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: Dry Mill Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118109  Occupational Certificate: Dry 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
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  183  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 Dry Mill Operator. A Dry Mill Operator converts dry lumber into final products (stacks, de-stacks, cuts to size, grade, quality assures) in accordance with specific market specifications.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • De-stack, trim, sort (pre-grade) and package lumber to specifications.
  • Move lumber and capture into finished goods warehouse.
  • Adhere to best operating practices.

    Rationale:
    Dry Mill Operator is one of the specialised skills within the lumber milling industry. During the development of a Wood Processing Machine Operator qualification, stakeholders within the lumber milling industry motivated for a qualification for individuals who may wish to practice in the Dry Mill Operation as Dry 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.

    The qualification is aimed at learners who have previously worked in the sector, or are currently working in the sector or are new entrants who aspire to pursue a career in Dry Mill Operators. The qualification allows for career mobility within the lumber milling industry. Learners can pursue careers such as, Dry Mill Operator and Wood Processing 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. The qualification will benefit the 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. Higher level qualifications will enable learners to 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-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: 60.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 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, 12 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: 67. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. De-stack, trim, sort (pre-grade) and package lumber to specifications.
    2. Move lumber and capture into finished goods warehouse.
    3. Adhere to best operating practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Interpret instructions.
  • Sort and pre-grade lumber.
  • Set up machine to product specification.
  • Collect the required raw material.
  • Perform pre start inspections.
  • Take corrective action if necessary.
  • Orientate and feed lumber into the machine.
  • Monitor product quality and machine performance constantly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret instructions.
  • Pick, load and record material.
  • Update and package stock and simulate the movement and storage of finished goods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply knowledge of health and safety requirements.
  • Perform housekeeping activities and quality control functions.
  • Perform basic machine and/or vehicle maintenance safely (maintenance includes but is not limited to lubrication, tyres pressure, chain and belts tension, excessive vibration, adherence to general machine guarding 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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with similar qualifications offered in New Zealand and United Kingdom.

    New Zealand:
    The South African (SA) qualification was compared to the New Zealand (NZ) Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing (Level 4), offered by Competenz and Toi Ohomai of Technology. This qualification has a variety of strands that learners can chose from. These are Laminating, Timber Drying, Timber Grading, and Timber Treatment). This qualification has credits ranging between 45-55, depending on the strand that a learner may pursue. Entry into this qualification is a NZ 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 Timber Drying strand.
  • Manage the operation, performance and maintenance requirements of a timber kiln operation -35 Credits.
  • Manage production planning and production control processes in a wood manufacturing operation-5 Credits.

    Similarities:
    Similarities between the SA based qualification and the NZ 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 content covered in the Occupational Certificate: Dry Mill Operator is similar that covered in the NZ Timber Drying strand. Both qualifications are pitched at Level 4. 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 in a solid wood manufacturing operation.

    Differences:
    Differences were noted with the structure, composition and credit values of the two qualifications. The SA qualification comprises knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules. These are all compulsory. As a result, credits from all these modules have led to the high credit value of the qualification. On the other hand, the NZ 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. By default, the SA qualification is offered over a period of a year and 5 months. Although duration for the NZ qualification has not been specified, from the credit value it can be deduced that the qualification is offered over a period of six (6) months.

    United Kingdom:
    Related qualifications were found to be offered by individual private institutions. 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 SA qualification. 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 SA qualification comprises knowledge modules, practical skills modules and work experience modules. These are all compulsory. As a result, credits from all these modules have led to the high credit value of the South African Dry Mill Operator qualification. 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 SA qualification is pitched at Level 4 whilst 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:
    Occupation Certificate: Dry Mill Operator compares favourably with the above-mentioned international qualifications compared to in terms of content coverage. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • 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: Dry Mill Operator and 717201-001-00

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

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

    Part-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.