Handicraft and printing workers combine artistic and manual skills to design, produce, maintain and decorate precision instruments, musical instruments, jewellery and other precious metals, pottery, porcelain and glassware, items made of wood or textile, leather or related materials, and printed products such as books, newspapers and magazines. They apply traditional and/or recently developed techniques to carve, mould, assemble, weave and decorate various articles; to compose and set type prior to printing; to set up and operate printing presses; to bind and finish printed products; and to prepare stencils and operate screen printing equipment. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the second ISCO skill level.

The work may be carried out by hand or involve the use of hand tools and hand-held power tools, and in some cases the set-up and operation of machinery and machine tools. The tasks call for an understanding of the work organization, materials and tools used, and the nature and purpose of the final product.

Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: making and repairing nautical, meteorological, optical and other precision instruments and equipment; making and repairing musical instruments; making jewellery and precious metalware; making pottery, porcelain ware, ceramics and glassware; painting and decorating various articles; producing handicraft articles in wood or textile, leather and related materials; performing printing or book-binding tasks. Supervision of other workers may be included.