that is transferred to our bodies. For example, blue light has a cooling effect, while red light has a warming and stimulating effect.

Creative streak required

Our polygraphers are specialists in print media production. In their department, the students were given the 1:1 opportunity to get to know the profession up close in a real business environment. This gave them a small insight into the varied daily work of a polygrapher. As already mentioned above, they are the specialists when it comes to carrying out print, screen and cross-media projects. They conduct customer meetings, implement marketing and communication measures and then design media products. This data is then processed on the computer and produced according to technical and design specifications.

The generalists of the future

During the tour of our company, the students made a short stop in our media design department. Our experts explained to them exactly what the job of mediamatician entails. Because mediamaticians, also known as multimedia all-rounders, live up to their name. They work in numerous areas and combine creativity, communication, IT and business administration. Operating websites and social media channels, developing advertising materials and editing texts, images and videos are just a few of the many activities that are carried out every day in this profession.

The crowning glory

Since we all want to shine with a top result at the end, they bear a great responsibility. Print media processors are crucial for the finishing touches. By cutting, folding, stapling, scoring, banding and packaging, they bring the printed matter into its final form.