Sheetfed Lithography Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Sheetfed Lithography Technician. A Sheetfed Lithography Technician sets up, operates and maintains sheetfed lithographic printing presses to print specified printing jobs on substrates such as paper, paperboard, vinyl, metal and plastic. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform pre-make-ready and make-ready operations for a printing production run. • Run a printing press to produce printed material according to customer specifications and set quality standards. • Perform preventative and routine maintenance operations on printing presses and auxiliary equipment and machinery. • Apply safety, health and environmental protection best practices and procedures for a printing environment.

The Printing Industries Federation of South Africa has engaged with the printing industry to address the concerns regarding the competitiveness of the industry against international markets, during which the Sheetfed Lithography Technician was identified as a scarce and critical skill in the industry. The current qualification for the Sheetfed Lithographer is outdated and does not meet the requirements for a trade qualification in terms of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations and the National Artisan Moderation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 such quality training and education has placed the sector in a precarious position in so far as international competitiveness is concerned not to mention the devastating impact that the increasing scarcity of skills has had on the sector. Benefits to the learner: 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 industry related management programmes available in the Printing and Packaging sector. Benefits to the employer: Printing and Packaging employers will gain access to suitably qualified artisans to operate and maintain costly printing presses. 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. This will create a healthy employment cycle providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth. Possible Employment: By obtaining a trade qualification, learners will secure employment in the sector and open themselves up to career advancement opportunities. Industry indications are that over 600 apprentices should be trained on a national basis to meet the artisan replenishment needs of the sector. The current number of apprentices being trained nationally has fallen well short of this indicator over the last number of years. Paper making, waste efficiency and recycling are subjects covered in this curriculum. The efficient and responsible use of paper and other materials is of critical importance to the sector as it forms a significant component of print manufacturing 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: • NQF Level 1 with Mathematics or ABET 4.

• Perform pre-make-ready operations for full colour print production.
• Perform make-ready operations for print production.
• Run a sheetfed lithographic printing press to produce printed material according to set quality, productivity and safety standards and to customer specifications.
• Perform preventative and routine maintenance operations on printing presses and auxiliary equipment and machinery.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the theory underpinning the printing competencies and printing practices.
• Conduct pre-make ready and make ready tasks for a printing production job.
• Assist with running a sheetfed lithographic printing press to produce printed products, and maintaining the press.
• Assist with performing preventative and routine maintenance operations on printing presses and auxiliary equipment and machinery.
• Comply with safety, health and environmental protection best practices and procedures for a printing environment.