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: Tractor Mechanic Assistant

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117477	Occupational Certificate: Tractor Mechanic Assistant
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - QCTO (MANU)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	79	Not Applicable	NQF Level 02	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0522/24	2021-03-25	2025-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31		2029-12-31

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 part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Tractor Mechanic Assistant. A Tractor Mechanic Assistant assists with the maintenance and repairs of tractor system components.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on a tractor, engine components, gearboxes, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems in accordance with specifications.

Rationale:
A Tractor Mechanic Assistant is required to diagnose, service, maintain and repair tractors and associated machines. However, due to the complex nature of the tractor systems and components, the mechanic is now required to use technology to diagnose faults, repair and maintain tractor components, i.e. engines, transmissions, mechanical parts and hydraulically and/or electrically powered systems in an efficient and effective manner.

Stakeholders involved in agricultural and manufacturing sectors were consulted and representatives participated in the realignment process. Stakeholders included AGRISETA, merSETA, agricultural cooperatives, Skills Development Providers, organised labour (NUMSA), government departments, agricultural equipment importers and distributors and farming enterprises.

In modern agricultural processes the tractor and associated machines play a crucial role in ensuring food security, economic growth and sustainability within the country. Global challenges facing agricultural processes require that we have more effective and efficient ways of maintaining tractors and associated machines.

Advancement in technology requires Tractor Mechanics to have additional knowledge and skills that will enable them to use modern communication technology, computerised equipment and relevant software tools to execute their tasks as Tractor Mechanics.

This qualification is aimed at school leavers, TVET college students as well as learners who are currently employed in a mechanical workshop within industries such as motor, agriculture, construction and mining.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to assist the Tractor Mechanic with the maintenance and repairs of tractor system components in any of these sectors: motor, agriculture, construction and mining.

Possible learning career paths for this qualification are motor mechanic, small engine mechanic, diesel mechanic and heavy equipment mechanic. Upon completion of this qualification learners can advance their careers by enrolling in higher level qualifications. By so doing, learners will gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them to take more responsibilities within an organisation, pursue entrepreneurial opportunities or supervise a small team of mechanics within an organisation.

Recognition will be given to learners that have gained experience, knowledge and skills through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The qualified Tractor Mechanic will play a role in building the economy of the country and add value to the society at large.

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:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics and Physical Science.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

653308-000-00-00-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 9 Credits.

653308-000-00-00-KM-03, Vehicle and Equipment Fundamentals, Level 2, 8 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 17

Practical Skill Modules:

653308-000-00-00-PM-01, Work Safely, Level 2, 10 Credits.

653308-000-00-00-PM-02, Use Tools and Equipment, Level 2, 12 Credits.

653308-000-00-00-PM-03, Remove and Install Mechanical Components, Level 2, 25 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 47

Work Experience Modules:

653308-000-00-00 -WM-02, Removal and Dismantling of Mechanical Components and Parts, Level 2, 15 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 15

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on a tractor, engine components, gearboxes, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems in accordance with specifications.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Knowledge and understanding of the general principles and critical issues relating to performing scheduled maintenance on tractor system components according to accepted industry standards is demonstrated.

The maintenance and/or service is performed according to the manufacturer's schedule, specifications and timeframes.

Technical information is sourced and correctly interpreted.

The work is systematically planned and the work area is prepared according to task requirements.

Components are removed, replaced and tested as per the maintenance or service schedule.

The maintenance report is accurately compiled and reflects the condition of the components including details of the defective components.

All activities are performed within specified timeframes.

Workmanship is carried out in accordance with industry standards.

All activities are performed according to safety and environmental requirements.

Integrated Assessment:
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 for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Comparisons were made to Tractor Mechanic qualifications in New Zealand, Australia and Slovenia. These countries were chosen due to easy access to availability of qualifications that compared easily with the South African Tractor Mechanic qualification and best practices in terms of machinery in these countries. This comparison includes the Tractor Mechanic part qualifications.

New Zealand:
The National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Heavy Engineering) (Level 4) with strands in Agricultural Equipment, Materials Handling Equipment, Plant and Equipment, and Road Transport is registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. This qualification is pegged at Level 4 and has credits ranging between 121-153.

This qualification is aimed at people tasked with the responsibility of diagnosing and repairing complex vehicle and heavy equipment within the automotive, heavy and motor industry at both intermediate and advanced levels. Learners may choose the area of specialisation suited to individual respective area of work.

The qualification comprises both core and elective unit standards. Elective unit standards are further clustered in accordance with the area of specialisation the learner may choose to pursue. These areas of specialisation, which are called strands as per the New Zealand terminology are: Plant and Equipment Strand; Road Transport Strand; Agricultural Equipment Strand and Materials Handling Equipment Strand.

Core unit standards prepare learners to carry out administration work as well participation in quality improvement activities. Included in core unit standard are also industry specific skills and knowledge covering diagnosis and rectification of electrical starting and charging systems, electronic diesel management, driveline, cooling system faults on heavy vehicles and equipment. On the other hand, the elective section of each strand allows candidates to add further skills that are relevant to their position and/or specific workplace requirements.

Institutions that offer this qualification are Northland Polytechnic, Southern Institute of Technology as well as Wellington Institute of Technology.

Australia:
A few qualifications that are for individuals who perform maintenance and repair tasks on a variety of machinery in the automotive retail, service and repair industry are registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework. Some of these qualifications are listed below:

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology - AUR3116.

Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology - AUR30416.

Certificate III in Automotive Drivetrain Technology - AUR31616.

Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology - AUR31416.

Each of these qualifications are offered over a period of three years in the form of an apprenticeship.

Bendigo TAFE, TAFE Queensland, Kangan Institute, Oceania College of Technology, are some of the accredited training providers that offer these qualifications.

Slovenia:
The Slovenian Qualifications Framework has registered a certificate for Mechanic for Agricultural and other Machinery is registered on Level 4. This qualification is for learners who operate in the automotive, construction, mining and agricultural sectors. Entry into the qualification is proof of completion of elementary education or lower vocational education.

The qualification comprises both core and elective standards:
Some of the core unit standards covered in the qualification are : plan and organise their own work; carry out diagnoses and localise and eliminate faults in propulsion units and other machinery in agricultural, utilities and civil engineering contexts with the help of modern devices; carry out the set-up, maintenance and repair of mechanical assemblies and installations, electric, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic installations in propulsion units and other machinery in agricultural, utilities and civil engineering contexts; autonomously and safely carry out repairs and maintenance of propulsion units and other machinery and plants in agricultural, utilities and civil engineering contexts and use information and communication technology for communication and to plan and organise autonomous, safe, economical work and work processes in their professional field.

Elective standards are: diagnose, set and regulate the working parameters of tractors, propulsion units, trailers and working machinery; assemble, maintain and repair plants and equipment in agriculture and horticulture; set up, prepare and provide services with agricultural and horticultural machinery, and keep records; repair and maintain construction machinery and utilities machinery and plants; diagnose the state of tyres and rims and maintain and repair them using modern tools and instruments and diagnose, set-up, connect, regulate and maintain electronic and electro-hydraulic installations and systems.

The Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training (CPI) was appointed the National Coordination Point (NCP) for the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) in Slovenia.

Similarities:
Similarities have been noted in terms of course content, entry requirements, scope of work, targeted learners, learning methodology, i.e. apprenticeship and the workplaces within which qualified learners operate.

Differences:
Differences are in terms of credits allocated to internationally compared qualifications.

The South African Tractor Mechanic has a high credit value due to the inclusion of modules pegged from NQF Levels 2 though to NQF Level 4.

Differences have also been noted with regards to the inclusion of part qualifications in the South African Tractor Mechanic, whilst in qualifications offered in other countries, workplace specifics are catered for in the form of 'strands' and elective unit standards.

It has also been noted that whilst the South African Tractor Mechanic qualification has covered individual learning units as part qualifications, these are covered as elective unit standards for each area of specialisation (strand) in New Zealand qualifications. Whereas in Australian qualifications, each of these has been developed as a stand-alone qualification.

Conclusion:
The South African Tractor Mechanic Assistant occupational qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered in other countries.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

National Certificate: IC: N2 Motor, Diesel and Tractor Mechanic, NQF Level 2.

Vertical Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Tractor Service Mechanic, NQF Level 3.

Occupational Certificate: Automotive Cooling Components Repairer, NQF Level 3.

Occupational Certificate: Automotive Drivetrain Repairer, NQF Level 3.

Occupational Certificate: Automotive Suspension Repairer, NQF Level 3.

Occupational Certificate: Automotive Clutch and Brake Repairer, NQF Level 3.

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 modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

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 are: Tractor Mechanic Assistant and Tractor Mechanic Assistant: 653308-000-00-01.

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

None

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):

National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB).

Related Parent Qualification:

Occupational Certificate: Tractor Mechanic, Level 4.

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