Occupational Certificate: Electronic Pre-press Flexographic Platemaker

Purpose

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Electronic Pre-press Flexographic Platemaker within the printing environment.

An Electronic Pre-press Flexographic Platemaker produces flexographic plates used in printing.

A qualified learner will be able to produce image carriers for Flexographic printing.

Rationale

An Electronic Pre-press Flexographic Platemaker 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 Flexographic Platemakers 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 part-qualification will have far-reaching implications to those who are in the trade as training programmes developed against this qualification will enjoy national recognition. Typical learners for this part-qualification are school leavers, qualifying learners from the Technical and Vocational Educational 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. 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. This part-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.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 662101-002-00-KM-01, Introduction to the Printing and Packaging Industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.
• 662101-002-00-KM-11, Image Carriers in Flexographic Pre-Press, Level 3, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 12

Practical Skill Modules

• 662101-002-00-PM-04, Produce Flexographic Printing Plates, Level 3, 48 Credits.
• 662101-002-00-PM-05, Comply with Safety, Health and Environmental Protection Best Practices and Procedures for Printing Environment, Level 2, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 52

Work Experience Modules

• 662101-002-00-WM-06, Processes to Produce Flexographic Printing Plates, Level 3, 44 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 44

1. Produce image carriers for flexographic printing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Submit files to the RIP and according to job specifications.
• Produce flexographic plate using the appropriate plate-making procedures.
• Manage image carrier production queue correctly.
• Perform quality assurance processes correctly and at the appropriate times.
• Handle, care and store materials used for making lithographic plates as per product specifications.
• Maintain and clean plate-making equipment according to schedules.
• Calibrate flexographic equipment using appropriate techniques.
• Adhere to all relevant safety precautions.
• Complete the tasks within specified time.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the flexographic plate-making procedure.

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 together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external 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.

The external integrated assessment will be conducted through a trade test as prescribed under section 26 D of the Skills Development Act and defined in the Trade Test Regulations. It will be conducted 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 the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB).