5423 — Print finishing and binding workers
Medium Skilled
Sources checked 26 October 2026. Match the actual duties before choosing a code.
Related job titles
What this occupation covers
Print finishing and binding workers bind books and other publications and finish printed items by hand or machine.
Typical duties
folds, collates and sews printed sheets by hand or machine
compresses sewn book in nipping machine to expel air and reduce swelling caused by sewing
trims head, tail and fore-edge of book and gilds and marbles page edges as necessary
cuts board and cloth for book cover and spine
embosses lettering or decoration on cover by hand or machine
repairs worn book bindings
sets up and supervises automatic binding and finishing machine.
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job. Traineeships and apprenticeships in Machine Printing are available at NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3.
Sponsorship information
Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.
DBS assessment
No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.
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