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: Manufacturing Production Process Controller

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117327	Occupational Certificate: Manufacturing Production Process Controller
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		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	140	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		SAQA 12129/20	2020-07-30	2025-07-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-07-30		2029-07-30

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 Production Process Controller. A Production Process Controller conducts a range of administrative and control functions in the monitoring and control of a production process plant. This is done through a combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or computer technologies. Compliance with occupational health, safety and environmental requirements as well as organisational standards, policies and procedures is an integral part of the operational profile as well as routine/minor/first-line maintenance work where required.

This qualification will train and equip the qualifying learner with the knowledge, skills and experience to ensure that a production plant is monitored and controlled productively and safely. Improved standards of training and assessment will lead to more productive operations and improved safety.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Carry out production plant operational and administrative processes, duties and functions; and;

Operate, monitor and control production plant operations.

Rationale:
Manufacturing and production are key components of the Southern African economy. Sustained production stimulates the generation of revenue and economic growth. A strong economy attracts local and overseas investment which in turn contributes to sustainable employment impacting the various market sectors such as manufacturing, mining and minerals, chemical, food and beverages. The qualification reflects the needs of the manufacturing and production sectors, represented by employers, employees and training providers, including learners to develop the skills and competencies for Production Process Controllers.

Production Process Controllers are found across a wide range of industries in the production and manufacturing sector. The qualification has, therefore, been developed in a generic format. The curriculum can be contextualised for production, manufacturing, mining and minerals, chemical, energy, and water sectors as well as for food and beverage production. As the skills and competencies have been specified generically, this qualification will be portable across a wide range of operations.

The general application of the qualification will improve mobility of employment across various sectors. Most learners entering the qualification will already be employed. Qualified will be able to progress to other operator specialisations and related occupations in Operations, Engineering or Training.

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 by 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 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy.
Or

Occupational Certificate: Production Process Machine Operator and Assembler.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

313916-001-00-KM-01, Occupational Health and Safety and Environment, Level 4, 8 Credits.

313916-001-00-KM-02, Process Plant Management, Level 4, 24 Credits.

The total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 32.

Practical Skill Modules:

313916-001-00-PM-01, Carry Out Operational and Administrative Processes, Duties and Functions, Level 4, 16 Credits.

313916-001-00-PM-02, Operate, Monitor and Control Manufacturing Production Process Plant, Level 4, 32 Credits.

The total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48.

Work Experience Modules:

313916-001-00-WM-01, Manufacturing Production Process Plant Operations, Level 4, 60 Credits.

The total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 60.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Carry out production plant operational and administrative processes, duties and functions, applying and exercising policies, procedures, performance parameters, controls and operating standards.
2. Operate, monitor and control production plant operations, applying and exercising policies, procedures, performance parameters, controls and operating standards.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply and exercise health, safety and environmental requirements.

Complete operational and administrative processes, duties and functions.

Compile and complete reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Complete start and end-of-shift procedures.

Operate plant, machines, associated equipment and accessories.

Complete operational functions and duties.

Compile and complete reports.

Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development providers 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 to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Manufacturing production operations exist worldwide. However, Australia and New Zealand were selected for comparison.

Australia:
MSM30116-Certificate III in Process Manufacturing was compared with this qualification. The Units include the following: monitor process operations; monitor process capability; operate equipment; use equipment; use organisation computers or data systems; interact with computing technology; identify and apply process improvements; use improvement processes in team activities; sustain process improvements; adjust a production schedule; set assembly stations; perform tasks to support production; organise on-site work; work in accordance with an issued permit; monitor and control work permits; observe permit work; apply workplace context to own job; clean workplace or equipment; work in a team; achieve work outcomes; process and record information; undertake minor maintenance; participate in continuous improvement; sample and test materials and product; apply hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) principles to the workplace; identify equipment faults; maintain and organise workplace records; contribute to the development of workplace documentation; interpret technical drawings; administer inventory procedures; work safely with industrial chemicals and materials; perform basic statistical quality control; perform inspection; organise and communicate information; work with others in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment; perform basic tests; identify and minimise environmental hazards; participate in environmentally sustainable work practices; make measurements; provide coaching/mentoring in the workplace; facilitate a team; use structured problem-solving tools; follow workplace health and safety procedures; follow emergency response procedures; work safely; conduct hazard analysis; control minor incidents; facilitate the implementation of workplace health and safety for a work group; apply quick changeover procedures; apply just in time procedures; apply cost factors to work practices; apply planning and organising, problem solving and self-management procedures; apply quality standards.

All the above skills and competencies are included in the qualification.

New Zealand:
New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing (Level 4), 80 Credits. The purpose of this qualification is to provide the manufacturing sector with self-managing skilled operational people, capable of setting up, troubleshooting, and coordinating one or more stages of a manufacturing process to meet production and customer requirements. Qualifying learners of this qualification will be able to: Identify, diagnose and rectify operational issues in a manufacturing environment; coordinate one or more stages of a manufacturing operation; set up and control equipment to meet daily production safety and quality requirements of a manufacturing process; use technical knowledge to complete tasks to support manufacturing operations.

Conclusion:
The content and level of the two qualifications referenced compare well with this qualification, and the curriculum is comparable to international practice.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Metal Manufacturing Casting Process Controller; NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Manufacturing Electrolysis Process Controller; NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Metal Manufacturing Finishing Process Controller; NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Metal Manufacturing Material Preparation Process Controller, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Metal Manufacturing Rolling Process Controller, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Metal Manufacturing, Melting and Refining Process Controller, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Material Handler), NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Materials Preparer: Lump Ore), NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor: Calcining) NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor: Hydrometallurgy), NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Mineral Beneficiation Process Controller (Mineral Processor: Smelting), NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Production Supervisor, NQF Level 5.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment:
In order to qualify for the external summative assessment learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and a signed Statement of Work Experience including Foundational Learning Competence.

Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
Physical requirements:

Meet legal, health and medical requirements.

Legal requirements:

Meet all organisation and legal requirements to enter the training programme.

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: Production Process Controller: 313916-001-00-00.

Encompassed Trades:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):

Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education Training Authority (merSETA).

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