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: Rubber Production Machine Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118082  Occupational Certificate: Rubber Production Machine Operator 
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  286  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 qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Rubber Production Machine Operator. A Rubber Production Machine Operator operates and monitors the mixing, extruding, calendaring, assembly, curing and final inspection rubber production manufacturing machines, tools and equipment to produce specific rubber products.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Operate and monitor machines which knead, mix and blend rubber and rubber compounds for further processing.
  • Operate and monitor machines which extrude compounded rubber to produce components.
  • Operate and monitor machines which calendar or produce sheets of rubber or rubberised fabric and/or steel using manufacturing processes such as rolling, cutting, splicing and bead making.
  • Operate and monitor machines to assemble components and materials to produce rubber products.
  • Operate and monitor machines to shape and vulcanise rubber using various curing techniques.
  • Operate and monitor machines to inspect, test and finish final rubber products.

    Rationale:
    This is an entry-level qualification within the rubber production manufacturing and assembly sub-field. The need arose within the rubber production industry to revisit the current, related qualifications that:
  • Minimises duplication given that the rubber production stages and processes are generic and cuts across each role holder and area of specialisation within the rubber production process.
  • Reflects the value chain of the rubber production process which allows for choice and the completion of recognised part-qualifications, recognising that the Rubber Production Machine Operator may not have the opportunity to work in each stage of the rubber production process.
  • Is actually required in the workplace where such qualifications are fit for purpose and employment thereby promoting access to employment and access to education, training and development.

    This entry-level qualification provides a developmental pathway for the full range of rubber production related qualifications. Further career development would be based on the learner embarking on the NQF levels of learning in rubber production and other non-rubber production qualifications based on the learner's aspirations. Options could include:
  • Entrepreneurial activities (starting own business).
  • General or technical management.
  • Quality management including compliance.

    This qualification recognises skills, knowledge and values relevant to a workplace and requires workplace experience. It is designed for learners who engage actively in rubber production machine operation activities. It is suitable for learners who:
  • Have attended courses and then applied the knowledge gained to activities in the workplace, or
  • Are already workers and have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses, or
  • Are participating in skills programmes and have the appropriate work experience, or
  • Are part of a learnership programme which integrates structured learning and work experience, or
  • Acquired their learning through any combination of the above.

    This qualification will benefit society and the economy by producing skilled employees. A skilled workforce will promote safety and efficiency in the operation of rubber production machines, tools and equipment. The qualification also emphasises the learner's role in conserving resources, in behaving responsibly towards the environment in general, and in observing all legal requirements. It will also assist the industry to meet equity targets and will contribute to the establishment of small and medium sized enterprises.

    This qualification will help achieve the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework as it will contribute to the full development of the learner and provide recognition for skills and knowledge achieved, thereby forming the basis for further advancement in the occupation. It will also provide a basis for further mobility and transportability across other sectors of the economy as it recognises skills and knowledge that are applicable to various other 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 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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 714101-000-00 KM-01, Fundamentals of the Rubber Manufacturing Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-02, World of Work Fundamentals, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-03, Workplace Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Practices, level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-04, Rubber Production Processes, Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-05 Materials, Components and Product Handling, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-06, Mixing Process Technology, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-07, Extrusion Process Technology, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-08, Calendaring Process Technology, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-09, Assembly Process Technology, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-10, Curing Process Technology, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 KM-11, Final Inspection Process Technology, Level 2, 6 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 60 (8 credits of which are at level 3)

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 714101-000-00 PM-01, Carry Out Production Scheduling and Manufacturing Activities, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-02, Select, Care and Use Tools and Equipment, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-03, Work Safely, Level 1, 2 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-04, Prepare Incoming Materials and/or Products for Machine Operations, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-05, Lift and Move Materials and/or Products Using Lifting and Support Equipment, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-06, Perform Machine, Tools and Equipment Operations, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-07, Operate and Monitor Mixing Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-08, Operate and Monitor Milling Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-09, Operate and Monitor Extrusion Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-10, Operate and Monitor Calendaring Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-11, Operate and Monitor Rubber Component Assembly Machines, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-12, Operate and Monitor Rubber Component Shaping and Curing Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-13, Operate and Monitor Machines, Tools and Equipment to Perform Final Test and Inspection on Finished Rubber Products, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-14, Perform Production Quality Control Operations, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-15, Complete Manufacture and Hand Over Operations, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 PM-16, Collect Information and Keep Records, Level 3, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 106.

    Compulsory Work Experience Modules (Total of 20 Credits):
  • 714101-000-00 WM-01, Site Preparation Processes, level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 WM-02, Material Preparation Processes, Level 2, 10 Credits.

    A learner will either do context 1 or context 2.

    Context 1 (Total of 100 Credits):
  • 714101-000-00 WM-03, Operate and Monitor Mixing Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 WM-04, Operate and Monitor Milling Machine to Prepare Rubber Compound, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 WM-05, Operate and Monitor Extrusion Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 WM-06, Operate and Monitor Calendaring Machines, Tools and Equipment to Produce Calendared Rubber Sheeting and/or Rubberised Textiles and/or Steel and/or Profile Sheeting, Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 WM-07, Operate and Monitor Bead Making Machines, Tools and Equipment to Produce Components Such as Beads, Level 2, 20 Credits.

    Context 2 (Total of 100 Credits):
  • 714101-000-00 WM-08, Operate and Monitor Cutting Machines, Tools and Equipment to Produce Components, Level 2, 25 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 WM-09, Operate and Monitor Rubber Component Assembly Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 2, 25 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 WM-10, Operate and Monitor Rubber Component Curing Machines, Tools and Equipment, Level 2, 25 Credits.
  • 714101-000-00 WM-11, Operate and Monitor Machines to Perform Final Inspection, Testing and Final Finishing on Produced Rubber Products, Level 2, 25 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace safety, health, environment, quality and housekeeping practices.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding on the rubber production processes, machines, tools and equipment.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding on the handling and storing of materials, components and products.
    4. Operate and monitor rubber production machines. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply general health, safety and environmental principles.
  • Describe housekeeping principles and practices.
  • Identify hazard and risk principles.
  • Apply quality management systems in the manufacturing industry.
  • Apply fire safety and prevention.
  • Apply general machine safety.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss the hand held and power tools principles and practices.
  • Describe lifting and support equipment.
  • Explain the rubber production processes and stages.
  • Define the generic anatomy of rubber production machinery, ancillary tools and equipment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of routine inspections and checks of manufacturing machines and equipment.
  • Identify mechanical faults on manufacturing machines, tools and equipment.
  • Apply the process measurements control systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of general materials, components and products principles.
  • Discuss the handling and storing of liquid materials, gaseous materials and solid materials.
  • Explain the correct handling of lubricants.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Carry out production scheduling and manufacturing activities as per production requirements.
  • Select and use appropriate tools and equipment in accordance with safe rubber production practices.
  • Outline relevant safety requirements and procedures within the Occupational Health and Safety Act and apply the standard operating procedures.
  • Perform machine, tools and equipment operational checks in accordance with the specifications and standard operating procedures.
  • Select, prepare and use incoming raw materials in accordance with the production schedule.
  • Lift and move incoming raw materials in line with the production schedule and in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Carry out in-process product quality control inspections as per quality procedures and specifications.
  • Carry out manufacturing operations such as start-up, run, shut down, changeovers, conducting routine checks and hand over operations in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
  • Explain and carry out troubleshooting and fault finding relating to the manufacturing of machines as per standard operating procedures.
  • Discuss and explain incidents and problems relating to the manufacturing process amongst the workgroup members.
  • Read, interpret and complete all applicable documents and reports on related matters as required.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the mixing process technology in the context of mixing, milling, extrusion, calendaring, bead making, cutting, assembling and curing operations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the assembly process technology in the context of assembly operations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the final inspection process technology in the context of final inspection operations.

    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 
    A comparative analysis was conducted on the Rubber Production Machine Operator occupational qualifications to determine the occupational qualification best practices by referencing two countries.

    The Scottish Qualifications Framework (SQF) was selected for comparison purposes on the basis that it works with a broad range of national and international partners to ensure that their qualifications and systems of education and training are relevant, reflect best practice and meet the changing needs of individuals, the labour market, societies and national economies.

    Australia was also identified as a country against which to compare the Rubber Production Machine Operator qualification. Having established that Australia is a sound choice for comparing qualifications on an international level; it is important to note that the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) has already marked rubber and tyre qualifications obsolete and replaced these qualifications with a broad overarching qualification that encompasses rubber, tyre and other polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics.

    Scotland:
    The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) references separate tyre and industrial rubber qualifications within the overall engineering field of learning and more specifically, manufacturing engineering that are registered on the SQF. This qualification similarly caters for tyres and industrial rubber in an overarching qualification thereby rendering the two separate qualification streams obsolete. The SQA operator and craftsperson is similar to the rubber production machine operator occupation on the South African Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO). The SQA related qualification is the Rubber Production or Tyre Manufacturing National Qualification. This qualification is not a stand-alone qualification or learning area but rather forms part of, and is addressed as a sub set within the SQA engineering qualification, and more specifically within the manufacturing engineering qualification stream.

    At the qualification entry level, the engineering qualification is made up of the following two learning courses where the learning outcomes refer to the manufacture of simple components needed downstream in the manufacturing process:
    1. Engineering Skills Intermediate 1, SCQF level 4 and SVQ Level 1.
    Having completed the above entry level of learning, the learner then advances to the following learning programme at the next level:
    2. Engineering Skills Intermediate 2, SCQF level 5 and SVQ Level 2.
    On successful completion of the above two courses the learner achieves a national qualification and then advances to modern apprenticeship in the manufacturing engineering areas. At the modern apprenticeship level, the learner makes decisions about his/her area of specialisation within manufacturing engineering such as, a Scientific Glass Product Fabricator, a General Rubber Goods Processor, a Tyre Retreader and a Tyre Manufacturer.

    Australia:
    The Australian Qualifications Authority (AQA) Level II and III qualifications, namely certificates in Polymer processing registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework, are process related and are aimed at Operators and Advanced Operators respectively who operate production equipment and are directly involved in the production process. Level IV is the highest certificate level where the naming convention is geared towards the direction in which the learners will progress thereafter namely a Certificate in Polymer Technology which is offered by City and Guilds. Thereafter what would be considered Level V is the Diploma of Polymer Technology and then the Level VI would be the Advanced Diploma of Polymer Technology.

    Certificate II in Polymer Processing is an Australian qualification in which learners are taught how to fulfil a supporting role function, 3 years is the average course duration entered on AIO Training Pty Ltd. Within this qualification, learners are taught how to operate equipment on a basic and routine level. They are also taught knowledge and application of problem solving to a limited range of predictive problems.

    Learners are taught start-up and shut-down procedures and application. They are also taught the knowledge and application of how to anticipate problems both foreseen and unforeseen as well as how to develop solutions. This qualification is targeted at learners who fulfil supportive roles in their job functions. The electives selected will be consistent with the learning path that the learner chooses.

    Within the AQA and the SQA the operator related qualifications and areas of learning reside on level II and level III.

    Conclusion:
    The Rubber Production Machine Operator qualification compares favourably with the related qualifications developed through the SQA and the AQA in terms of learning areas, level of complexity, standard and best practices. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certification: Footwear Closing Production Machine Operator, NQF Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing: 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 the external summative assessment learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the listed subjects and modules or alternative qualifications where applicable.

    Foundational learning competence is not a pre-requisite for the awarding of 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: Rubber Production Machine Operator: 714101-000-00-00:

    Encompassed Trades
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None

    Assessment Quality Partner
  • Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education Training Authority (MERSETA)

    Part-qualifications
  • None

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION
  • 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.