Electronic Pre-press Lithography Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Electronic Pre-Press Lithography Technician. An Electronic Pre-Press Lithography Technician interrogates and pre-flights pre-press media, creates print layouts and impositions, prepares contract proofs and sets- up, operates and maintains equipment to produce an image carrier to enable print. The final product produced by this technician is a lithographic plate that is ready to be used on a printing press. A qualified learner will be able to: • Evaluate and pre-flight pre-press media for lithographic printing. • Use computer applications to create print layouts and impositions for lithographic printing. • Prepare contract proofs for lithographic printing. • Produce image carriers for lithographic printing.

An Electronic Pre-Press Lithography Technician plays a crucial role in the printing industry as their work determines the set-up of a printing press to ensure efficiency, cost-saving and ultimately the quality of the printed product. Printing SA engaged with the printing industry to address the concerns regarding the competitiveness of the industry against international markets during which the Printing Trades and Occupations were identified as scarce and critical skills in the industry. Electronic Pre-Press Lithography Technicians currently receive training at their places of work; but the extent of this training cannot be measured in terms of complexity and remains unaccredited because there is no national standard or qualification that can serve as a benchmark. This qualification will have far-reaching implications to those who are in the trade as training programmes developed against this qualification will enjoy national recognition. The qualification also specifies the training requirements for a part- qualification, which is Electronic Pre-Press Lithographic Platemaker. Considering 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 or its part- qualification are school leavers, qualifying learners from the Technical and Vocational education and Training (TVET) college or employees in the printing industry. Learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Once qualified, learners will be able to further their education and will be able to obtain access to printing-related programmes and qualifications. While such registered qualifications do not currently exist at an NQF Level 5 or higher, it is envisaged that Pre-press Supervisory and or Master Craftsmen qualifications will be developed in the near future to provide career pathway opportunities. Employers in the electronic pre-press and printing industries will gain access to suitably qualified personnel who will produce high-quality work through the training - commensurate to industry standards - that they have received. By creating career pathways in the sector, employees will be able to progress from general factory workers to qualified Artisans. The part-qualification in this qualification will create a healthy employment cycle in providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. RPL for Credits Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part-qualification will be credited for modules through 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. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 1 qualification.

• Receive and identify files for lithographic printing.
• Evaluate and perform pre-flight checks on pre-press media for lithographic printing.
• Create print layouts and impositions for lithographic printing.
• Prepare contract proofs for lithographic printing.
• Produce image carriers for lithographic printing.