Overview About this course

Kick-start your career as a print machinist and focus on modern flexographic printing. Learn to create high-quality printed products using a range of different surfaces and be employed by print companies as a skilled flexographic printer.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

Produce basic and complex flexographic printed products
Set up equipment for flexographic printing
Identify and rectify faults in machine operation
Develop and apply knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry
Produce self adhesive labels, flexible packaging and carton packaging
Mix and match inks

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

A nationally recognised qualification at Certificate III level
The skills and knowledge to pursue a career in flexographic printing
The ability to produce flexographic printed products
A sound understanding of the specialised flexographic printing industry
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

Be employed as an apprentice in industry
Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application

Note

This course can also be taken as a non-apprenticeship. Enquire today to to discuss your eligibility.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

An interest in the printing processes and related industries
An interest in graphics and image reproduction for printing
Good communication and problem solving skills

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: flexographic print specialist, printing supervisor and printing operator.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Certificate III in Printing (Digital Printing)

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Printing (Flexographic Printing) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 21 units of competency, including 5 core and 16 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices BSBSUS201
Develop and apply knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry ICPKNW3220
Inspect quality against required standards in a production environment ICPSUP2160
Maintain a safe work environment ICPSUP2600
Communicate in the workplace ICPSUP2620

TAFE NSW offers packaged specialty units

Specialty units are packaged by TAFE NSW to customise your qualification and ensure you are ready to meet the demands of industry.

Deliver and monitor a service to customers BSBCUS301
Use and respect copyright BSBIPR401
Design and produce business documents BSBITU306
Investigate micro business opportunities BSBSMB301
Plan small business finances BSBSMB402
Market the small business BSBSMB403
Produce basic converted or finished product ICPCBF220
Set up and produce basic guillotined product ICPCBF2210
Set up machine for basic flat-bed die cutting or embossing ICPCBF2250
Produce basic flat-bed die cut or embossed product ICPCBF2260
Produce basic rotary die cut or embossed product ICPCBF228
Set up machine for basic flat-bed cutting ICPCBF2310
Produce basic flat-bed cut product ICPCBF2320
Set up machine for basic folding ICPCBF2410
Produce basic folded product ICPCBF2420
Set up machine for basic collating or inserting (sheet/section) ICPCBF2430
Produce basic collated or inserted (sheet/section) product ICPCBF2440
Set up machine for complex rotary die cutting or embossing ICPCBF3270
Produce complex rotary die cut or embossed product ICPCBF3280
Set up machine for complex sequenced or multiple folding ICPCBF3410
Set up machine for complex laminating ICPCBF3810
Produce complex laminated product ICPCBF3820
Develop basic design concepts ICPPRP2110
Select and apply type ICPPRP2210
Produce pages using a page layout application ICPPRP224
Electronically combine and assemble data for page layouts ICPPRP2320
Output images ICPPRP2520
Produce offset lithographic plates ICPPRP2670
Produce flexographic photopolymer plates ICPPRP2680
Produce PDF files for online and screen display ICPPRP2840
Scan images for reproduction ICPPRP2860
Transfer digital files ICPPRP2970
Develop detailed design concepts ICPPRP3110
Produce typographic images ICPPRP3210
Digitise images for reproduction ICPPRP3220
Prepare imposition format for printing processes ICPPRP3340
Produce computer images for screen printing ICPPRP3820
Operate databases for digital printing ICPPRP3850
Generate high-end PDF files ICPPRP3960
Manage colour ICPPRP4300
Set up and operate automated workflow ICPPRP4840
Manipulate 3D files in preparation for 3D printing ICPPTD301
Set up and produce 3D prints ICPPTD302
Set up and produce 3D scans ICPPTD303
Apply problem solving techniques to 3D printing maintenance and operation ICPPTD304
Prepare, load and unload reels and cores on and off machine ICPSUP2010
Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine ICPSUP2020
Prepare and maintain the work area ICPSUP2030
Prepare machine for operation (basic) ICPSUP2070
Operate and monitor machines (basic) ICPSUP2080
Prepare inks and additives ICPSUP2110
Pack and dispatch product ICPSUP2210
Lift and shift loads mechanically ICPSUP2360
Undertake warehouse materials processing ICPSUP2410
Perform basic industry calculations ICPSUP2630
Provide basic instruction for a task ICPSUP271
Use computer systems in the printing and graphic arts sectors ICPSUP2810
Undertake basic machine maintenance ICPSUP2820
Prepare ink and additives (advanced) ICPSUP311
Pack and dispatch (advanced) ICPSUP3210
Dispose of waste ICPSUP3230
Undertake inventory procedures ICPSUP3420
Undertake basic production scheduling ICPSUP351
Plan operational processes ICPSUP352
Apply quick changeover procedures ICPSUP3570
Create a markup language document to specification ICTWEB429
Deliver customer service MSMPMC326
Use structured problem-solving tools MSMSUP390
Apply competitive systems and practices MSS402001
Sustain process improvements MSS402002
Manage the impact of change on own work MSS402010
Apply 5S procedures MSS402040
Undertake root cause analysis MSS402080
Apply cost factors to work practices MSS402082
Advise on products and services SIRXPDK001
Sell to the retail customer SIRXSLS001
Produce basic flexographic printed product ICPPRN2140
Set up for basic flexographic printing ICPPRN3130
Produce complex flexographic printed product ICPPRN3140
Set up for complex flexographic printing ICPPRN4130
Set up machine for basic laminating ICPCBF2810
Produce basic laminated product ICPCBF2820
Mount and proof flexographic plates for basic printing ICPPRN2110
Produce basic gravure printed product ICPPRN2220
Produce basic lithographic printed product ICPPRN2320
Produce basic pad printed product ICPPRN2420
Set up for foil stamping ICPPRN2610
Produce foil stamped product ICPPRN262
Set up for basic coating ICPPRN271
Produce basic coated product ICPPRN272
Produce and manage basic digital print ICPPRN2820
Use colour management systems ICPPRN284
Use digital workflow ICPPRN2850
Produce basic relief printed product ICPPRN2880
Set up for basic gravure printing ICPPRN3210
Produce complex gravure printed product ICPPRN3220
Set up for basic lithographic printing ICPPRN3310
Produce complex lithographic printed product ICPPRN3320
Set up for basic pad printing ICPPRN3410
Produce complex pad printed product ICPPRN3420
Produce and manage complex digital print ICPPRN3820
Prepare for personalised digital printing ICPPRN3830
Set up and produce basic digital print ICPPRN3840
Apply software applications to digital production ICPPRN3850
Troubleshoot digital media ICPPRN3860
Use colour management for production ICPPRN3870
Preflight and import complex images for digital devices ICPPRN3880
Manage digital files ICPPRN3890
Generate proofs for digital production ICPPRN3900
Set up and produce specialised digital print ICPPRN3920
Set up for basic relief printing ICPPRN3930
Produce complex relief printed product ICPPRN3940
Mount and demount flexographic plates for complex printing ICPPRN4110
Set up for complex gravure printing ICPPRN4210
Set up for complex lithographic printing ICPPRN4310
Set up for complex pad printing ICPPRN4410
Set up for complex relief printing ICPPRN4510
Prepare for variable data printing ICPPRN4840
Apply advanced software applications to digital production ICPPRN4940
Set up and use complex colour management for production ICPPRN4950
Set up and produce complex digital print ICPPRN4960
Work with digital information ICPPRN4970
Digitise complex images for reproduction ICPPRP422
Prepare screen ICPSCP2150
Prepare substrate ICPSCP2210
Manually prepare direct emulsion stencil ICPSCP2330
Manually prepare and produce screen prints ICPSCP2700
Manually produce basic screen prints ICPSCP2710
Semi-automatically produce basic screen prints ICPSCP2730
Automatically produce basic screen prints ICPSCP2750
Finish screen print products ICPSCP2810
Prepare film for basic screen printing ICPSCP2820
Reclaim screen manually ICPSCP3110
Prepare stencil using direct projection method ICPSCP339
Prepare machine and drying/curing unit ICPSCP3510
Manually produce complex screen prints ICPSCP3710
Semi-automatically produce complex screen prints ICPSCP3730
Operate a semi-automatic screen printing machine ICPSCP374
Operate an automatic screen printing machine ICPSCP3760
Produce computer image for screen printing ICPSCP382
Prepare film for complex screen printing ICPSCP3830

... 36

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries

Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community

Overview About this course

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Course outcomes

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Note

Completion requirements

Entry recommendations

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Study pathways

Your experience counts

Units Units taught in this course

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices BSBSUS201

Develop and apply knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry ICPKNW3220

Inspect quality against required standards in a production environment ICPSUP2160

Maintain a safe work environment ICPSUP2600

Communicate in the workplace ICPSUP2620

TAFE NSW offers packaged specialty units

Deliver and monitor a service to customers BSBCUS301

Use and respect copyright BSBIPR401

Design and produce business documents BSBITU306

Investigate micro business opportunities BSBSMB301

Plan small business finances BSBSMB402

Market the small business BSBSMB403

Produce basic converted or finished product ICPCBF220

Set up and produce basic guillotined product ICPCBF2210

Set up machine for basic flat-bed die cutting or embossing ICPCBF2250

Produce basic flat-bed die cut or embossed product ICPCBF2260

Produce basic rotary die cut or embossed product ICPCBF228

Set up machine for basic flat-bed cutting ICPCBF2310

Produce basic flat-bed cut product ICPCBF2320

Set up machine for basic folding ICPCBF2410

Produce basic folded product ICPCBF2420

Set up machine for basic collating or inserting (sheet/section) ICPCBF2430

Produce basic collated or inserted (sheet/section) product ICPCBF2440

Set up machine for complex rotary die cutting or embossing ICPCBF3270

Produce complex rotary die cut or embossed product ICPCBF3280

Set up machine for complex sequenced or multiple folding ICPCBF3410

Set up machine for complex laminating ICPCBF3810

Produce complex laminated product ICPCBF3820

Develop basic design concepts ICPPRP2110

Select and apply type ICPPRP2210

Produce pages using a page layout application ICPPRP224

Electronically combine and assemble data for page layouts ICPPRP2320

Output images ICPPRP2520

Produce offset lithographic plates ICPPRP2670

Produce flexographic photopolymer plates ICPPRP2680

Produce PDF files for online and screen display ICPPRP2840

Scan images for reproduction ICPPRP2860

Transfer digital files ICPPRP2970

Develop detailed design concepts ICPPRP3110

Produce typographic images ICPPRP3210

Digitise images for reproduction ICPPRP3220

Prepare imposition format for printing processes ICPPRP3340

Produce computer images for screen printing ICPPRP3820

Operate databases for digital printing ICPPRP3850

Generate high-end PDF files ICPPRP3960

Manage colour ICPPRP4300

Set up and operate automated workflow ICPPRP4840

Manipulate 3D files in preparation for 3D printing ICPPTD301

Set up and produce 3D prints ICPPTD302

Set up and produce 3D scans ICPPTD303

Apply problem solving techniques to 3D printing maintenance and operation ICPPTD304

Prepare, load and unload reels and cores on and off machine ICPSUP2010

Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine ICPSUP2020

Prepare and maintain the work area ICPSUP2030

Prepare machine for operation (basic) ICPSUP2070

Operate and monitor machines (basic) ICPSUP2080

Prepare inks and additives ICPSUP2110

Pack and dispatch product ICPSUP2210

Lift and shift loads mechanically ICPSUP2360

Undertake warehouse materials processing ICPSUP2410

Perform basic industry calculations ICPSUP2630

Provide basic instruction for a task ICPSUP271

Use computer systems in the printing and graphic arts sectors ICPSUP2810

Undertake basic machine maintenance ICPSUP2820

Prepare ink and additives (advanced) ICPSUP311

Pack and dispatch (advanced) ICPSUP3210