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: Sheetfed Lithography Technician's Assistant 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119425  Occupational Certificate: Sheetfed Lithography Technician's Assistant 
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  129  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-08-04  2025-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31   2029-12-31  

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 
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.

    Rationale:
    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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge Modules, Practical Skills Modules and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules
  • 662204-000-01-00-KM-01, Printing Technology for Sheetfed Lithography, Level 2,12 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-KM-02, Industry Studies for Sheetfed Lithography, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-KM-03, Printing Science for Sheetfed Lithography, Level 2, 7 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-KM-04, Quality Studies for Sheetfed Lithography, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-KM-05, Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Requirements for Sheetfed Lithography, Level 2, 9 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 46

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 662204-000-01-00-PM-01, Conduct Pre-make-ready and Make-ready Tasks for Printing Production Jobs, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-PM-02, Assist with Running a Sheetfed Lithographic Printing Press to Produce Printed Products and Maintain Press Operations, Level 2, 13 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-PM-03, Assist with Performing Preventative and Routine Maintenance Operations on Printing Presses and Auxiliary Equipment and Machinery, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-PM-04, Comply with Safety, Health, and Environmental Protection Best Practices and Procedures for a Printing Environment, Level 2, 6 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 28

    Work Experience Modules
  • 662204-000-01-00-WM-01, Pre-make-ready and Make-ready Operations, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-WM-02, Printing Production Operations on Printing Presses, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-WM-03, Maintenance Preparations on Printing Presses and Auxiliary Equipment and Machinery, Level 2, 19 Credits.
  • 662204-000-01-00-WM-04, Workplace Health, Safety, and Environmental Best Practices, Level 2, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 55 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform pre-make ready and make ready operations for full colour print production.
    2. Assist with running a sheetfed lithographic printing press to produce printed products and maintaining the press.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory underpinning printing practices.
    4. Assist with performing preventative and routine maintenance operations on printing presses and auxiliary equipment and machinery.
    5. Comply with safety, health and environmental protection best practices and procedures for a printing environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Obtain and interpret accurately work ticket and the correct resources for print production.
  • Properly Prepare stack or stillage for loading.
  • Properly Prepare printing plates for mounting.
  • Measure and mix dampening solution, conductivity, and pH (if applicable).
  • Verify availability of spare resources and components.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Re-load the printing press feeder during the run to maintain consistent substrate levels.
  • Unload printed substrate from the delivery by using the machine appropriate methods.
  • Maintain consistent ink duct levels during a production run.
  • Perform a printing blanket wash up when required during a production run, using the correct technique.
  • Perform a full press washes up at the end of a production run.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the context of the printing industry and the up- and down-stream activities which will have an influence on the printed product.
  • Describe lithographic printing technology concepts and maintenance requirements.
  • Analyse the basic scientific principles and the effect that chemistry has on the lithographic printing process.
  • Evaluate the importance of quality management in a lithographic printing environment.
  • Identify the legal requirements and regulations related to health, safety and environmental aspects in the printing industry.
  • Identify and point out various components of a printing press.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Deglaze and rejuvenate printing press rollers.
  • Inspect and replace Journals and bearings using appropriate tools if necessary.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply waste treatment, disposal, and recycling practices.
  • Identify and respond to work practices, events or situations that could create unsafe working conditions.
  • Handle and store chemicals according to material safety data sheet (MSDS) information.

    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).The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    For purposes of comparability City & Guilds of London in the United Kingdom and the Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia were chosen.

    United Kingdom
    City & Guilds of London was chosen for international comparability purposes since they are the United Kingdom's leading provider of vocational qualifications and have over 8500 centres in 100 countries and are recognised by employers worldwide for providing quality qualifications.

    For purposes of comparability the Level 2 NVQ in Machine Printing - Lithography (5158-21) qualification was chosen.
    The Performance criteria, Knowledge and understanding and Performance evidence detailed in the following units are well aligned to this qualification.
  • Unit 201: Comply with the health and safety requirements in the workplace.
  • Unit 202: Improve your performance at work.
  • Unit 208: Contribute to maintaining equipment in working order.
  • Unit 209: Prepare machines for sheet fed lithographic printing.
  • Unit 213: Prepare inks.
  • Unit 215: Maintain the condition of plates for printing.

    Australia
    The Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (ICP20120) found in the National Register on Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia classifies the Printers' Assistant as part of the qualification scheme.
  • 899511 - Printers' Assistant.

    The units covered which relates to Occupational qualification are:
  • ICPCBF2430 Set up machine for basic collating or inserting (sheet/section).
  • ICPCBF2440 Produce basic collated or inserted (sheet/section) product.
  • ICPPRN271 Set up for basic coating.
  • ICPPRN2420 Produce basic pad printed product.
  • ICPPRN3840 Set up and produce basic digital print.
  • ICPSUP2070 Prepare machine for operation (basic).
  • ICPSUP2080 Operate and monitor machines (basic).
  • Licensing/Regulatory Information.

    No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

    Entry Requirements
    Not applicable.

    The elements and performance criteria, foundational skills, performance evidence, knowledge evidence, and assessment conditions defined in this unit of competence compares favourably with this qualification.

    Conclusion
    The Sheetfed Lithography Technician's Assistant qualification is comparable to the chosen internationally recognised qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Reel-stand Operator, NQF Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Coldset Rotary Offset Lithography Technician's Assistant, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None

    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 are: Sheetfed Lithography Technician's Assistant: 662204-000-00-01.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • National Artisan Moderating Body (NAMB). 
    		•

    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.