Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician. A Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician: • Sets up, operates and maintains web-fed Coldset Lithographic Printing presses to print specified printing jobs on a variety of paper substrates. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct pre-make ready operations. • Set-up and operate a printing press to produce printed material according to customer specifications and set quality standards. • Conduct maintenance operations on printing presses, auxiliary equipment and machinery. • Comply with and report on safety, health and environmental protection best practices and procedures for a printing environment. • Oversee printing team's performance and conduct.

South Africa has a sizeable printing industry in terms of its contribution to the economy of the country. The printing industry is one of the most advanced on the African continent, with companies prepared to invest in purchasing advanced printing machines. The industry requires Printing Technicians who can manage these machines during a print production run. Printing SA engaged with the printing industry to address the concerns regarding the competitiveness of the industry against international markets. Printing SA identified the Printing Trades and Occupations as a scarce and critical skill in the industry. The existing qualification is outdated and does not meet the requirements for a trade qualification in terms of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations and the National Artisan Moderation Body. The lack of quality training and education has placed the Sector in a precarious position in so far as international competitiveness. The lack of quality training and education also has a devastating impact on the increasing scarcity of skills on the Sector. This Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician qualification will fill a gap in terms of the standards that need to be achieved by the industry. In light of the above, this qualification will have far-reaching positive implications for those who are or intend to be in the trade. Typical learners for this qualification are school leavers and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates. Also, workers employed in the printing and packaging industry. Qualifying learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Qualified learners will be able to further their education and obtain access to industry-related management programmes available in the Printing and Packaging sector. Employers in the printing industry will gain access to suitably qualified artisans. Qualified artisans will be able to produce high-quality work through operating costly printing presses and also reducing downtime and loss in productivity. Benefits to society and economy: By creating career pathways in the sector, employees will be able to progress from general factory workers to qualified Artisans. The part qualifications in this qualification will create a healthy employment cycle in providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth. The work of Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technicians is critical to the economy because of the fundamental role printing, and print products play in the lives of every South African. Papermaking, waste efficiency and recycling are subjects covered in this curriculum. The efficient and responsible use of paper, adhesives and other materials is of critical importance to the industry as it forms a significant component of printing costs within a green economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy and Communication.

• Conduct pre-make ready operations and perform basic and planned maintenance on a coldset printing press and auxiliary components.
• Set-up and maintain a reelstand and solve reelstand-related problems in a coldset printing environment.
• Conduct set-up activities on coldset printing press and perform preventative and routine press maintenance on components of the printing press.
• Operate the press, resolve problems and achieve quality requirements in a coldset printing environment.
• Oversee printing team's performance and conduct in a coldset printing environment.