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Desktop publishing operators

OaSIS code 14112.01

Desktop publishing operators operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out and produce copy ready to be print.

Overview

Also known as

  • Desktop compositor
  • Desktop publishing (DTP) operator
  • Photocompositor

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out and produce camera-ready copy and may perform pre-flight operator duties
  • Mark copy with computer codes and typographic instructions before it is typeset.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible through experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Graphic designers and illustrators (52120)
  • Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations (94151)
  • Desktop publishing operators supervisor (in 12010.00 Supervisors, general office and administrative support workers)
  • Graphic arts copy stylist; Paste-up artist (in 52111.00 Graphic arts technicians)
  • Proofreaders and editorial assistants (14301.03)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

1 – Business, finance and administration occupations

TEER

4 – Occupations usually require a secondary school diploma; or several weeks of on-the-job training

Major group

14 – Administrative and financial support and supply chain logistics occupations

Sub-major group

141 – Office, court, and data support occupations

Minor group

1411 – Survey, statistical and data entry occupations

Unit group

14112 – Desktop publishing operators and related occupations

Occupational profile

14112.01 – Desktop publishing operators

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Interacting with Computers
4 - High Level
Applying New Knowledge
3 - Moderate Level
Communicating with Coworkers
3 - Moderate Level
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
3 - Moderate Level
Developing Technical Instructions
3 - Moderate Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
3 - Moderate amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
3 - Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Standing
Duration
2 - Less than half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
1 - Very little time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day
Duration
3 - About half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
4 - Highly important
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day

Workplaces/employers

  • Commercial printing companies
  • Firms that specialize in typesetting
  • In-house printing departments of private and public sector establishments
  • Publishing and printing companies

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Colour Perception
5 - Highest Level
Near Vision
4 - High Level
Pattern Identification
4 - High Level
Perceptual Speed
4 - High Level
Arm-Hand Steadiness
3 - Moderate Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Coordinating
3 - Moderate Level
Critical Thinking
3 - Moderate Level
Learning and Teaching Strategies
3 - Moderate Level
Oral Communication: Active Listening
3 - Moderate Level
Oral Communication: Oral Comprehension
3 - Moderate Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Adaptability
4 - Highly important
Attention to Detail
4 - Highly important
Collaboration
4 - Highly important
Creativity
4 - Highly important
Independence
4 - Highly important