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: Wet Mill Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118108  Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FPMSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  116  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 9999/99  2021-03-25  2026-03-25 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-03-25   2030-03-25  

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 Wet Mill Operator. Wet Mill Operator coverts logs into lumber (sawn boards) and by-products in accordance with products requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Prepare and execute primary log break down.
  • Prepare and execute secondary break down.
  • Carry out re-sawing, edging and trimming functions.
  • Produce chips from trimmings.
  • Stack wet boards.

    Rationale:
    Wet Mill Operator is one of the specialised skills within the lumber milling industry. During the development of a Wood Processing Machine Operator qualification, stakeholders motivated for a part-qualification for individuals who may wish to practice in the Wet Mill operation as Wet Mill Operators. Stakeholders that participated included amongst others, the following: Tirhani Skills for Africa, Concordia Training, representatives from Sawmilling SA, Bracken Timbers and Rance Timber, Skills Unlimited.

    This part-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 Wet Mill Operators.

    The part-qualification allows for career mobility within the lumber milling industry. Learners can pursue careers such as Wet Mill Operator and Wood Processing Machine Operator.

    Benefits of this part-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. The part-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 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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 2 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    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-02, Perform Wet Milling Operations according to Best Operating Practices, Level 4, 25 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 25

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 717201-000-00-WM-02, Wet Mill Material Handling, Level 4, 35 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 35 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare and execute primary log break down.
    2. Prepare and execute secondary break down.
    3. Carry out re-sawing, edging and trimming functions.
    4. Produce chips from trimmings.
    5. Stack wet boards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Interpret instructions.
  • Receive logs from the log yard.
  • Set machinery as per products specification.
  • Pre-start inspections are performed.
  • Corrective action is taken when necessary.
  • Orientate and feed logs into the machine according learning requirements.
  • Monitor product quality and machine performance constantly.
  • Monitor waste removal system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Receive cants from primary log break down where applicable.
  • Set machinery as per products specification.
  • Perform pre-start inspections.
  • Take corrective action when necessary.
  • Orientate and feed cants the into the machine.
  • Monitor product quality and machine performance constantly.
  • Monitor waste removal system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Receive, re-saw, edge and trim boards according to specification.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Observe trimmings into the chipper.
  • Monitor chip quality and machine performance constantly.
  • Report irregularities for corrective action if necessary.
  • Monitor waste removal system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Stack boards in pre-determined stacking bays according to stacking specifications.

    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. 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. The external assessment will be conducted through written or oral assessments as well as evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised assessments sites by registered assessors over a period of not more than 3 days. 
    		•

    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: Certificate in Solid Wood in Wood Manufacturing, Level 4.

    This qualification has a variety of strands that learners can chose from. These are Laminating, Timber Drying, Timber Grading, and Timber Treatment). The qualification is offered by Competenz and Toi Ohomai of Technology. This qualification has credits ranging between 45-55, depending on the strand that a learner may pursue. Learners are required to complete the following unit standards for this strand:

    Entry into this qualification is a New Zealand Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing level 3.

    Course content covered in the qualification comprises 1 core unit standards listed below:
  • Lead an investigation into production issues in a solid wood manufacturing operation-15 credits and 2 elective unit standards from the Laminating strand.
  • Manage adhesives and gluing procedures in a laminating operation-15 Credits.
  • Manage the technical operations used in the lamination of wood products-15 Credits.

    Similarities:
    Similarities between the Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator and the New Zealand Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing (qualification have been found to be with course content, levels at which both qualifications are pitched at, entry level requirements, objectives of the qualifications as well as processes embarked on.

    It has been found that the content covered in the Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator is similar to that covered in the New Zealand' Laminating strand.
    Both qualifications are pitched at Level 4.

    Entry into each qualification is a Level 3 timber related qualification.

    Similarities were also found with the purpose of the two qualifications which is to provide wood manufacturing industry with people who are able to manage production planning, procedures and performance in a timber drying operation without supervision.

    Differences:
    Differences were noted with the structure, composition and credit values of the two qualifications. The Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill 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 for the qualification. On the other hand, the New Zealand Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing qualification has lower credit value. This is because learners are allowed to complete modules specific to the chosen area of specialisation. Differences were also found to be with the learning duration. The Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator is offered over a period of a year and 5 months. Although duration for the New Zealand qualification has not been specified, from the credit value it can be deduced that the qualification is offered over a period of 2 (2) months.

    United Kingdom:
    The United Kingdom did not have registered Wet Mill Operators' qualifications registered on the country's Qualifications Framework. However, related qualifications were found to be offered by individual private institutions. One of these institutions was the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), that offers a Level 3 Certificate in Wood Technology and Application. Although the qualification is pegged at level 3, it was found to cover competencies that were covered in the Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator. Some of the competencies referred to include among others, 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.

    The qualification is offered online with a lot of course work requiring investigating practices within workplaces. In this qualification, 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: Wet Mill 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 for the Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator. On the other hand, the Certificate in Wood Technology and Application appears to comprise compulsory learning units. Differences were also found to be with regard to levels at which the two qualifications are pitched at. The Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator is pitched at Level 4 whereas the Certificate in Wood Technology and Application is pitched at Level 3.

    Comparison with regard to entry level requirements, credits and duration were not possible due to lack on information to this regard.

    Conclusion:
    In light of the findings, it is concluded that the Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator compares favourably with the international qualifications compared to. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Wet Mill Operator, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Operator, 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: Wet Mill Operator: 717201-000-02.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA.

    Related Parent Qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator, 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 


    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.