Virginia's Printing Technology pathway develops expertise in digital printing, prepress technology, print production, and graphic communications—preparing students for careers in the printing and graphic arts industries. This pathway combines technical knowledge with creative design principles.
Students study prepress operations, digital printing systems, color management, layout design, quality control, and print finishing. They operate professional printing equipment, manage printing projects, and produce commercial print materials through hands-on production experience.
Graduates work as print operators, prepress technicians, print production managers, or graphic communications specialists. Virginia's printing industry serves diverse sectors. Advanced students may pursue graphic design or business programs.
Printing Technology at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's printing technology standards address digital printing systems, color science, production workflow, and quality standards. Standards align with printing industry best practices and environmental sustainability requirements.
Students demonstrate competency through production projects, color management assessments, and equipment operation certifications. The state partners with printing companies.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Printing Foundations and Design |
| Prepress Operations |
| Digital Printing Systems |
| Print Production Management |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Unity Certified User - VR Developer
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Premiere Pro
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - After Effects
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design Specialist
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design Specialist
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Print Operator
Entry LevelSalary range: $35,170 - $46,400
Prepress Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $44,470 - $58,240
Print Production Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $95,570 - $155,150
Print Sales Representative
ExperiencedSalary range: $48,210 - $104,390
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work at printing companies, commercial print shops, and in-house print operations at businesses throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Ready to Build Printing Technology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Printing Technology in Virginia.