Sheetfed Lithography Technician's Assistant

A Sheetfed Lithography Technician's Assistant assists Sheetfed Lithographers in carrying out their functions and maintaining sheetfed lithographic machinery and equipment. A qualified Learner will be able to: • Demonstrate an understanding of the theory underpinning 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.

Printing SA engaged with the printing industry to address the concerns regarding the competitiveness of the industry against international markets during which Sheetfed Lithography was identified as a scarce and critical skill in the industry. The existing National Craft Diploma: Lithography (Paper and Metal section) qualification is outdated and does not cater for skills progression in the various occupations associated with the printing trade. The lack of skilled assistants with up-to-date technological skills has placed the Sector in a precarious position in so far as international competitiveness is concerned. Learners will benefit by receiving a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Once qualified, learners may progress on their pathway to becoming an artisan. Printing and Packaging employers will benefit by gaining access to suitably qualified assistants to 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 Artisans. This will create a healthy employment cycle providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth. Typical Learners / Target Group: Learners will be drawn from the school leavers. Possible Employment: By obtaining a trade qualification, learners will secure employment in the Sector and open themselves up to career advancement opportunities. 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 industry as it forms a significant component of print manufacturing costs within a green economy.

• Perform pre-make ready and make ready operations for full colour print production.
• Assist with running a sheetfed lithographic printing press to produce printed products and maintaining the press.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the theory underpinning printing practices.
• 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.