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: Paper Process Control Attendant

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118096	Occupational Certificate: Paper Process Control Attendant
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - PAMSA
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		Fabrication and Extraction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	72	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 provide qualifying learners with the knowledge, understanding, competence and experience required to operate as a Paper Process Control Attendant. A Paper Process Control Attendant conducts housekeeping activities, takes readings and performs operational support activities in a plant that produces paper.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Conduct housekeeping tasks and report on paper production operations.

Also, learner attributes (including communication) will be integrated into the learning process. Learners will have to prove competence of the above knowledge, skills, attitudes, responsibilities and tasks embedded in the Exit Level Outcomes.

Rationale:
The need for this part-qualification stems from the necessity to revise and update existing unit standards-based qualifications. Currently, there are two unit standards-based qualifications registered that needs to be aligned and updated (National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations NQF Level 2 and National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations NQF Level 3) to meet requirements. This process resulted in the identification of a learning pathway for pulp and paper processing operations as well as a learning pathway for paper processing operations.

The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), representing more than 90% of paper, packaging and tissue manufacturers in South Africa as well as the main individual manufacturers (including, Sappi, Mondi, Mpact, Twinsaver, Neopak, Corruseal and Kimberly Clark) supported the need and actively participated in the development of this qualification. Furthermore, participants from a Higher Education Institution (the Durban University of Technology and Unisa) offering the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology also participated in the development of this qualification. The paper and pulp industry has a specific need for a competent and skilled workforce. Qualifications to formally acknowledge the skills and competencies, at different NQF levels, is required by the sector. This part-qualification, by addressing industry requirements and needs, is essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the progression and economic growth within the pulp and paper processing and maintenance fraternity.

Typical learners likely to be attracted to this part-qualification include production personnel already working in a chemical, pulp or paper processing plant, seeking to obtain a formal qualification and further their career in the pulp and paper industry. New entrants to the sector completing this part-qualification would benefit from increased possibilities of employment.

This part-qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the pulp and paper industry by providing recognition, further mobility, and transportability within the sector. This part-qualification forms part of a suite of related qualifications in a paper and pulp occupational pathway.

Learners wishing to become a Paper Process Control Attendant can enrol for this part-qualification: Paper Process Control Attendant, Level 2. Should such a learner wish to, at a later stage, enrol for the Occupational Certificate: Paper Process Control Operator he/she will be granted recognition for modules already completed (CAT). Similarly, learners will be able to move from the Paper Process Control Operator to the Pulp Process Control Operator pathway.

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.

Learners who believe that they have, through previous learning, obtained the required knowledge, skills or work experience related to a module that is part of this qualification (or part-qualification) may request the accredited provider or the relevant workplace to access that module. If found competent the learner will be exempted from completing the module and the achievement will be recorded on the statement of results or the logbook.

In terms of Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) policy, learners who have completed any of the modules as part of a part-qualification or a qualification that forms part of the learning pathway towards this qualification will be exempted from completing those modules already completed. Proof of successful completion will be reflected in the relevant statement of results. When applying for the external integrated assessment proof of completion of all required modules may thus result in various statements of results obtained through various processes.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

NQF Level 1 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Knowledge Modules:

717102-004-00-KM-01, Introduction to pulp and paper making processes, Level 2, 8 Credits.

717102-004-00-KM-02, Piping, fittings and valves, Level 2, 4 Credits.

717102-004-00-KM-03, Safety, health, environment and quality, Level 3, 12 Credits.

717102-004-00-KM-04, Storage, mixing and blending, Level 2, 2 Credits.

717102-004-00-KM-05, Pumps, compressors and solids transfer equipment, Level 3, 3 Credits.

717102-004-00-KM-06, Separation processes, Level 4, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 37.

Practical Skill Modules:

717102-004-00-PM-02, Conduct housekeeping, paper plant checks and operational support activities, Level 2, 5 Credits.

717102-004-00-PM-03, Conduct paper plant inspections, first-line maintenance and monitor paper plant reliability, Level 3, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 15.

Work Experience Modules:

717102-004-00-WM-01, Process and procedures to conduct paper making support activities, Level 2, 20 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 20.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Conduct housekeeping activities and prepare paper production process control reports reflecting information clearly and accurately.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Provide operational support activities through housekeeping activities, paper plant checks and the opening and closing of valves.

Take readings and complete paper process control checklists following standard operating procedures.

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

China and the United States has the world's largest paper, and pulp production operations. Other leading paper and pulp producers in the world are Germany, Japan, Finland, and Canada.

Even though the pulp and paper industry is very well-developed in all these countries most operators are still trained on the job with some short courses offered by equipment suppliers. In the USA, the University of Lord Fairfax offers an online self-paced program, Paper Mill Operator, ID: 56065. Learners are supported by subject matter experts with years of experience who acts as educational mentors.

The two countries chosen for the international comparability of this qualification is Canada and New Zealand.

Canada:
Canada was chosen because it is one of the leading paper and pulp producers in the world and a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS): Pulp and Paper Operations, Cr 78, 1170 hours, (Code: 5762) has been registered by Compétences Québec. There is no level assigned to the qualification, but learners must have obtained a Secondary School Diploma or its recognized equivalent.

The program was approved in 2002, but currently, there is no educational organisation offering it. The Diploma is aimed at learners wanting to work as Pulping, Papermaking and Coating Control Operators.

New Zealand:
New Zealand was chosen because there are two qualifications registered on the NZQA. This includes 2319: New Zealand Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (Level 3), Credits 70 and 2320 New Zealand Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (Level 4) Credits 120. These qualifications are being offered by Competenz.

The outcomes of 2319: New Zealand Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (Level 3), Credits 70 includes:

Apply knowledge of environmental issues, employment requirements and employee performance to a pulp and paper manufacturing operation. 15 Credits.

Apply knowledge of products and processes to a pulp and paper manufacturing operation. 15 Credits.

Apply basic workplace health and safety, and the quality requirements to pulp and paper manufacturing. 10 Credits.

Carry out practical tasks in either a papermaking or mechanical or chemical pulping operation. 30 Credits.
The areas indicated with an asterisk are also covered by this part-qualification. The total credits for completing all knowledge and practical modules of the part-qualification Pulp Process Control Attendant is 49 compared to 70 Credits for the New Zealand Certificate at Level 3.

Conclusion:
The part-qualification Paper Process Control Attendant does not compare with the New Zealand Certificate or the Canadian DVS: Pulp and Paper Operations.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Pulp Process Control Attendant, NQF Level 2.

Vertical Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Paper Process Control Operator, 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: Paper Process Control Attendant: 717102-004-00-01.

This curriculum is however an integrated component of the curriculum for the Paper Process Controller: 717102-002-00-00 to allow for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT).

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

None

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):

Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA).

Related Parent Qualification:

Occupational Certificate: Paper Process Control Operator, NQF Level 3.

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.

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