Rotary machine minders fasten cylindrical surfaces, which do printing, into fixed positions, then set the rotary machine in motion.
Rotary machine minders ensure that stereotypes or lithographic metal plates fit properly and make contact with the paper evenly. They place huge paper rolls into the rotary machine, then set the ink rollers and fill the ink holders. They make proofs to ensure that all letters and images print properly onto the paper. They examine the proofs and adjust the machine and the ink until the printing is done properly and evenly. They also test the colour and ink quantities.
Rotary machine minders check their machines at regular intervals throughout the printing process to ensure accuracy and quality of printing.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with your hands
- satisfaction of producing even print
- working in a relatively clean setting
Demanding aspects
- possible boredom from routine tasks
- standing or walking most of the day
- noise from the machines
Requirements
A rotary machine-minder should:
- be at least 16 years old;
- be physically healthy and relatively strong;
- not be colour-blind;
- have finger and hand dexterity;
- work quickly, accurately and safely;
- have good eye-sight;
- have good eye-hand coordination;
- show a sense of responsibility;
- have a certain amount of mechanical insight.
School Subjects
Grade 10 Certificate for a learnership at a company
National Senior Certificate for full-time training at the South African Printing College
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Physical Sciences, Mechanical Technology
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures. Learners study everything about the installation, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment. They must also become familiar with municipal legislation relevant to electricity supply and consumption.
Employer
- Commercial printing plants
- Book and magazine publishers
- Newspaper plants
- Stationery and envelope manufacturers
- Government departments
- Government Printing Works
- Manufacturers and other firms that do their own printing
Contact
S A Printing and Allied Industries Federation (PIFSA)
P O Box 1396
Gallo Manor, 2052
Tel: (011) 287-1160 Fax: (011) 287-1178
www.pifsa.org.za