SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Thermoplastic Fabrication 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
24215  National Certificate: Thermoplastic Fabrication 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  121  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to work effectively in the thermoplastic fabrication industry and to meet the challenges of such an environment.

This qualification recognises the skills, knowledge and values acquired by learners involved in thermoplastics fabrication. The chief skill that is recognised in this qualification is the ability to produce plastic assemblies using a variety of fabrication methods. This capability requires an understanding of basic fabrication theory; engineering tools; concepts of measurement; basic engineering drawing; properties of plastic materials and methods of joining plastic components. Hand skills play a role in this qualification.

This qualification requires that learners qualify in at least three of the five different welding processes. This requirement is a measure to allow for learners with work experience but limited access to training to achieve a qualification at this level. In the first revision of this qualification this requirement will change to include all five welding processes.

Qualified learners will also understand:
  • The basics of how a business functions
  • Their role in the business, i.e. in thermoplastic fabrication and related activities
  • How they are affected by legislation, regulations, agreements and policies related to their particular work environment
    With this understanding, learners will be able to participate in workplace activities.

    What learners achieve in this qualification will also serve as a basis for further learning where they will further develop their skills and knowledge to include more complex welding, laying out and marking off of regular and irregular shapes and developing work instructions from drawings.

    Rationale for the qualification:
    This is the first qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in thermoplastic fabrication processes. This qualification focuses on developing skills and knowledge necessary to begin such a career.

    The thermoplastic fabrication industry operates in a competitive and challenging environment. The finished fabrications have to respond to a wide variety of exacting customer and consumer requirements. In addition, the industry has to respond to international competition, on-going development of new products as the result of changing customer needs, and environmental issues.

    The fabrication of plastics products generally requires the joining of plastics components into assemblies. The assemblies are often subjected to considerable stress when in operation and the manufacturing process needs to be consistent and accurate.

    There were previously no qualifications for this branch of industry, which consists of many micro and small enterprises. Few employees have any sort of formal qualification. The industry has low barriers to entry and invests little in developing people's skills. This, together with the ignorance of clients, has led to widely differing standards. Many products and services are safety critical in nature and there is a need to create skills standards to alleviate these problems.

    This qualification forms part of a series of qualifications at different levels to create opportunities for development, a career path and greater security of employment within the thermoplastics fabrication industry.

    This qualification enables learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace to obtain credits through the RPL process. This qualification also forms the basis for further development in thermoplastic fabrication in particular and the plastics manufacturing industry in general. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification assumes learners have a General Education and Training Certificate at NQF Level 1, or alternatively, ABET qualifications.
    If the learner does not already have such a qualification, learning in preparation for this qualification would also have to include:
  • Communication and numeracy
  • Basic concepts of science and technology

    Recognition of prior learning:
    This qualification may be obtained through a process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is composed of Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components:

    Fundamental: 51 credits

    Core: 62 credits
    Three of the following Unit Standards must be selected:
  • Weld thermoplastics with extrusion equipment;
  • Weld thermoplastics with electrofusion equipment;
  • Weld thermoplastics with solvent cement;
  • Weld thermoplastics with heated-tool equipment;
  • Weld thermoplastics with hot gas.

    Elective: a minimum of 8 credits
    One or two of the following Unit Standards must be selected, if not selected under Core:
  • Weld thermoplastics with extrusion equipment;
  • Weld thermoplastics with electrofusion equipment;
  • Weld thermoplastics with solvent cement;
  • Weld thermoplastics with heated-tool equipment;
  • Weld thermoplastics with hot gas. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of fabrication methods and an ability to produce simple assemblies / components that meet quality and output requirements, working safely and in an environmentally aware manner.
    2. Identify plastics materials used in the fabrication process and describe their characteristics and applications.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and sketches as used in thermoplastic fabrication.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to select, use and care for fabrication equipment and consumables.
    5. Work effectively with others, understand own role in the organisation and understand the purpose of the organisation in the economy of the country.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate with peers and members of supervisory / management levels by summarising information and expressing opinions on given information in spoken form. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Output and quality requirements are met
  • Safe working practices are adhered to
  • Issues related to the theoretical principles of fabrication, the various fabrication methods and the functioning of equipment / machinery are discussed and an understanding is demonstrated by responding to questions
    2.
  • Key fabrication materials are identified and their properties relevant to the fabrication process and end use are described
  • Issues related to the common applications and methods of fabricating using plastic materials are discussed and an understanding is demonstrated by responding to questions.
    3.
  • Components / assemblies to be fabricated are identified and requirements interpreted from engineering drawing or sketch
  • Engineering drawing or sketch is produced to meet job requirements
  • Issues related to engineering drawing concepts and material lists for thermoplastic fabrication are discussed and an understanding is demonstrated by responding to questions .
    4.
  • Equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer's specifications
  • Adjustments or responses are made according to an assessment of the specific requirements of the working environment
  • Issues related to the use and maintenance of equipment are discussed and an understanding is demonstrated by responding to questions.
    5.
  • Information or decisions are received and acted on
  • Relevant information is reported or passed on
  • Issues at the level of the qualification related to own role and the purpose of the organisation are discussed and an understanding is demonstrated by responding to questions.
    6.
  • Communication is effective, regular and ongoing
  • Information is clear and accurate and conveyed in a timely manner
  • Relationships with peers and supervisory / management levels are established and functioning

    Integrated Assessment:
    The purpose of assessment for this qualification is not to re-assess the outcomes of unit standards but to assess the evidence in terms of exit level outcomes. The exit level outcomes represent an integration of the various unit standards.

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and values achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.

    Some assessment aspects will demand practical demonstration while others may not. In some cases inference will be necessary to determine competence, depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.

    Assessors will collect evidence of the learner's competence by:
  • Observing the learner at work (in primary activities as well as in other work-related interactions) or by relevant simulations
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding
  • Looking at records, reports, the portfolio and assessment reports for individual unit standards

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    Since this is a foundational qualification, it is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An extensive search has not revealed any comparable qualifications. The contents of this qualification do, however, conform to the first phase of trade-level fabrication qualifications in Germany. It is likely that this qualification will become a benchmark for future qualifications of this kind for other countries. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another. Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately. Equally, holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA
  • Any institution or learning provider offering learning towards the achievement of this qualification should be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA
  • Moderation of assessment should be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines provided for in this qualification as well as the agreed ETQA guidelines 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:
    1. Appropriate qualification in the field of plastics fabrication at NQF Level 3 and a minimum of 2 years' experience in a thermoplastic fabrication environment. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning
    2. Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices
    3. Good inter-personal skills and the ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interests of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and language of the learner
    4. Registration as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12466  Explain the individual`s role within business  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14686  Identify thermoplastics and related materials and relate their properties to their application  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  13220  Keep the work area safe and productive  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  13258  Participate in work group activities  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14693  Read and interpret basic engineering drawings as required for thermoplastic fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  12216  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  12476  Select, use and care for engineering measuring equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14681  Select, use and care for power tools used for thermoplastic fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14684  Weld thermoplastics with electrofusion equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14697  Weld thermoplastics with extrusion equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14694  Weld thermoplastics with heated-tool equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14696  Weld thermoplastics with hot gas  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  14690  Weld thermoplastics with solvent cement  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8963  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  12461  Communicate at work  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  12465  Develop a learning plan and a portfolio for assessment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9268  Manage basic personal finance  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  12444  Measure, estimate and calculate physical quantities and explore, describe and represent geometrical relationships in 2-dimensions in different life or workplace contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  12463  Understand and deal with HIV/AIDS  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  13222  Deal with safety, health and environmental emergencies in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12484  Perform basic fire fighting  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12481  Sling loads  Level 2  NQF Level 02 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.