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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118106	Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FPMSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Forestry and Wood Technology
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	266	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
66312	National Certificate: Lumber Milling	Level 2	NQF Level 02	120	Complete
66329	National Certificate: Lumber Milling	Level 3	NQF Level 03	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Wood Processing Machine Operator. A Wood Processing Machine Operator converts logs into lumber (sawn boards) and by-products in accordance with specific market requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Receive logs and process according to wet mill requirements.

Converts logs into lumber (sawn boards) and by-products in accordance with specific market requirements.

Convert dry lumber into final products in accordance with specific market specifications.

Rationale:
A Wood Processing Machine Operator is an occupation that is needed in the lumber milling industry but it has no formal qualification in South Africa. This creates a problem for the people who seek to work as Wood Processing Machine Operators. To close this gap, stakeholders within the lumber milling industry participated in the process of developing qualifications for the industry.

The current skills programmes are inadequate and ineffective in a sector where mechanisation is constantly developing. Therefore, there is a need for an occupational qualification that will provide wood processing machine operators with the relevant skills and competencies. The availability of qualified Wood Processing Machine Operators within the sector will ensure efficiency, productivity, sustainability and growth within a competitive market.

The majority of semi-skilled wood processing machine operators are part of an aging occupation. The Wood Processing Machine Operator's qualification is aimed at professionalising the occupation. The qualification is aimed at learners who previously worked in the sector, are currently working in the sector as well as new entrants who aspire to pursue a career in Wood Processing.

The occupation, Wood Processing Machine Operator by its nature, embodies a progression of accumulated skills and expertise, thereby promising career pathing and articulation. This highlights the need for part qualifications: which would ensure a combination of knowledge and employable skills related to the career pathway of the occupation:

Log Yard Operator.

Wet Mill Operator.

Dry Mill Operator.

Benefits of this qualification for learners include formalisation of knowledge and skills acquired in the past, attainment of a nationally recognised qualification, employment opportunities, career mobility and possible entrepreneurial opportunities.

Benefits of the qualification to society and the country at large include amongst others, employed and qualified learners contributing to the building of the economy and skilled workers performing their jobs effectively and efficiently, thereby reducing wastage.

The qualification provides qualified learners with opportunities to advance their careers by pursuing higher level qualifications. Once qualified in higher level qualifications, learners can take more responsibilities in management positions.

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 2 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Knowledge Modules:

717201-000-00-KM-01, Basic Business Principles, Level 3, 7 Credits.

717201-000-00-KM-02, Principles of Wood Structure, Level 4, 30 Credits.

717201-000-00-KM-03, Basic Principles of Health, Safety and Quality, Level 4, 4 Credits.

717201-000-00-KM-04, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, Level 3, 3 Credits.

717201-000-00-KM-05, Fundamentals of Wood Preservation, Level 2, 12 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 56

Practical Skill Modules:

717201-000-00-PM-01, Perform Log Yard Operations according to Best Operating Practices, Level 3, 10 Credits.

717201-000-00-PM-02, Perform Wet Milling Operations according to Best Operating Practices, Level 4, 25 Credits.

717201-000-00-PM-03, Perform Dry Mill Operations according to Best Operating Practices, Level 3, 10 Credits.

717201-000-00-PM-04, Remanufacture Dry Lumber, Level 4, 20 Credits.

717201-000-00-PM-05, Perform Board Grading, Level 3, 10 Credits.

717201-000-00-PM-06, Finger Joint, Laminate and Mould Lumber, Level 4, 20 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 95

Work Experience Modules:

717201-000-00-WM-01, Processes in the Log yard, Level 3, 15 Credits.

717201-000-00-WM-02, Wet Mill Material Handling, Level 4, 35 Credits.

717201-000-00-WM-03, Dry Mill Material Handling, Level 3, 10 Credits.

717201-000-00-WM-04, Remanufacturing Dry Lumber, Level 4, 20 Credits.

717201-000-00-WM-05, Board Grading, Level 3, 10 Credits.

717201-000-00-WM-06, Finger Jointing, Laminating and Moulding Dry Lumber Processes, Level 4, 25 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 115

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Receive; inspect; quality assure; de-bark (when applicable); categorise; segregate and store logs in their categories.
2. Convert logs into longitudinally square sawn lumber and bi-products according to best operating practices.
3. Convert raw dry lumber into finished sellable products, package and despatch.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify species, sources and suppliers.

Place logs in the designated area.

Perform quality checks on the logs.

Sort logs into relevant categories as per wet mill requirements.

Place logs in storage according to categories.

De-bark logs in accordance with the wet mill or log yard requirements where applicable.

Process logs according to harvesting date where applicable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Receive instruction for the log class to be processed.

Set and operate the primary breakdown saw according to the class or category of log.

Set and operate the secondary breakdown saw according to product requirement.

Re-saw, edge and trim rough edge boards according to products requirements.

Sort and stack wet lumber according to dimension for best drying practices.

Produce chips from edgings and trimmings according to best operating practices where applicable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

De-stack and trim dry lumber.

Grade and sort dry lumber to grade and dimensions where applicable.

Re-manufacture multiple products to requirements and specifications where applicable.

Process bi-products where applicable.

Pack finished goods and bi-products and control inventory.

Preserve wood to customer requirements where applicable.

Dispatch finished goods and bi-products.

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

The qualifications from New Zealand and the United Kingdom were used in the comparability study due their similarities with this qualification in terms of the exit level outcomes.

New Zealand:
Qualification Title: New Zealand Certificate in Timber Machining, Level 4, 150 Credits.
Entry Requirement: New Zealand Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing, Level 3.
Quality Assurance Body: New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

The New Zealand Certificate in Timber Machining compares with the Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator in terms of purpose, content, and the workplace component. The qualification covers the following unit standards:

Apply knowledge of mechanical engineering systems to a solid wood manufacturing operation, 10 Credits.

Manufacture, grind and hone cutters in a timber machining operation, 10 Credits.

Design profile cutter templates in preparation for profile grinding operations, 15 Credits.

Develop profile, and grind and hone profile cutters in-head in preparation for machine set-up, 25 Credits.

Interpret and apply specifications and knowledge to the operations and maintenance of timber machining equipment, 15 Credits.

Set cutterhead spindle positions and joint profile cutters, 5 Credits.

Set up a timber planer for profile, 30 Credits.

Maintain timber machining equipment and troubleshoot product defects, 40 Credits.

Similarities:
Both the New Zealand Certificate in Timber Machining and the Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator were designed to provide the wood manufacturing industry with people who have the technical skills and knowledge to operate, without supervision, as wood processing operators or timber machinists.

Differences:
Differences were noted with the structure, composition and credit values of the two qualifications. The Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator comprises compulsory knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules. As a result, credits from all these modules have led to the high credit value of the qualification.

On the other hand, the New Zealand Certificate in Timber Machining comprises 8 core unit standards. Learners who successfully complete these unit standards are awarded 150 credits. Differences were also found to be with the learning duration. The Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator is offered over a period of two years and 4 months whereas the New Zealand Certificate in Timber Machining is offered over a year and 3 months. This could be attributed to the number of compulsory modules in the Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator.

United Kingdom:
Institution: Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
Qualification Title: Certificate in Wood Technology and Application. Level 3.

The Certificate in Timber and Wood Technology compares with the Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator in terms of the exit level outcomes. Some of the Exit Level Outcomes contained in the Certificate in Timber and Wood Technology are: Sustainability and legal Trading of Timber; timber quality and grade in relation to end use; sorting grades of timber available; purpose of strength grading timber; timber end use and preservation treatments; how to maintain the quality of timber; timber components and panel and the use of engineered products.

This qualification is offered online with a lot of course work requiring investigating practices within workplaces. Learners are afforded an opportunity to choose the area of specialisation.

Similarities:
Similarities have been found to be in relation to skills and knowledge covered, processes used, machinery, tools and equipment used and environment within which learners operate.

Differences:
Differences were noted with the structure and design of the two qualifications. The Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator comprises compulsory knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules. As a result, credits from all these modules have led to the high credit value of the qualification. On the other hand, the Certificate in Wood Technology and Application comprise compulsory learning units.

Conclusion:
The Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator compares well with the two international qualifications cited in the comparability study.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Dry Mill Operator, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Saw Doctor, NQF Level 4.

Occupational Certificate: Safety Inspector (Forestry and Related Industries Safety Health and Environment Officer, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Supervisory Management, 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 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: Wood Processing Machine Operator and 717201-000-00.

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

None

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):

Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA.

Related Part-Qualification:

Occupational Certificate: Log Yard Operator, Level 3.

Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator, Level 4.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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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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