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Press Operator Trainee Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Press Operator Trainee information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Press Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Press Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with printing presses, quality control tools, and safety protocols is typically required, and on-the-job training or certifications in press operation are often provided. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and the ability to work well in a team help you excel in this hands-on, fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintaining production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting a safe workplace.

How do you become a press operator?

To become a press operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn how to operate printing presses. Some employers prefer candidates with basic mechanical skills and familiarity with safety procedures; certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.

What does a Press Operator Trainee do?

A Press Operator Trainee learns to operate and maintain printing presses or similar machinery under the supervision of experienced operators. Their duties often include setting up the press, loading materials, monitoring production runs, inspecting finished products for quality, and performing basic troubleshooting and maintenance. The trainee position is designed to provide hands-on training and develop the skills necessary to become a fully qualified press operator.

How much does a print press operator make?

A press operator trainee typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the printing equipment. As they gain skills and certifications, their salary can increase, and experienced press operators often earn higher wages or salaries annually.

What is the role of an operator trainee?

A press operator trainee is responsible for learning how to operate printing presses or manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently. They typically receive on-the-job training, develop skills in machine setup and maintenance, and may need to obtain certifications depending on the industry. The role involves monitoring equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring quality standards are met during production.

What is the difference between Press Operator Trainee vs Press Operator?

AspectPress Operator TraineePress Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning processFull responsibility for operating printing presses, independent work
Employer UsageEntry-level position, training role in printing industrySkilled role, responsible for press operation and quality control

The Press Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Press Operator is a fully responsible role requiring skills and experience to operate printing presses independently.

What skills do press operators need?

Press operators need strong mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications. They should be familiar with operating and maintaining printing or manufacturing equipment, and often require knowledge of safety procedures and quality control standards. Good communication and problem-solving skills are also important for troubleshooting issues quickly.

What are some common challenges faced by a Press Operator Trainee, and how can they be addressed?

As a Press Operator Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery, maintaining high quality standards, and troubleshooting minor technical issues. Adjusting to the fast-paced environment and understanding safety protocols are also important hurdles. Overcoming these challenges typically involves thorough on-the-job training, asking questions when unsure, and closely following established procedures. Building good communication with experienced operators and supervisors can also greatly help in developing your skills and confidence.
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Press Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Press Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Press Operator Trainee job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Flexo Press Operator Trainee

Flexo Press Operator Trainee

Resource Label Group

Lake Oswego, OR • On-site

$21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Resource Label Group rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Resource Label Group, LLC is a leading full-service provider of label and packaging solutions with a diverse product offering, which includes pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, RFID/NFC technology, sustainable product solutions, scent activation technology, pharmaceutical packaging and fulfillment services. Resource Label provides products and services for the food, beverage, chemical, household products, personal care, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, medical device, and technology industries. With twenty-seven locations across the U.S. and Canada, Resource Label Group provides national leadership and scale to deliver capabilities, technologies, systems, and creative solutions that customers require.
As Resource Label Group continues to grow, we are always looking for talented individuals to join our team! Every person in our company contributes to our success. We offer an employee centric, collaborative culture that is technology driven and focused on delivering valuable, creative solutions. Our core values embody the way we interact with each other just as it influences the way we interact with clients.
We are currently recruiting for a Flexo Press Trainee to come aboard and learn the tricks of the trade! The Press Trainee will assist in set up and operation of the printing press to producing labels on paper, plastic, foil, and film materials using UV and water-based inks on 7" to 17" presses with up to 10 color stations.
This is an entry level position where the right candidate will have a path to becoming a trained Flexo Press Operator. This position offers onsite training and the chance to continuously advance your career!
Responsibilities:
  • Read job order, load dies into press, install print cylinder on shaft, and install print cylinder in press
  • Fill ink pans, screens, and pumps with prescribed inks
  • Splice end of roll to stock remaining on press, adjusts tension, and feed as directed
  • Start press, adjusting speed and alignment of stock to the print cylinder as necessary
  • Engage print cylinders; adjust printing impression, and place print cylinders lead-to-lead
  • Cut sample of approval strip from printed roll, inspect for imperfections such as print to print out of register, print to die out of register, missing impression, ink starvation or color adjustments
  • Clean plates and print cylinders and dies
  • Continuously monitor the web and video camera screen to ensure excellent print quality to include register, color consistency, and print cleanliness
  • Assists in the performance of daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance
  • Mix inks to produce and maintain desired colors and viscosity

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Previous experience working in a manufacturing or distribution setting is preferred but not required
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, fractions and volume
  • Ability to read and interpret ruler, scales and other measurement devices

Why work with us? Take a look at all we have to offer!
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • Comprehensive and Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
  • Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance
  • Additional Benefits - Long-Term Disability, Supplemental Life, Accident and Critical Illness Coverage Plans
  • Excellent 401(k) retirement plan with generous company contribution
  • We pride ourselves in investing in our employees by offering onsite training and the ability to have unlimited growth potential within our organization
  • We believe in rewarding our employees with performance-based salary increases

Starting Wage: $21.50

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