ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Apply knowledge of printing industry

1.1 Printing industry terminology and vocabulary are used correctly

1.2 New technology and new work processes are monitored and implemented when required

1.3 Trends within printing industry are monitored, on an ongoing basis, to inform personal work practices

2. Apply knowledge of government Acts and regulations

2.1 Basic principles and obligations involved in copyright, work health and safety (WHS), environmental protection, access and equity, and industrial awards are applied

3. Apply knowledge of pre-press processes

3.1 Basic principles behind pre-press functions such as image production (typesetting, scanning, graphic arts camera), image combining (manual and electronic), image output (film, plates, direct to press) and digital workflow are used in production process where applicable

3.2 Appropriate use of different types of images (line, half-tone) are investigated

3.3 Different output settings (screen rulings, angles, shapes) and how they affect final product are understood

3.4 Different types of output required for different printing processes are applied

3.5 Different output devices (film setters, plate setters, analogue proofs, digital proofs) are determined

4. Apply knowledge of printing processes

4.1 Basic principles of printing processes (lithography, relief, flexography, gravure, pad printing, screen printing, digital and electronic printing) are used to inform production processes

4.2 Types of jobs and products for which each process is appropriate are used to inform production decisions

4.3 Capabilities and limitations of each process are used to inform production decisions

5. Apply knowledge of converting and finishing processes

5.1 Basic characteristics of converting and finishing processes (guillotining, flat-bed and rotary cutting, collating, folding, adhesive, mechanical and thermal fastening) are used to inform production processes

5.2 Types of jobs and products for which each process is appropriate are used to inform production processes

6. Apply detailed knowledge of paper and printing processes

6.1 Relationship of different paper sizes is identified and used to inform production processes

6.2 Different weights, callipers, bulk, density and opacity of paper and how they affect pre-press, printing and finishing operations and end uses are identified and used to inform production processes

6.3 Paper grain and how it affects pre-press, printing and finishing operations are determined and used to inform production processes

6.4 Moisture content, porosity and ink absorbency and how they affect pre-press, printing and finishing operations are identified and used to inform production processes

6.5 Gloss, smoothness and surface strength and how they affect pre-press, printing and finishing operations are identified and used to inform production processes

6.6 Permanence, durability, and acidity and alkalinity of paper and how they affect pre-press, printing and finishing operations and end uses are investigated and used to inform production processes

6.7 Bursting strength, folding endurance, tensile strength and tearing resistance and how they affect printing and finishing operations and end uses are investigated and used to inform production processes

7. Apply detailed knowledge of paper grades and colours

7.1 Paper types and grades and end uses for each type and grade are determined and used to inform production processes

7.2 Differences between wood pulp, rag and recycled papers and appropriate end uses are identified and used to inform production processes

7.3 Colour matching processes are identified and used to inform production processes

7.4 Effect of different paper colours on printing operations is investigated and used to inform production processes

8. Apply detailed knowledge of paper handling and storage procedures

8.1 Ideal storage conditions for different types and grades of paper are investigated and used to inform production procedures

8.2 Advantages and disadvantages of different packing and delivery systems are identified and used to inform production procedures

9. Apply basic knowledge of costs of production

9.1 Main cost elements (fixed, capital, variable) in production are identified and applied in workplace

9.2 Information required to accurately cost jobs and means of collecting it (manual and computerised) are identified and applied in workplace

9.3 Ways of minimising use of materials without affecting quality of output are investigated and applied in workplace

9.4 Ways of maximising efficiency of capital and human resources are investigated and applied in workplace

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.3

Researches and comprehends information in a range of text types from various sources

Oral Communication

1.1

Uses appropriate vocabulary, including technical language relevant to role and context

Numeracy

9.1, 9.2

Uses estimation and other assessment skills to check the outcomes and decide on the appropriate accuracy for the outcomes

Interprets and analyses a range of mathematical information that is used in familiar and routine tasks

Represents the mathematical information in a form that is personally useful as an aid to problem solving

Navigate the world of work

1.2, 1.3, 2.1

Maintains knowledge of the printing industry required for current role

Complies with legislative requirements and follows organisational policies and procedures relevant to own role

Get the work done

1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1-3.5, 4.1-4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1-6.7, 7.1-7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 9.2-9.4

Takes responsibility for planning and organising own workload using analytical processes to decide on a course of action

Plans, identifies and assembles resources required to complete tasks

Applies formal problem-solving processes when tackling an unfamiliar problem

Understands the purposes, specific functions and key features of common digital systems and tools and operates them effectively