Arts & crafts

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• specialist training courses

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• design crafts
• printmaking
• art conservation and restoration

You'll need to check that the course covers methods used in bookbinding.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You can do a bookbinder or print operative intermediate apprenticeship or a print technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start out as a print room or reprographics assistant and work your way up through experience and taking courses.

Direct application

You could apply directly to become a bookbinder. Employers will expect you to have some printing experience.

You may find it useful to have GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Other routes

You could take short specialist courses in craft binding and finishing. You can take these courses with organisations like the Society of Bookbinders.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about working in bookbinding and printing from the British Printing Industries Federation and the Heritage Crafts Association.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could become a supervisor or work for a specialist print finishing company.

You could also move into other jobs like printing or sales.

As a craft bookbinder, you could improve your job opportunities by joining the Society of Bookbinders or Designer Bookbinders.