Die sinkers and engravers are artisans qualified in the designing, modelling and striking of medals and coins. They also oversee the machines from which these coins and medals are struck.
When a new coin or medal is made, a sketch-plan is made of that which will be portrayed. This is often the task of the die sinker and engraver. These designs can be front views, skew or profile views of well- known people, portraits of buildings, or of symbolical designs. After the institution that proposes the medal or coin has approved the sketch design, the design is modelled. This task requires exact craftsmanship and is usually done by the die sinker and engraver. The initials of the modeller are struck onto the medal or coin, with the design. The model is then moulded into a plaster negative and an acrylic positive.
Hereafter the die sinker and engraver supervises the reducing process, where the acrylic positive is used to cut a steel the that will be the actual size of the final product. A negative is again printed from this positive die to which the necessary wording is added with letter and number punches.
The engraving process includes machine and hand engraving of monograms, different letterforms, and decorative work on precious metals. Engraving is done on moulds, plastic and metal advertising signs, metal attachments, clasps, buckles, buttons, badges, medallions and memorial coins. They also emboss rollers for tinfoil or plastic date stamps and plaques.
Schooling & School Subjects
Grade 9 Certificate
Some employers demand higher qualifications
There are 3 ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a fixed contract between company and apprentice, ranging in duration from between 18 months and 4 years. At the end of the contract, the apprentice writes a trade test leading to professional certification.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme ranging from about a year to 3 years. A learnership comprises theoretical and practical training. Practical training is conducted on site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets experience whilst training.
3. TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) 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 (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 TVET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest TVET College. TVET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MerSETA or ChietaSETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safetyy 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.
TVET Colleges offering this course: e.g. Umgungundlovu, Northlink, Ekurhuleni West, False Bay.
Subjects offered: Sculpture, Figure Drawing, Fitting and Turning
The South African Mint
Old Johannesburg Road
Gateway
Centurion
Tel: (012) 677-2777
www.samint.co.za
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