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: 

Occupational Certificate: Millwright 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97585  Occupational Certificate: Millwright 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  697  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Millwright.

A Millwright installs, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs stationary industrial machinery in production and manufacturing environments.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Fit, adjust and maintain industrial machinery.
  • Diagnose, find and repair faults in industrial machinery.
  • Install, test and commission industrial machinery.

    Rationale:
    A wide variety of industries, Sectors, Government departments and State-owned enterprises invest considerable amounts of money in industrial machinery, plant and equipment to process raw and other materials and resources. Process plants generally consist of electro-mechanical equipment, i.e. they combine both electrical and mechanical aspects. In addition, many such plants are managed by electronic controllers. This investment can only be justified if the plant and equipment operates to the optimum capacity and efficiency. Stoppages and breakdowns lead to undue increases in costs and must be kept to the minimum. Such industrial machinery, plant and equipment therefore require the provision of maintenance, repair and installation services.

    This qualification will enable qualifying learners to acquire and be able to apply the broad range of knowledge and skills that they will need to ensure the efficient performance of industrial machinery. It also contributes to the national artisan development strategy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.
    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission:
  • NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • Workplace fundamentals, at NQF Level 2, Credits 9.
  • The Millwright's world of work, at NQF Level 2, Credits 8.
  • Basic engineering theory, at NQF Level 3, Credits 24.
  • Fitting theory, at NQF Level 4, Credits 38.
  • Tools and equipment for electrical work, at NQF Level 4, Credits 8.
  • Electricity and electronics, at NQF Level 4, Credits 13.
  • Wire ways and wiring, at NQF Level 4, Credits 11.
  • Rotating electrical machinery, at NQF Level 4, Credits 13.
  • Electrical supply systems and components, at NQF Level 4, Credits 31.
  • Low Voltage protection, at NQF Level 4, Credits 5.
  • Faultfinding on electrical circuits, at NQF Level 4, Credits 3.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 163.

    Practical Skill Module:
  • Work safely and respond to emergencies, NQF Level 2, Credits 15.
  • Fabricate simple components or work pieces using basic hand skills and hand tools, at NQF Level 2, Credits 6.
  • Fabricate components or work pieces using power tools and machinery, at NQF Level 3, Credits 6.
  • Build flow circuits, at NQF Level 2, Credits 2.
  • Work with electrical components, at NQF Level 3, Credits 10.
  • Install and connect electrical equipment, switch- and control gear, at NQF Level 3, Credits 61.
  • Work with electronic components, at NQF Level 3, Credits 10.
  • Disassemble, clean and inspect mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, at NQF Level 3, Credits 6.
  • Replace components and assemble mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, at NQF Level 3, Credits 6.
  • Do fault-finding on mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, at NQF Level 4, Credits 12.
  • Repair mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, at NQF Level 4, Credits 12.
  • Perform fault-finding on and repair electrical and electronic circuits, at NQF Level 3, Credits 14.
  • Dismantle, test and reassemble electrical machinery, at NQF Level 3, Credits 12.
  • Install and commission mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, at NQF Level 4, Credits 12.
  • Test and verify electrical equipment and systems, at NQF Level 3, Credits 10.
  • Design and modify electrical circuits, at NQF Level 4, Credits 10.
  • Design flow circuits, at NQF Level 4, Credits 4
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 208.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • Maintenance processes for industrial machinery, at NQF Level 3, Credits 48.
  • Fabrication of mechanical components, at NQF Level 3, Credits 8.
  • Fault-finding and repair of industrial machinery, at NQF Level 4, Credits 108.
  • Overhauling of electrical and mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, at NQF Level 4, Credits 54.
  • Installation and commissioning of industrial machinery, at NQF Level 4, Credits 108.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 326. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Fit, adjust and maintain industrial machinery.
    2. Diagnose, find and repair faults in industrial machinery.
    3. Install, test and commission industrial machinery. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The compliance of all repairs to meet manufacturer's specifications and SANS standards where applicable is maintained.
  • Schematic diagrams are interpreted correctly and all electrical and mechanical components are correctly identified.
  • All applicable checks (measurement and tests) are performed according to the relevant procedure and findings are recorded.
  • Correct measuring and testing equipment to establish the conformance of the industrial machinery is used.
  • Correct conclusions from the findings regarding the acceptability of the components and parts in terms of manufacturer's specifications and SANS standards are drawn.
  • Safe work practices are applied.
  • The conformity of workmanship to the relevant work instructions is ensured.
  • All work within the specified time is completed.
  • An understanding of key aspects of maintenance work is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • All faults are correctly identified, recorded and repaired.
  • Schematic diagrams are interpreted correctly and all electrical and mechanical components are correctly identified.
  • A systematic procedure to locate and identify faults is followed.
  • The compliance of all repairs to meet manufacturer's specifications and SANS standards where applicable is maintained.
  • The repaired system for correct operation is tested.
  • Safe work practices are applied.
  • The conformity of workmanship to the relevant work instructions is ensured.
  • All work is completed within the specified time.
  • An understanding of key aspects of diagnosis, fault finding and repair is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Industrial machinery is operated correctly and all specifications are met.
  • All applicable tests are performed according to the relevant procedure and findings are recorded.
  • Correct measuring and testing equipment is used to establish the functionality and conformance of the industrial machinery.
  • Correct conclusions from the findings regarding the acceptability of the equipment in terms of manufacturer's specifications and SANS standards are drawn.
  • Safe work practices are applied.
  • The installation conforms to the diagram provided.
  • The installation complies with all relevant statutory requirements.
  • The conformity of workmanship to the relevant work instructions is ensured.
  • All work within the specified time is completed.
  • An understanding of key aspects of installation, testing and commissioning is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated formative assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated summative assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment model requires that the external assessment will be conducted through a combination of written assessment and practical task at an accredited assessment centre. The written examination will be concluded at an accredited assessment centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two days for each type of material. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In Canada, where millwrights are also known as "industrial mechanics", there is a repair and maintenance component in addition to installation and moving of equipment. Canadian millwrights "install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in sites such as factories, production plants and recreational facilities. The Millwright qualification offered at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology equips learners with knowledge to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. Qualified learners will commonly work in industrial repair shops, industrial plants, production facilities, recreational establishments and natural resource industries.

    In the USA the primary focus of the millwright is to: "install, dismantle, repair, reassemble, and move machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites". Millwrights there are classified in the occupational group, "Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Maintenance Workers". The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Construction Trades: Millwright offered at Maricopa Community Colleges is designed to equip learners with knowledge to safely handle both shop and field jobs, to lay out and erect industrial machinery, to operate welding equipment, and to design, install, turbines, optics, conveyor systems, solar installation, and operate systems inherent to the millwrighting trade.

    Conclusion:
    The two qualifications cited above compare favourably with this qualification as they all seek to equip learners with knowledge to install, repair and maintain industrial machinery. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation in this learning pathway is possible to the qualifications for electro-mechanical trades such as:
  • Occupational Certificate: Mechanical Fitter, at NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Fitter and Turner, at NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Electrician, at NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Engineering Patternmaker, at NQF Level 4.

    Vertical articulation is possible to the following qualifications:
  • Occupational Certificate: Instrument Mechanician, at NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, at NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Toolmaker, at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.