Doug Back might well have printer’s ink in his blood.
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The master craftsman in hand and machine compositing clocks up 51 years with Dubbo Printing Works on Saturday.
He has a passion for the trade but next month he’ll move into a well-earned retirement.
In his career he’s seen the move from hand-set type to linotype and then more changes again with the digital era.
“It evolves so quickly these days,” he said.
It was a different era when as a 16-year-old he started out with Dubbo Printing Works, owned by Albert ‘Bert’ Grace.
“I walked in and asked if they were looking for an apprentice,” he said.
“It was pretty easy to get a job straight out of Year 10.”
I guess I’ve got printer’s ink in my blood.
- Doug Back
The teen began a five-year apprenticeship as a hand and machine compositor.
He said back then 70 per cent of the jobs he did were put together by hand.
Wedding invitations were a familiar and painstaking part of his day in the early years.
Mr Back chuckles at studies that show the average person will have eight different jobs in their lifetime.
“I’ve worked for the same family all that time - I work for Bert Grace’s daughter Janet now,” he said.
Mrs Williams praised the soon-to-be retiree as a “loyal employee, very reliable”.
“We’re certainly going to miss him… he’s pretty much a one-off,” she said.
“I’d like to thank him for all his years of service, starting with my father.
“He’s experienced so many aspects of the printing industry.”
Mr Back has seen some big changes and another one is looming for Dubbo Printing Works.
The business has sold its Brisbane Street premises and will move to a new store at 214 Macquarie Street next month.
The dedicated employee paid tribute to his colleagues.
“The people I’ve worked with have all been amazing and there’s been a lot, more than 100,” he said.
Mr Back reflects on his career with satisfaction.
“I’ve always loved printing,” he said.
“I guess I’ve got printer’s ink in my blood and I guess it never goes out.”
The community has offered well-wishes on social media.
Some happy customers shared memories of their experiences.