Course Title
Printing Operator Apprenticeship Course
Course Code
PO101
Description
This course, under the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), provides comprehensive training for printing operators, focusing on operating printing machines, preparing print materials, and ensuring quality control in print production. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in offset, digital, and flexographic printing, handling inks and substrates, and maintaining printing equipment, preparing them for roles in printing presses, packaging, and publishing industries. The course aligns with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and complies with the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Objectives
- Operate printing machines (offset, digital, flexographic) to produce high-quality printed materials.
- Prepare print jobs, including setting up plates, inks, and substrates, according to specifications.
- Perform quality checks to ensure printed outputs meet industry standards.
- Adhere to safety protocols and maintain printing equipment for optimal performance.
Schedule
The course spans 8 weeks, combining basic training and on-the-job practical training as per ATS guidelines. Each week focuses on specific skills essential for printing operators. Below is the detailed breakdown:
Week 1: Introduction to Printing Technology
Overview of printing processes, operator roles, workplace safety, and introduction to printing machines under ATS.
Week 2: Printing Machine Components
Understanding components of offset, digital, and flexographic printers, including rollers, plates, and ink systems.
Week 3: Pre-Press Preparation
Preparing print jobs, setting up printing plates, selecting inks, and handling substrates (e.g., paper, plastic).
Week 4: Operating Printing Machines
Operating printing machines for single and multi-color jobs, adjusting settings for alignment and ink flow.
Week 5: Quality Control and Inspection
Performing quality checks for color accuracy, registration, and print defects, using tools like densitometers.
Week 6: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Conducting preventive maintenance, cleaning machines, and troubleshooting common issues like ink smudging or misalignment.
Week 7: Safety and Compliance
Implementing safety protocols, handling hazardous materials (e.g., inks, solvents), and adhering to environmental regulations.
Week 8: Final Project and Assessment
Completion of a comprehensive printing project (e.g., producing a multi-color print job) and preparation for the All India Trade Test (AITT) under NCVT.
Assessment Methods
Apprentice performance is evaluated through a combination of practical, theoretical, and participatory components, preparing them for the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC):
- Weekly Assignments: 40%
- Midterm Project: 20%
- Final Project: 30%
- Participation and Attendance: 10%
Instructor
Prof. Anil Kumar
Language
Available in: English
Status
Published
Additional Notes
Apprentices must be at least 14 years old and meet the minimum educational qualification (typically 10th grade passed or equivalent, preferably with a technical background, as per trade requirements). The course includes basic training (20-25% of the program) and on-the-job training, with a stipend provided as per NAPS guidelines (e.g., Rs. 7700 per month for one-year ITI trade passed apprentices, as per Gazette notification dated 25th September 2019). Successful completion leads to the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) upon passing the All India Trade Test (AITT), recognized for employment in government and private sectors. The training emphasizes precision in print production and safety, addressing the demand for skilled printing operators in India’s printing, packaging, and publishing sectors.
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