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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Tissue Converter Machine Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105019  Occupational Certificate: Tissue Converter Machine Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - PAMSA 
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  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2021-07-01  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
59037  Further Education and Training Certificate: Tissue Conversion  Level 4  NQF Level 04  136  Complete 
59019  National Certificate: Tissue Conversion  Level 3  NQF Level 03  130  Complete 
59017  National Certificate: Tissue Conversion  Level 2  NQF Level 02  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as a Tissue Converter Machine Operator. A Tissue Converter Machine Operator sets up, operates and maintains machinery to convert paper products into tissue and paper finished products.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Prepare equipment and raw materials for conversion.
  • Start up, monitor and control (operation) machinery to produce tissue and paper materials.
  • Perform routine maintenance operations on tissue and paper conversion machinery.
  • Conduct finishing and packaging operations to complete production for distribution.

    Rationale:
    The Occupational Certificate: Tissue Converter Machine Operator is important to address the skills of current and future employees serving as Tissue Converters without appropriate qualifications. The industry will draw learners from the cohort of current employees who perform the function without recognised qualifications.

    Tissue papers are used within our society for social and economic reasons. The part-qualifications identified will formalise employment for many people and ensure appropriate use of skills for relevant functions. Different career opportunities have arisen, in particular for core making and finished product packaging. Qualified personnel will improve economic productivity and quality of exports within this subsector.

    Employees will progress based on their certification and new entries created in the market for people with qualifications, including part-qualifications. Opportunities will exist for employees with Level 3 part-qualifications to progress towards this qualification. Equally, those employees already qualified as Tissue Converters will progress further towards other related qualifications and careers like Pulp and Paper Technologist, Process Technician, Production Supervisor and/or Floor Manager. 
    		•

    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:
  • NQF Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules at Level 3 and 4 totalling 180 Credits.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 714301-000-00-00-KM-01, Introduction to the paper manufacturing industry, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-KM-02, Legal and regulatory requirements, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-KM-03, Science and chemistry of tissue conversion, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-KM-04, Tissue conversion equipment, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-KM-05, Quality Management Systems in the tissue conversion environment, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-KM-06, Productivity and economics, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-KM-07, Workplace fundamentals, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-KM-08, Basic Equipment Maintenance, Level 3, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 64.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 714301-000-00-00-PM-01, Read and interpret product specifications, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-PM-02, Identify and prepare raw material supplies, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-PM-03, Load rolls for tissue conversion process in the unwind section, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-PM-04, Operate the tissue conversion equipment, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-PM-05, Start up and operate core winding machine to produce ready-made cores, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-PM-06, Conduct routine basic maintenance to different equipment, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-PM-07, Operate the packaging machine to complete tissue conversion processes, Level 3, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 70.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 714301-000-00-00-WM-01, Procedures for interpretation of the job card and preparation of materials and equipment for production, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-WM-02, Risk identification processes for machine operations, Level 4, 7 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-WM-03, Procedures for machine start-up operations, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-WM-04, Procedures for monitoring and controlling various machines during production, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-WM-05, Routine maintenance operations on tissue and paper converting machinery, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 714301-000-00-00-WM-06, Operate the packaging machine to complete tissue production processes, Level 3, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 46. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare backstand equipment and raw materials for use in the production of tissue and paper products.
    2. Operate and monitor different types of machines to produce tissue and paper products to job requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Measuring instruments and equipment selected for used during specific assignments are fit for purpose and comply with job requirements.
  • Raw material is quality checked to job requirements and non-compliant material is reported in accordance with worksite procedures.
  • Hazards and safety features associated with the threading of raw materials are identified and explained in accordance with worksite procedures.
  • Selected raw materials are matched with final product specifications in accordance with workplace procedures.
  • Maintenance associated with threading raw materials is completed in accordance with standard working procedures.
  • Threaded raw material is maintained and threaded along the correct path from dispenser to final usage point in the tissue conversion process.
  • Splicing of raw materials is completed on the run in accordance with standard procedures.
  • All tools and equipment are maintained, used and stored in accordance with standard procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Plant components and handling equipment are inspected for wear or damage and corrective action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures.
  • Different loading equipment is sourced and operated in compliance with industry and use requirements.
  • Product changeover for different machines is performed to the industry standard practices.
  • Different routine maintenance requirements for backstand machines are performed to specifications and optimal performance.
  • Hazards associated with the backstand machines are identified and managed to the industry and statutory requirements.
  • Start-up sequence for the backstand machine is followed to the manufacturer specifications.
  • Consumables and lubricants for backstand equipment and tools are applied in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and standard industry practices.
  • All operational documentation used in production are completed and reports submitted in accordance with standard practices.
  • Dismantled machine components are cleaned and marked according to workplace instructions.
  • Operability of assemblies is re-checked during or after process start-up.

    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 (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An International comparability exercise was undertaken to compare selected number of Paper Products Machine Operator (Tissue Converter Machine Operator) qualifications from various countries in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise was to compare the qualification against existing and comparable practice internationally. The exercise was conducted with two countries Germany and Austria.

    Germany:
    In Germany, the Paper Centre Gernsbach offers a three years vocational programme called Dual Apprenticeship "Paper Technologist" training. School is a public vocational school and a public technical college for master craftsmen. It is a government and industry body providing a company based training to various employer organisations. The programme covers intensive practical on the conversion equipment and theoretical skills on the general paper technology. The course is comparable in terms of the programme length and the curriculum format that provides for both theoretical and practical.

    Austria:
    The University of TU Graz offers a programme Paper and Pulp Technology. The programme offers modules similar if not comparable to this qualification. When students complete the programme, they are qualified for advanced professional activities in the broad field of the paper and pulp industry as well as in the related suppliers. The programme covers areas such as; introduction to paper and pulp technology, different paper and pulp laboratory practical's including simulations and design exercises. This university entitles completing learners to careers in the paper industry for pulp production, paper converting and packaging.

    Conclusion:
    The two countries were compared to share significant elements with the proposed South African qualification. The curriculum content and offering of practical simulations are strong in in both countries. It is not clear however if the training programmes have on-the-job-training component. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    No registered articulation options have been provided.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Logistics Supervisor, Store Manager; Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Process Technician, Pulp and Paper Technologist; Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience including Foundational Learning Competences.

    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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is:
  • Tissue Converter Machine Operator: 714301-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners Records Database (NLRD):
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&MSETA).

    Part-Qualifications related to this qualification:
    714301-000-00-01, Occupational Certificate: Tissue Backstand Operator, Level 3, 70 Credits.
    714301-000-00-02, Occupational Certificate: Tissue Core Winder, Level 3, 63 Credits.
    714301-000-00-03, Occupational Certificate: Tissue Winder Operator, Level 4, 125 Credits.
    714301-000-00-04, Occupational Certificate: Tissue Packaging Attendant, Level 3, 86 Credits. 
    		•

    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.