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: Viticulture Worker 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101867  Occupational Certificate: Viticulture Worker 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - AgriSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  66  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2022-12-06  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 Viticulture Farm Worker.
A Viticulture Farm Worker performs viticultural activities in the production of quality table grapes, wine grapes and raisin grapes which are suitable for national and international markets by applying safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform routine activities for the establishment of a vineyard and the installation of trellising and irrigation systems.
  • Apply routine viticulture production and cultivation activities in an established vineyard and attend to basic vine health.
  • Harvest grapes complying with the applicable health, hygiene and safety standards during harvesting and post-harvesting tasks.

    Rationale:
    The Viticulture Farm Worker applies viticulture activities, such as pruning, harversting and general cultivation for the production of wine grapes, table grapes and grapes for dried fruit. Some of these activities, such as pruning is done at a critical time in the production cycle and has a direct impact on the quality of the produce.

    The viticulture industry is characterised by intensive labour practices. Since the quality of wine production in South Africa is determined by correct application of viticulture production processes in the vineyard, the importance of this qualification cannot be over emphasised. Increasing production and labour costs put pressure on producers to apply economically viable production processes which will contribute to the sustainability of the grape industry. Furthermore:
  • Wine, table grapes and raisin products form a large component of South African exports (90% in the case of table grapes),
  • The viticulture industry has considerable competition in the national and international market from other southern hemisphere countries;
  • The industry is regulated by stringent international standards and requirements;
  • There is a substantial imperative to remain competitive in the international market.

    The contextual background created a basis for development of the occupational qualification which requires skilled and specialised workers. The industry continues to maintain a competitive edge in 821101001 - Occupational Certificate: Viticulture Worker - version 5 Page 3 of 9

    the global market. The viticulture industry as a huge employer of permanent and seasonal workers requires a labour force that is highly specialized and efficient to produce quality viticulture products for local and international markets.

    This qualification will ensure improved awareness of plant health, plant quality and the impact thereof on crops produced, especially for national and international markets and compliance with international standards.

    This qualification is aimed at learners in the viticultural sector who wish to pursue careers as viticulture workers, supervisors and horticultural foremen. Qualified learners are able to assist viticulture supervisors and foremen and will be able to contribute to the processes involved in the production of wine grapes, table grapes and grapes for raisins.

    The qualification provides the opportunity for those who have been employed in the sector to obtain recognition for their competencies. It will also attract school leavers to the viticulture sector to pursue a career within the broader agricultural industry.
    Industry bodies consulted during the development of this qualification included:
  • Fruit SA.
  • South African Table Grape Industry (SATI).
  • Hortgro.
  • Citrus Growers Association.
  • Subtrop.
  • Fruit Produce Exporters' Forum. 
    		•

    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:
  • NQF Level 1.
    Or
  • 3 years' experience in a vineyard. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 821101001-KM-01, Vine Structure and Vineyard Establishment, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 821101001-KM-02, Viticulture Practices in the Vineyard, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 821101001-KM-03, General Practices in the Vineyard, Level 1, 3 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 24.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 821101001-PM-01, Prepare for and assist with the establishment of a vineyard, Level 1, 4 Credits.
  • 821101001-PM-02, Apply viticulture production practices in an established vineyard and attend to basic vine health, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 821101001-PM-03, Harvest grapes and conduct post-harvesting tasks whilst complying with health, hygiene, quality and safety, Level 2, 4 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 16.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 821101001-WM-01, Vineyard establishment, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 821101001-WM-02, Production practices in an established vineyard, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 821101001-WM-03, Harvesting of grapes, Level 2, 8 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 26. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plant vines according to the requirement of the cultivar.
    2. Conduct pruning activities according to the phenological stage of the vine and requirement of the cultivar and crop.
    3. Attend to basic vine health.
    4. Inspect the vineyard and equipment to identify wear and damage.
    5. Harvest crop in a vineyard. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Planting holes are prepared according to specifications (correct width, length and depth) for the cultivar.
  • Plant material is stored in potable water and kept moist before planting.
  • Planting material is handled correctly for the successful establishment of vines ensuring no damage to the plant material.
  • Vines are planted (manually) using the correct technique for the cultivar.
  • Planted vines are watered ensuring sufficient moisture.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Vines are pruned and trained during winter to enhance vine fertility for future maximum growth and crop yield.
  • Canopy management practices such as defoilage, tipping and topping of shoots and suckering of vines are performed.
  • Crop control practices are performed according to pre-determined numbers against quality and crop load (bunch size, bunch shape, bunch positioning and shoot diameter).
  • Bunch preparation (thinning, shortening) practices are conducted to regulate bunch size and bunch compacting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Weeds in established vineyards manually controlled using a knapsack.
  • Nutrients are applied to the vines according to the requirements of the system in the vineyard and cultivar.
  • Common symptoms of insects, diseases and weeds are identified and reported.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Safety requirements in the vineyard are complied with.
  • Sanitation in the vineyard is observed to prevent infestation (fruit fly) or contamination.
  • Leaks and over-and under-irrigation are observed and reported and minor maintenance tasks are performed.
  • Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored ensuring the condition of the tools is maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Bunches that are ready to be harvested are identified based on practical characteristics such as berry colour and taste.
  • Crop is harvested applying the correct harvesting techniques according to cultivar and bunch requirements.
  • Crop is carefully loaded for transport to the packing store preventing damage to crop and injury to person.
  • Post-harvesting handling of grapes carefully is applied.
  • Record keeping and reporting are applied in compliance with food safety standards.

    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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupations 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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Two qualifications were used for international comparability, namely the Certificate II in Wine Industry Operations (FDF20411) at Level 2 from Australia and the Certificate in Horticulture (Viticulture) VHT002 from the United Kingdom.

    The Certificate II in Wine Industry Operations (FDF20411) at Level 2 from Australia provides the learner with the necessary generic skills to work in the wine industry and has a range of electives appropriate to a range of sub-sectors, namely bottling and packaging, cellar door sales, cellar operations, laboratory, warehousing, wine grape growing. The learners select from a range of courses namely:
  • Bench graft vines.
  • Carry out potting operations.
  • Hand prune vines.
  • Undertake irrigation systems maintenance activities.
  • Train vines.
  • Install irrigation components.
  • Deliver injection requirements.
  • Support mechanical harvesting operations.
  • Operate tractors.
  • Operate vineyard equipment.
  • Perform vertebrate pest control activities.
  • Operate nursery cold storage facilities.
  • Take and process vine cuttings.
  • Carry out basic canopy maintenance.
  • Pick grapes by hand.
  • Plant vines by hand.
  • Follow basic chemical safety rules.
  • Apply chemicals under supervision.
  • Determine basic properties of soil and/or growing media.

    The range of electives is comprehensive and will equip the learner with the necessary skills to work competently in the vineyard. It includes courses relating to mechanisation in the vineyard, which are not widely applied in the South African context. Activities in the vineyard such as pruning, training, planting, picking, pest control and canopy and irrigations maintenance are similar to the South African qualification. The Australian qualification includes aspects which are conducted in a nursery, which is not included in the South African qualification since nursery practices are separated from vineyard cultivation practices.

    Certificate in Horticulture (Viticulture) VHT002 from the United Kingdom prepares the learner to work in the production of grapes for wine, drying or fresh fruit. 50% of the training is devoted to general knowledge related to the growing of plants, whether growing vines or any other plant. It includes learning on:
  • Introduction to Plants.
  • Plant Culture.
  • Soils and Nutrition.
  • Plant Identification and Use.
  • Pests, Diseases and Weeds.

    The remaining 50% is devoted to the viticulture aspect of the qualification and includes:
  • Introduction to viticulture.
  • Introduction to grapevines.
  • Propagation of grapevines.
  • Improving grape quality.
  • Climate and other factors in siting vineyards.
  • Grape varieties and selection.
  • Establishing a vineyard.
  • Harvest and post-harvest handling.
  • Managing a vineyard.
  • Irrigation.
  • Plant nutrition.
  • Agricultural chemicals.
  • Increasing efficiency.

    Conclusion:
    The Occupational Certificate: Viticulture Farm Worker compares well with the two international qualifications in terms of content. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Horticulture, Level 2 (ID: 66589).
  • National Certificate: N2 Horticulture, Level 2 (ID: 67210).
  • National Certificate: Vocational: Primary Agriculture, Level 2, (ID: 90773).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: N3 Agriculture, Level 3 (ID: 67425).
  • National Certificate: Plant Production, Level 3 (ID: 49052).
  • Occupational Certificate: Nursery Supervisor, Level 03 (ID: 93622). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
  • None.
  • Not required for this qualification.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
  • Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
  • The curriculum title and code is: 821101001: Viticulture Farm Worker.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade.

    Part Qualifications
  • None. 
    		•

    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.