Occupational Certificate: Book Sewing Machine Operator

Purpose

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Book Sewing Machine Operator.

A qualified learner will be able to set up, operate and maintain book sewing equipment and machinery to produce sewn book-blocks.

Rationale

Printing SA engaged with the Printing and Packaging Industry to address the concerns regarding the competitiveness of the industry against international markets during which time the Bookbinding Trades and Occupations were identified as a scarce and critical skills in the industry.

The existing National Craft Diploma: Bookbinding Mechanised/Cutting qualification is outdated and does not cater for skills progression in the various occupations associated with the Bookbinding trade. The lack of skilled operators 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 to obtain additional associated qualifications on their path to becoming an artisan.

Printing and Packaging employers will benefit by gaining access to suitably qualified operators to operate and maintain costly bookbinding, finishing equipment and machinery. 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.

Learners will be drawn from schools and TVET Colleges and 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, adhesives and other materials is of critical importance to the industry as it forms a significant component of print finishing and bookbinding manufacturing costs within a green economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access to the qualification

Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

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.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 1 qualification.

This part-qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 662305-000-00-KM-01, Introduction to the Printing and Packaging Industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.
• 662305-000-00-KM-02, General Bookbinding and Print Finishing Technology, Level 2, 2 Credits.
• 662305-000-00-KM-05, Sewing Machine Operating Technology, Level 2, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 9

Practical Skill Modules

• 662305-000-00-PM-04, Set up, Operate and Maintain a Book Sewing Machine to Produce Book-blocks, Level 2, 18 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 18

Work Experience Modules

• 662305-000-00-WM-01, Operational and Support Processes in the Printing Environment, Level 2, 6 Credits.
• 662305-000-00-WM-05, Book Sewing Operations, Level 2, 11 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 17

1. Set up, operate and maintain a book sewing machine to produce book-blocks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Collect, inspect, and safely transported correct resources to the book sewing machine.
• Collate a gathered book-block that conforms to job specifications.
• Set up the book sewing machine correctly according to job specifications and safety requirements.
• Conform end products to job specifications throughout the book sewing process.
• Diagnose faults and take corrective action in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Despatch products to the next process to comply with production flow requirements.
• Inspect and repair the books sewing machine according to standard operating procedures.
• Check safety devices to determine that they are in proper working condition.
• Perform maintenance according to the maintenance schedule.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessment

The Skills Development Provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the External Integrated Summative Assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment

An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification.

The external summative assessment will be a trade test conducted in terms of the Skills Development Act, Section 26d through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by NAMB. The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. No recognition will be granted to learners for those trade test tasks in which they were found competent, if all tasks were not passed and the candidate will be re-tested on all trade test categories in all trade test attempts.