SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101769  Occupational Certificate: Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - PIFSA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  547  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2019-12-05  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician. A Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician:
  • Sets up, operates and maintains web-fed Coldset Lithographic Printing presses to print specified printing jobs on a variety of paper substrates.

    A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Conduct pre-make ready operations.
  • Set-up and operate a printing press to produce printed material according to customer specifications and set quality standards.
  • Conduct maintenance operations on printing presses, auxiliary equipment and machinery.
  • Comply with and report on safety, health and environmental protection best practices and procedures for a printing environment.
  • Oversee printing team's performance and conduct.

    Rationale:
    South Africa has a sizeable printing industry in terms of its contribution to the economy of the country. The printing industry is one of the most advanced on the African continent, with companies prepared to invest in purchasing advanced printing machines. The industry requires Printing Technicians who can manage these machines during a print production run.

    Printing SA engaged with the printing industry to address the concerns regarding the competitiveness of the industry against international markets. Printing SA identified the Printing Trades and Occupations as a scarce and critical skill in the industry.

    The existing qualification 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 quality training and education has placed the Sector in a precarious position in so far as international competitiveness. The lack of quality training and education also has a devastating impact on the increasing scarcity of skills on the Sector. This Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician qualification will fill a gap in terms of the standards that need to be achieved by the industry.

    In light of 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 are school leavers and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates. Also, workers employed in the printing and packaging industry.

    Qualifying learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Qualified learners will be able to further their education and obtain access to industry-related management programmes available in the Printing and Packaging sector.
    Employers in the printing industry will gain access to suitably qualified artisans. Qualified artisans will be able to produce high-quality work through operating costly printing presses and also reducing downtime and loss in productivity.

    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. The part qualifications in this qualification will create a healthy employment cycle in providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth.

    The work of Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technicians is critical to the economy because of the fundamental role printing, and print products play in the lives of every South African.
    Papermaking, 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 printing costs within a green economy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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:
  • Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy and Communication. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 662211000-KM-01, Introduction to the printing and packaging industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-02, Legal and regulatory requirements, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-03, Printing science and chemistry, Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-04, Quality studies in the printing and packaging industry, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-05, Productivity and economics, Level 3, 11 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-06, Workplace fundamentals, Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-07, Printing presses and auxiliary equipment, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-08, Reelstand, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-09, Delivery system (stacker and delivery conveyor), Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-10, Basic maintenance and problem-solving in heatset and coldset printing environments, Level 2, 11 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-11, Setting-up, maintaining and resolving problems on printing presses, Level 3, 11 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-12, Colour Theory and Colour Management for Heatset and Coldset Lithographers, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-13, Printing press operation, Level 4, 18 Credits.
  • 662211000-KM-14, Advanced maintenance and problem-solving in heatset and coldset printing environments, Level 4, 12 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 126.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 662211000-PM-01, Identify press components and handle substrates, plates and inks in a coldset printing environment, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-02, Set-up and maintain a reelstand and solve reelstand-related problems in a coldset printing environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-03, Set-up and maintain a delivery conveyor and solve delivery conveyor-related problems, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-04, Conduct basic maintenance in a coldset printing environment, Level 2, 18 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-05, Set-up a printing couple on a coldset printing press, Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-06, Conduct planned maintenance of the printing press in a coldset printing environment, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-07, Conduct preventative and routine maintenance on components of the printing press in a coldset printing environment, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-08, Conduct advanced set-up activities on coldset printing press and operate the press, Level 4, 62 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-09, Maintain folder and resolve advanced problems associated with a coldset printing press, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-10, Achieve the quality requirements of a printed product in a coldset printing environment, Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-11, Manage preventative maintenance of a printing press and auxiliary equipment in a coldset printing environment, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-12, Comply with safety, health and environmental protection best practices and procedures for a coldset printing environment, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 662211000-PM-13, Supervise a team in a coldset printing environment, Level 4, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 193.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 662211000-WM-01, Structured planning and communication processes in the workplace, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-02, Pre-make ready operations in a coldset environment, Level 2, 28 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-03, Processes to acquire familiarity with the electronic pre-press and printing maintenance departments in a coldset printing environment, Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-04, Processes to acquire familiarity with production planning and estimation department in a coldset printing environment, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-05, Processes to perform basic maintenance on coldset printing press, Level 2, 14 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-06, Processes to set-up printing couple and conduct planned maintenance in a coldset printing environment, Level 3, 24 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-07, Processes to conduct advanced set-up activities on coldset printing press and to operate the press, Level 4, 44 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-08, Processes to maintain components and resolve problems in a coldset printing press environment, Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-09, Processes to manage preventative maintenance of a coldset printing press and auxiliary equipment, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-10, Processes to achieve the quality requirements of the printed product in a coldset printing environment, Level 4, 40 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-11, Processes to comply with safety, health and environmental protection best practices and procedures for a coldset printing environment, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 662211000-WM-12, Processes to supervise team members in a coldset printing environment, Level 4, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct pre-make ready operations and perform basic and planned maintenance on a coldset printing press and auxiliary components.
    2. Set-up and maintain a reelstand and solve reelstand-related problems in a coldset printing environment.
    3. Conduct set-up activities on coldset printing press and perform preventative and routine press maintenance on components of the printing press.
    4. Operate the press, resolve problems and achieve quality requirements in a coldset printing environment.
    5. Oversee printing team's performance and conduct in a coldset printing environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Read a work ticket correctly.
  • Apply safe handling and transportation techniques correctly to handle substrates, plates and special inks.
  • Check a range of components, monitor and clean galleries, stairs, footplates, indicator lights, sensors, motors, idler (pipe) roller, cooling passages, loose components, air intakes.
  • Basic maintenance is carried out on a range of components according to correct procedures (roller, ink ducts, printing blanket, dampening systems printing plates and blanket cylinders).
  • Conduct planned maintenance of the printing press and auxiliary equipment.
  • Prepare a report on press components.
  • Apply safety procedures in all operations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Prepare reelstand and set-up according to manufacturer's specifications and work ticket instructions.
  • Reels are prepared and spliced according to correct procedures.
  • Calculate correct number of reels, ordered and made available.
  • Substrates are handled and loaded into the reelstand, using the correct technique.
  • Reelstand is inspected and maintained according to procedures.
  • Reelstand-related problems are resolved using problem-solving techniques.
  • Printing press is webbed-up according to production specifications.
  • Safety and environmental standards are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Dampening, inking trains and systems are set-up according to procedures.
  • Mount blankets/packings on a press.
  • A set of printing plates for a specified printing job is mounted.
  • Inking rollers and dampeners on a printing press are maintained and set.
  • Glueing and softening unit and blankets are maintained.
  • Safety and environmental standards are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Interpret work ticket correctly, and identify and resolve errors or anomalies.
  • Press is made ready correctly by setting up a range of systems.
  • Operate press correctly, and the quality of the printing job is maintained.
  • Resolve a range of high-level problems through problem-solving techniques.
  • Achieve quality requirements through inspection of printed product.
  • Confirm availability of resources.
  • Apply safety and environmental standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Delegation is performed to ensure team members understand their tasks.
  • Communication with team members is effective so that setting up and managing a production run is carried out according to plan.
  • Motivation of the team is conducted to achieve improved team performance.
  • Maintain efficiency throughout the production run.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated assessment criteria and the weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. The formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated summative external assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    The relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) must conduct an external integrated summative assessment for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

    The external summative assessment will be a trade test conducted in terms of Section 26 D of the SDA 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. The candidate would be re-tested on all trade test categories in all trade test attempts if they did not pass all tasks during the previous attempt. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification compares with qualifications in the following countries:
    1. The United Kingdom:
    The GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Machine Printing (QCF). The qualification is for those who work as machine operatives (minders) on single and multi-unit production printing presses.
    Some of the competencies shared with the South African qualification are:
  • Maintain Health and Safety within a Print Related Working Environment.
  • Communicating and Working with others in the Print Working Environment.
  • Keep equipment clean and in working order for use in the Print Industry.
  • Set up and run machinery within the Print Industry.
  • Prepare inks and coatings for printing.
  • Set and run ancillary printing machine equipment.
  • Set and run over-printing machinery.
  • Set and use ink drying equipment.
  • Set and use reel handling equipment.
  • Set and run in-line converting or enhancing equipment,
  • Set and run in-line folding equipment.
  • Materials handling, transportation and storage within the print working environment.
  • Set and run slitting and re-reeling equipment - adhesive label production.

    The GQA Level 3 NVQ Diplomas in Machine Printing (QCF) are at Level 3.
    This qualification should be taken by those who:
  • Have the responsibility for managing the machines, including monitoring and controlling the quality of output using a range of methods,
  • Are responsible for ensuring the completion of production records in line with company requirements.
    Assessment of the qualification can take place in several contexts including Lithography (Sheet-fed) Printing, Lithography (Web-fed) Printing, Flexography Printing, Gravure Printing and Screen Printing.

    United States:
    According to the Study.com website in the U.S, printing machine operators can learn skills through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. However, some community colleges and technical schools offer vocational training, such as 2-year programs in printing technology or graphic communications technology, which may be preferred by employers. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions in the modern printing industry through courses in design, typography, digital media and binding.

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, completing a certification program by professional organisations such as the Gravure Association of America (GAA) and the Flexographic Technical Association can attest to an operator's abilities to improve print machine efficiency and productivity as well as product quality and customer satisfaction.

    Fullerton College, for example, offers a range of printing courses whose details are available on http://printing.fullcoll.edu/courses.html. These courses are offered in the types of printing rather than in Heatset and Coldset format, e.g., Silk Screen Printing and Digital Printing. There is some synergy between this qualification and that of Fullerton College.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares favourably with the qualifications in the above countries. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Sheetfed Lithography Technician, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • National N Diploma: Engineering Studies Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required standards employing statements of results and work experience including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    Colour vision and acuity.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Printing Technician: 662211000.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.