Hiring and Sponsoring Pre-press technicians (SOC Code 5421)

Pre-Press Technicians, classified under SOC Code 5421, are specialized professionals in the printing and publishing industry who play a crucial role in preparing artwork and text for production. Their responsibilities encompass a range of technical tasks that ensure high-quality final prints. Key functions include:

• Determining Specifications: Assessing the kind and size of type required for projects as guided by specifications.
• Image and Text Generation: Utilizing computer applications to create and manipulate images and text to meet design requirements.
• Digital Imaging: Scanning and retouching digital images to produce sample proofs that align with the intended design.
• Quality Checks: Examining proof copies to verify quality and accuracy, while making necessary alterations to achieve the desired outcome.
• Filmsetting and Desktop Publishing: Processing outputs to generate images on film and transferring these to printing plates, including digital formats.
• Material Arrangement: Arranging and pasting printing material onto paper in preparation for photographic processes.

As the demand for high-quality print production continues in the creative industries, many companies and print houses are actively seeking skilled pre-press technicians, leading to a growing need for talent both domestically and internationally. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring pre-press technicians under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Pre-press technicians?

SOC Code 5421 refers to pre-press technicians who prepare and produce images and text for printing. Their responsibilities can include:

• Determining specifications: Assessing the kind and size of type needed for each project.
• Using computer applications: Generating digital images and text through specialized software.
• Scanning and retouching images: Creating sample proofs by enhancing and preparing digital images.
• Planning and laying out artwork: Designing the layout to align with the planned aesthetic and specifications.
• Examining proof copies: Checking for quality and accuracy, making necessary alterations to ensure the best final product.
• Processing filmsetting: Producing images on film and preparing them for printing plates and digital output.
• Arranging and pasting materials: Preparing printing elements on paper for photographing.

Pre-press technicians play a vital role in the printing process, ensuring that images and text are accurately prepared for production and maintaining the integrity of design throughout.

Eligibility to Hire Pre-press technicians (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Pre-press technicians seeking to excel in their role must have relevant technical skills and experience in the field. The following qualifications are essential:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in computer applications for generating images and text, including familiarity with software such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Image Processing: Ability to scan, retouch, and manipulate digital images to create high-quality proofs that match design specifications.
• Proofing: Experience in examining proof copies for quality control, checking for accuracy, and making necessary alterations to ensure the final product meets standards.
• Filmsetting and Output Processing: Knowledge of filmsetting processes and desktop publishing output to effectively produce images on film, as well as transfer these to printing plates or digital output.
• Layout and Design: Skills in planning and laying out artwork to ensure alignment with the intended design, including arranging and pasting printing materials properly onto paper for photographing.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail is required to ensure the highest quality output throughout the production process.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in a print production environment or related field, which may include a relevant technical degree or certification.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 5421 and that the technician’s experience and skills fulfill the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Pre-press technicians: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Pre-press technicians under SOC Code 5421.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Pre-press technicians, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Pre-press technicians under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Pre-press technicians. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Pre-press technicians applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Pre-press technicians’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorshipfor a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Pre-press technicians can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Pre-press technicians

Before the Pre-press technicians begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Pre-press technicians’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Pre-press technicians holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Pre-press technicians’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Pre-press technicians’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Pre-press technicianss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Pre-press technicians

Sponsoring Pre-press technicians under SOC Code 5421 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Pre-press technicians, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Pre-press technicians under SOC Code 5421 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.