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: Glass Forming Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104822  Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA 
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  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  324  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-12-07  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
63349  National Certificate: Molten Glass Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as a Glass Forming Operator that will be able to produce glass products using glass forming production plant, machinery and equipment and perform related operations in compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental requirements. The qualifying learner will know the functioning and operating requirements of the plant, machinery and equipment to achieve production targets.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Operate, monitor and control glass forming plant.

    Rationale:
    The Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming Operator is for people working in glass forming. The qualification reflects the common knowledge, practical and workplace-based specific needs that learners require in glass forming production before progressing to learning at a higher level. Typical learners are operating personnel working in a glass forming production environment.

    The glass industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependent on the efficient production and manufacturing of glass products. Achievement of this objective is largely dependent on the competence of the people who operate glass forming equipment. An adequate number of people with these skills is needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively.

    Competence in glass forming production requires appropriate general and glass specific knowledge as well as the practical application of the knowledge. Expertise in operating production equipment and controlling the forming process are further requirements for competence. The knowledge, practical and workplace expertise can form a basis for further learning, particularly in the production/operational, engineering and supervisory aspects of glass production and similar industries in the chemical and other manufacturing sectors. 
    		•

    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 results 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:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • NQF Level 1 with Communications and Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules totalling 324 Credits.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 718102-002-00-00-KM-01, Safety, the workplace and the environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-KM-02, Container glass forming processes, machines and equipment, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-KM-03, Spout operations, machines and equipment, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-KM-04, Bath operations, machines and equipment, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-KM-05, Annealing operations, machines and equipment, Level 2, 32 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 88.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 718102-002-00-00-PM-01, Work safely and respond to emergencies, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-PM-02, Operate, monitor and control container glass forming, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-PM-03, Operate, monitor and control the spout, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-PM-04, Operate, monitor and control the bath, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-PM-05, Operate, monitor and control annealing, Level 2, 32 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 84.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 718102-002-00-00-WM-01, Container glass forming operations, Level 2, 64 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-WM-02, Spout operations, Level 2, 24 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-WM-03, Bath operations, Level 2, 24 Credits.
  • 718102-002-00-00-WM-04, Annealing operations, Level 2, 40 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 152. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct start-and end-of-shift procedures and perform operational checks, identify non-conforming items and assess potential risks using knowledge of equipment specifications and operational standards.
    2. Operate, monitor and control the container glass forming operations; perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
    3. Operate, monitor and control the spout; perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
    4. Operate, monitor and control the bath; perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
    5. Operate, monitor and control the annealing operations; perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
    6. Identify operational and environmental hazards, assess risks and eliminate, control, minimise and report such hazards while meeting production and output requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Complete the start-of-shift and end-of-shift activities according to all site-specific standards.
  • Conduct operational checks of the equipment's systems and components according to the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific requirements.
  • Complete all relevant documentation according to site-specific standards.
  • Explain the purpose of all the checks, precautionary measures and documentation.
  • Include the correct use of relevant names and terms in all answers to questions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Meet applicable production targets for the equipment.
  • Perform the prescribed sequence of operations safely and effectively.
  • Operate equipment within the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific operating parameters.
  • Identify and report any equipment malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements.
  • Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions. Operate human-machine interfaces in a healthy, safe and effective manner.
  • Describe and accurately explain the purpose of the equipment operations and the role of these operations in the glass forming process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Meet applicable production targets for the equipment.
  • Perform the prescribed sequence of operations safely and effectively.
  • Operate equipment within the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific operating parameters.
  • Identify and report any equipment malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements.
  • Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions.
  • Operate human-machine interfaces in a healthy, safe and effective manner.
  • Describe and accurately explain the purpose of the equipment operations and the role of these operations in the glass forming process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Meet applicable production targets for the equipment.
  • Perform the prescribed sequence of operations safely and effectively.
  • Operate equipment within the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific operating parameters.
  • Identify and report any equipment malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements.
  • Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions.
  • Operate human-machine interfaces in a healthy, safe and effective manner.
  • Describe and accurately explain the purpose of the equipment operations and the role of these operations in the glass forming process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Meet applicable production targets for the equipment.
  • Perform the prescribed sequence of operations safely and effectively.
  • Operate equipment within the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific operating parameters.
  • Identify and report any equipment malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements.
  • Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions.
  • Operate human-machine interfaces in a healthy, safe and effective manner.
  • Describe and accurately explain the purpose of the equipment operations and the role of these operations in the glass forming process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify, assess and report hazards that could affect health, safety and environment, and production targets.
  • Explain the concepts of hazard elimination, control and minimisation and give examples of each.
  • Explain the importance of compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
  • Describe the consequences of not complying with legislative, health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Describe machine-specific emergencies, and how they should be dealt with, accurately according to the site-specific guidelines.
  • Ensure that all equipment and safety checks and equipment operations comply with the relevant occupational, health, safety, environmental and legislative and site-specific requirements.

    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:
    External integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability study specifically focused on identifying occupational standards or qualifications used in other countries that might contain indicators of best practice that could be used for comparison or in the development of the qualification at Level 2.

    The qualification was compared against qualifications originating from the National Vocational Qualification in parts of Great Britain, Scottish Vocational Qualification in Scotland and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

    Great Britain:
    GQA Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Certificate in Glass Processing:
  • Maintain health and safety within the glass processing environment.
  • Communicate and work with others in the glass and related working environments.
  • Locate, handle and position products, materials or components in glass processing.
  • Check the quality of products in glass processing.
  • Prepare and operate machinery/tools in glass processing.
  • Prepare and assemble products and materials in glass processing.
  • Process glass products by removing materials.

    Scotland:
    SVQ 2 Glass Manufacturing:
  • Maintain health and safety within the glass manufacturing working environment.
  • Maintain the health and safety of individuals.
  • Minimise injury to individuals and damage to property in an emergency.
  • Communicate and work with others in glass manufacturing.
  • Obtain and provide information.
  • Develop and maintain good working relationships.
  • Prepare and operate equipment/machinery/tools in glass manufacturing.
  • Prepare equipment/ machinery/tools for operations.
  • Operate the equipment/ machinery/tools.
  • Handle materials or components in glass manufacturing.
  • Minimise the wastage of resources.
  • Check the quality of product in glass manufacturing.
  • Check the specifications of a product.
  • Detect variation in the quality of a product.
  • Control the flow of glass raw materials through the forming process.
  • Monitor the supply of glass raw materials into the forming process.
  • Control the flow of melted glass.
  • Control the operating conditions within the forming process in glass manufacturing.
  • Control melted glass.
  • Monitor the supply of melted glass.
  • Control the transfer of melted glass.

    New Zealand:
    The New Zealand qualification has the glass forming process as part of the full glass production process and not as a stand-alone qualification.

    Certificate in Glass Container Manufacturing with strands in Forming Operations, Finished Product Operations, Batch and Furnace Operations, and Mould Maintenance:
    Forming Operations Strand:
  • Apply knowledge of workplace health and safety legislation to maintaining personal safety around glass manufacturing machinery.
  • Perform data entry requirements applicable to the glass manufacturing process and work as part of a team to achieve production requirements.
  • Operate and monitor glass forming and ancillary equipment to manufacture glass containers to plant performance requirements and carry out associated product quality checks.
  • Rectify routine problems within own scope and report issues.

    Similarities:
    Similar core qualification structures and progressions from Level 2 to Level 3 were found in the British, Scottish and New Zealand qualifications.

    Differences:
    The international qualifications have a variety of mechanical, business and soft skill electives supporting their core, whereas the South African qualification has an in-depth focus on glass manufacturing.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications and training programmes. The additional operational content incorporated in this qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact time frame than international learners. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • National Certificate: Chemical Operations, Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Chemical Manufacturing, Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • National Certificate: Chemical Operations, Level 3. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required standards by means of statements of results and work experience records including Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • Meets physical and legislative requirements.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is:
  • Glass Forming Operator: 718102-002-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Part-Qualifications:
  • 718102-002-00-01, Container Glass Forming Operator, Level 2.
  • 718102-002-00-02, Spout Operator, Level 2.
  • 718102-002-00-03, Bath Operator, Level 2.
  • 718102-002-00-04, Annealing Operator, Level 2.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • CHIETA. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.