Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make and proof relief plates from film input for letterpress or label printing.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the individual to correctly prepare and evaluate film, and expose and process a relief plate suitable for letterpress and label printing.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Produce plates

1.1. The plate processor is prepared and maintained according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise standards

1.2. Exposure control is established and maintained utilising vacuum frames and plate processors according to job specifications

1.3. Plates are produced that conform to job specifications

2. Proof relief plates

2.1. Relief plates are proofed according to job specifications

2.2. Relief plates are proofed according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise standards

Required knowledge 

• main factors to be considered when preparing to lay a plate.
• aids that can be used to ensure accuracy and repeatability
• quality control or problem-solving devices that can be included
• essential criteria for evaluating a film to be used in plate production
• testing exposure for plate making
• main considerations with a plate exposure system
• means that can be used to ensure continuity and control with plate exposure
• plate processing operation
• poor processing operation
• main criteria for evaluating a correctly prepared plate
• OHS concerns that are there when processing and proofing printing plates
• main advantages of plate proofing
• criteria for plate proof evaluation
• different requirements for plates for litho printing and relief printing
• manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept and information that is included in these documents

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• the plate(s) meet job specifications and have been accurately proofed
• the underlying skills of plate production should be transferable across the pre-press sector. It is important that the substrate for reproduction is identified and that the competencies be demonstrated with a clear identification of printing processes
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• use the plate making facilities to produce TWO printing plates according to job specifications and the listed Performance Criteria.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment
• it is expected that special purpose tools and equipment will be used where appropriate.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Input  may include:

• assembled film and plates to suit various press sizes.

Capture  may include:

• plate exposing facility.

Manipulation /edit  may include:

• masking and/or multiple exposure techniques.

Output  may include:

• plate(s) to suit relevant printing process.

Quality standards  may include:

• should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Pre-press

Co-requisite units