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: Corrugated Board Manufacturing Machine Minder 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118098  Occupational Certificate: Corrugated Board Manufacturing Machine Minder 
ORIGINATOR
DQP - Printing South Africa 
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  354  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  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 Corrugated Board Manufacturing Machine Minder. A Corrugated Board Manufacturing Machine Minder sets up, runs, tests and monitors board manufacturing and equipment for quality corrugated boards.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Set-up corrugated board packaging manufacturing machinery and equipment.
  • Manufacture corrugated boards for packaging.
  • Test quality of corrugated boards.
  • Conduct first-line machine maintenance on packaging manufacturing machinery and equipment.

    Rationale:
    The current recorded trade for the Corrugated Board Manufacturing Machine Minder is outdated and does meet the requirements for a trade qualification in terms of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations and National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) requirements. The lack of such quality training and education has placed the sector in a precarious position in so far as international competitiveness is concerned not to mention the devastating impact that the increasing scarcity of skills has had on the sector.

    The challenge that persists within the South African economy is that of addressing the vast range of critical and scares skills needed within an industry like the printing and packaging industry. Some of the key factors that need to be addressed within the economy are:
  • Prioritising and communicating critical skills for sustainable growth, development and equity.
  • The promotion and acceleration of quality training for all in the workplace.
  • Promoting employability and sustainable livelihoods through skills development.
  • The promotion of entrants to participate in accredited and integrated work based qualification to acquire the critical skills to enter the labour market and for self-employment.

    In an effort to support the states objective i.e. addressing the challenges of poverty and inequality in the country through high levels of education and training interventions, industry needs and workplace training needs have to be aligned to necessitate industry growth to yield quality and credible labourers. The apparent need of development across all sub-sectors of more middle and high level skills and the need for workplace training programmes that bring about productivity and competitiveness drive the need to identify the skill deficiencies and address them within the printing and packaging industry. Economic gender sensitivity in the workplace also needs addressing through the requirement of more female apprentices to enter the printing and packaging industry to change the complexion of the industries male dominated reputation so that it starts to reflect the transformation taking root in the workplace.

    Trades and occupations need to incorporate new skills and knowledge to replace outdated skills and knowledge. Learners of this qualification will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Once qualified, these learners will be able to further their education and obtain access to industry related management qualifications available in the Printing and Packaging sector. Printing and Packaging employers will gain access to suitably qualified artisans to operate and maintain costly printing.

    By creating career pathways in this sector, employees will be able to progress from general factory workers to qualified artisans. This will create a healthy employment cycle providing much needed employment opportunities to unemployed youth. While qualified artisans will currently not be able to progress to a registered qualification at an NQF Level 5 or higher, it is envisaged that Supervisory and or Master Craftsmen qualifications will be developed in the near future to provide career pathway opportunities. 

  • 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:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 1 qualification. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 718304-001-00-KM-01, Theories of Corrugated Board Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment, Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-03, Theories and Principles in the Testing of Corrugated Boards and Container, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-04, Theories of Corrugated Container (Printing and Finishing) Machinery and Equipment, Level 4, 24 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-05, Concepts and Principles of Printed and Finished Corrugated Container, Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-06, Principles of First Line Maintenance in Packaging Equipment, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-07, Concepts and Principles of the Flatbed Die Cutter (FDC) Machine, Level 2, 7 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-08, Concepts and Principles of the High Graphics (HG) Printing Machine, Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-09, Introduction to the Printing and Packaging Industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-10, Legal and Regulatory Requirements, Level 3, 14 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-11, Printing Science and Chemistry, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-12, Quality Studies in the Printing and Packaging Industry, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-13, Productivity and Economics, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-KM-14, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 7 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 134.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 718304-001-00-PM-05, Set Up the Printing and Finishing Machine, Level 3, 24 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-PM-06, Set Up Tying Machine, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-PM-07, Run Printing and Finishing Equipment (Rotary/Inline), Level 4, 50 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-PM-08, Check and Monitor Container Quality Visually, Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-PM-10, Test Container, Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-PM-15, Conduct First Line Maintenance on Inline/Rotary Die Cutter Machines and Report Irregularities, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 718304001-PM-16, Inspect Safety Requirements on All Corrugated Board and Printing Machinery and Equipment, and Report Irregularities, Level 3, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 100.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 718304-001-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures for Quality Testing Corrugated Boards and Containers Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures for Printing and Finishing Corrugated Containers, Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-WM-04, Processes and Procedures for Setting Up Printing and Finishing Machinery and Equipment, Level 4, 64 Credits.
  • 718304-001-00-WM-06, First Line Maintenance Processes and Procedures, Level 4, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 120. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Set up and run the wet end of corrugated board manufacturing machinery and equipment to ensure the production of consistent quality corrugated board.
    2. Set up and run the dry end of corrugated board manufacturing machinery and equipment to ensure the production of consistent quality corrugated board.
    3. Test the quality of corrugated boards.
    4. Conduct first-line machine maintenance on corrugated board manufacturing machinery and equipment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Make the process of running the wet end according to company Standard Operational Procedures (SoP) ready.
  • Conduct operational checks on the wet end machine parts that need to be maintained and cared for in accordance with housekeeping standards.
  • Inspect and prepare tools, materials and equipment to identify and resolve any process related problems.
  • Analyse and report problems related to the equipment, settings or the condition of machinery in the wet- end.
  • Check the machines components for the running of the wet end for safety and conformance with production and quality standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Make the process of running the dry end according to company Standard Operational Procedures (SoPs) ready.
  • Conduct operational checks on the dry end machine parts that need to be maintained and cared for in accordance with housekeeping standards.
  • Set manually the different component parts to identify and resolve any process related problems.
  • Analyse and report the data fed through to computers for setting the dry end automatically.
  • Check the machines components for the running of the dry end for safety and conformance with production and quality standards.
  • Assess learner competence in accordance with training intervention plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Conduct ongoing quality control checks and housekeeping in accordance with industry specifications.
  • Conduct the ply adhesion, flat crush, calliper, cobb, moisture content, of corrugated board including size, machine position, prongs, specimen ply tests and recording of results.
  • Inspect and manufacture corrugated boards and containers according to the required production run standard used to achieve a finished product with 100% stripping waste.
  • Perform maintenance and check safety devices to determine proper working conditions.
  • Setup the machine correctly according to job specifications and diagnose safety requirements and faults and take corrective action in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Record the quality control of solid content, gel point, viscosity and compare the results according to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and company standards.
  • Ensure that the end products conform to job specifications throughout the quality testing of corrugated board and container process to produce quality corrugated boards and containers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Conduct first line maintenance on the wet and dry end. Where faults have been diagnosed, report irregularities and take corrective action in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Inspect safety requirements on all corrugated board and container machinery and equipment report irregularities.
  • Identify and check if the finished product conforms to job specifications throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Perform regular and scheduled maintenance on safety devices to determine safe working conditions.

    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 to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The broad competencies of this qualification were compared to similar qualifications from Australia and New Zealand that represented either best practice in the field, or offered learning at this level of competence:

    Australia:
    Holmesglen Institute provides Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Cartons and Corrugating) offered full time over 3 years. The qualification provides core competencies in the environment, safety, communication and quality inspection. The packaging rules for this qualification stipulate that an additional fifteen (15) elective units may be selected that must be relevant to the qualification level, job role, work outcome and industry requirements. A total of 19 units are required to achieve this qualification. This qualification is provided for employees working in the paper converting area, preparing materials, setting up and running equipment and machinery to manufacture cartons. The Australian apprenticeship can take place over a period of one (1) to four (4) years to complete, depending on the type of apprenticeship, previous experience and acquired credits leading to the qualification.

    New Zealand:
    The Fibreboard Packaging qualification provided by the standard-setting body Competenz is offered at Levels 2, 3 and 4. The Level 2 qualification (40 Credits) provides the fibreboard packaging industry with individuals who have attained appropriate capabilities and competencies to work in the industry at a novice level under substantial supervision. It is an entry level qualification for people who may already be employed in the fibreboard packaging industry and who wish to work towards achieving a qualification in production support in carton converting, case converting, or case corrugating.

    The Level 3 qualification (80 Credits) provides the fibreboard packaging industry with individuals who have attained appropriate capabilities and competencies to work in the industry in the role of an assistant operator. It is designed for people who are employed as production support, and who are undertaking general and specific production activities in one of the areas of bag and sack converting, case corrugating, case converting and carton converting. These people work alongside machine operators and assistant operators helping to produce fibreboard packaging to meet job and customer requirements and have the technical knowledge and skills to operate the machine in the absence of the operator if required. Knowledge and skills recognised by this qualification that will support competent job performance, the future introduction of new technologies within the sector, and further personal up skilling in the fibreboard packaging workplace.

    The Level 4 qualification with 80 Credits provides the fibreboard packaging industry with individuals who have attained appropriate capabilities and competencies to work in the industry as a skilled machine operator without supervision. It is designed for people who are employed as assistant operators in the fibreboard packaging industry and who wish to progress to undertake high level specialised production activities in one or more of the areas of case corrugating, case converting and carton converting. This qualification has been developed to encourage learners to train to higher levels in a formal programme of training, and to credential employee capabilities. It recognises knowledge and skills that will support competent job performance, the future introduction of new technologies within the sector, and further personal up skilling in the fibreboard packaging workplace, particularly in areas such as production training and supervision.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the above-mentioned international qualifications in terms of content and complexity and duration. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Corrugated Board Printing and Finishing Machine Minder, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • This qualification does not currently articulate vertically to any registered qualification at an NQF Level 5 or higher. It is envisaged that Supervisory and or Master Craftsmen qualifications will be developed in the near future to provide career pathway opportunities. 

  • 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 QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Corrugated Board Manufacturing Machine Minder: 718304-001-00-01

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB).

    Parent-Qualification (s):
  • 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.