Graphics Production Student Co-op

Job Description

Job Description

The Graphics Production Student participates in a school-sponsored cooperative vocational/School-to-Work program and supports the preparation and production of graphics, labels, signs, and related printed materials. The position provides supervised, hands-on experience in graphic design, prepress preparation, digital printing, production processes, quality control, and finishing activities.

All duties will be performed in accordance with the student's approved cooperative education training plan, applicable New Jersey and federal youth-employment requirements, company safety procedures, and the direction of the student's school coordinator and designated workplace supervisor.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesGraphic Design and Prepress

• Create, edit, and prepare artwork and graphics for sign, label, print, and digital production.
• Assist with layouts using typography, visual design, and production-design principles.
• Review graphics, layouts, fonts, spelling, dimensions, and artwork details for accuracy before production.
• Prepare and adjust artwork to meet printing and production requirements; retouch and prepare images for print and digital use.
• Use approved graphics and production software, which may include CorelDRAW, Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Esko graphics/workflow software, and similar applications.
• Archive and maintain organized electronic files; coordinate with Graphics and Production team members to resolve artwork or file-related issues.
• Proofread completed work and perform quality checks for accuracy and consistency.

Printing and Production

• Operate approved printing equipment for which the student has received appropriate classroom and/or workplace instruction, safety training, and authorization under the cooperative education training plan.
• The student will not operate the HP Latex 365 large-format printer.
• Operate Zebra label printers and approved tabletop thermal-transfer printers.
• Operate the Vision 2448 CNC engraver and Vision 2550 CNC router/engraver only as specifically approved student-learner training activities, using sign vinyl and approved plastic materials, after required school and employer safety instruction, intermittently and for short periods, and under direct and close supervision of a qualified and experienced employee.
• Load approved printing media and materials into permitted equipment and retrieve and organize completed printed materials.
• Match printed materials with work orders and production specifications; monitor print quality and inspect finished products for accuracy, color, alignment, and conformity with work orders.
• Prepare and stage permitted materials and supplies for production; organize completed products and move light materials between approved work areas.
• Maintain an orderly and safe workstation.

Finishing and Hand-Tool Activities

• Perform approved light finishing activities associated with graphics and printed materials.
• Measure, position, organize, separate, and prepare printed materials for subsequent production steps.
• Use approved non-powered hand tools, including a box/utility cutter or precision craft knife, only after receiving appropriate safety instruction and authorization and only for tasks included in the student's cooperative education training plan.
• Follow all required cutting procedures, including use of an appropriate cutting surface, safe cutting direction, and required personal protective equipment or safeguards.
• Immediately report damaged tools, unsafe conditions, injuries, or equipment problems to the designated supervisor.
• Perform other graphics, prepress, printing, quality-control, and light production duties specifically approved for the student and consistent with applicable youth-employment requirements.

Safety and Supervision

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, equipment instructions, and required safeguards.
• Complete required school and employer safety training before performing assigned production activities.
• Operate only equipment for which the student has been specifically trained and authorized.
• Use required personal protective equipment when applicable.
• Perform work under the supervision required by the cooperative education program.
• Immediately stop work and notify a supervisor if an unfamiliar, unsafe, or unauthorized task or piece of equipment is encountered.
• Never attempt to clear a machine jam, bypass a machine guard or safety device, or perform equipment maintenance or repair.
• Use hand-cutting tools only in accordance with employer-provided safety training and approved procedures.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a student in an approved cooperative vocational education/School-to-Work program.
• Interest in graphic design, printing, sign manufacturing, visual communications, or related production work.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn graphics and production software.
• Strong attention to detail, proofreading, organizational, listening, and comprehension skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and equipment-specific safety procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Graphics and Production team members.
• Must be able to stand for 4-6 hours in a row per day.
• Must be able to life 25 lbs regularly and, 50 lbs occasionally. 
• Dependable, willing to learn, and able to maintain a safe and organized work area.

Cooperative Education Requirements

Employment and training are contingent upon continued participation in the applicable cooperative vocational education/School-to-Work program and completion of all required employment authorization, training-plan, school, employer, and caregiver documentation. Assigned duties may be modified or restricted at any time by the employer or school coordinator to maintain compliance with the student's individualized training plan, applicable youth-employment requirements, or workplace safety requirements.