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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Grain Depot Manager 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118686  Occupational Certificate: Grain Depot Manager 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - AgriSETA 
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  Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  235  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-02-03  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 function as a Grain Depot Manager.

A Grain Depot Manager achieves operational efficiencies by monitoring, controlling, and responding to operational variables, the utilisation of resources and the mechanical integrity of a bulk grain handling and storage unit.

Attributes of a typical graduate include but not limited to attention to detail and quality, self-disciplined, results driven, and customer orientated.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Manage and control the achievement of operational targets
  • Lead and manage staff to ensure smooth business operations
  • Manage and control the utilisation of operational resources
  • Achieve grain handling and storage efficiency and quality standards by controlling unit operations
  • Conduct grain and oilseed grading processes

    Rationale:
    This qualification will ensure that learners are presented with an opportunity to achieve formal recognition for competencies related to grain grading, handling, and storage functions. This opens career path and labour mobility opportunities in industries associated with storage and processing of grains and oilseeds. There is no similar qualification registered on the NQF that addresses this need currently.

    The competencies addressed by this qualification are essential for persons employed to ensure food safety and security, management, and maintenance of the quality standards of grain stocks in storage. The stocks produced by the farming community is placed in the care and safekeeping of the Grain Deport Manager.

    This qualification will equip learners with the necessary skills and competence to manage bulk grain handling depots. As grain handling facilities are mostly located in the rural areas of the country where employment and skills development opportunities are critical, this qualification promotes career opportunities in our rural farming areas.

    Of specific importance is the inclusion of competencies related to grading of grain and oil seed as a foundational step for persons entering formal career paths towards grain deport management.

    Learners will find employment as Grain Graders and Grain Deport Managers in the formal economy with enterprises involved in grading, handling, storage and distribution of grains and oilseeds as a service to farmers. Grain processing operations as well as intensive grain farming operations include grain handling and storage facilities as a component of the infrastructure. This curriculum also provides a standard for training of persons who will be tasked with the management or control of these grain storages or handling facilities.

    Employers will benefit from appointing qualified persons and thereby achieve increased productivity and capacity to be competitive in the global and international grain distribution markets. Career path leads toward operational management positions with the management structures of agricultural businesses.

    Target groups identified include learners with an NQF Level 4 qualification or persons who has been working in grain grading, deport management positions in the grain depot industry without formal qualifications, and has the desire to formalise their skills and knowledge.

    As no requirements for professional registration, membership or licencing is required by recognised professional bodies, for learners employed Grain Depot Managers or Grain Graders, this qualification does not address any such requirements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
  • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL.
  • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF.

    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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • NQF Level 4 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 132408-000-00-KM-01, Grain Handling Operations HR Management, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-KM-02, Communication Studies, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-KM-03, Grain Handling Operations Management, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-KM-04, Stored Grain Quality Control, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-KM-05, Bulk Grain Handling and Storage Process Technology, Level 5, 24 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-KM-06, Sampling and Grading of Grains and Oilseed, Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-KM-07, Employee of choice, Level 4, 6 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 82

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 132408-000-00-PM-01, Develop, Review and Report on Operational Plans and Targets, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-PM-02, Manage, Implement, and Review a Client Relationship Management Strategy, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-PM-03, Direct and Control the Performance and Conduct of Subordinate Personnel, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-PM-04, Plan, Direct and Control the Utilisation of Operational Resources, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-PM-05, Communicate Operational Information and Data, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-PM-06, Plan, Monitor and Control Processes in a Grain Handling and Storage Facility, Level 5, 23 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-PM-07, Maintain Safety and Health Standards in a Grain Handling and Storage Environment, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-PM-08, Plan and Execute Grains and Oilseeds Sampling and Grading Processes, Level 4, 16 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 73

    Work Experience Modules
  • 132408-000-00-WM-01, Operational Planning, Review and Management Processes in a Grain Handling and Storage Environment, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-WM-02, Staff Management and Leadership in a Grain Handling and Storage Environment, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-WM-03, Operational Resource Utilisation Practices in a Grain Handling and Storage Operation, Level 6, 6 Credits.
  • 132408-000-00-WM-05, Grain Grading Practices and Procedures, Level 4,12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules:72 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage and control the achievement of operational targets.
    2. Lead and manage staff to ensure smooth business operations.
    3. Manage and control the utilisation of operational resources.
    4. Achieve grain handling and storage efficiency and quality standards by controlling unit operations.
    5. Conduct grain and oilseed grading processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Execute planning, organising, directing, and controlling resources management functions in accordance with workplace requirements
  • Apply resource scheduling, planning and control practices in accordance with workplace requirements
  • Monitor and report the achievement of set operational targets in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Analyse problems and formulate decisions by using a structured approach.
  • Manage client relations in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Execute preventative maintenance management and inspections in accordance with workplace requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply fair labour practices, procedure and general codes of conduct as established by legislative and regulatory standards.
  • Apply team leadership and good interpersonal dynamics as related team results achieved.
  • Execute performance measurement principles and practices in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Apply the principles of setting clear, realistic, and measurable work objectives in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Draft and communicate work schedules indicating the tasks to be performed in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Issue written and verbal instructions in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Apply performance management concepts and standards (including developing performance standards, measuring performance, and isolating causes of poor performance, performance interviews and feedback, rewarding good performance and correcting poor performance) in accordance with workplace standards.
  • Apply leadership theories and concepts (including leadership vs management, leadership styles, team leadership theories, models and styles, task vs relationship orientations in teams, creating high performance teams) in accordance with workplace standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse production data and reports, trends recognised and interpreted in view of addressing production demands.
  • Compile reports on operations that are comprehensive and accurate as required by workplace standards and reporting procedures.
  • Control and problem address Grain handling technology operation to accepted industry standards.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of communication theory.
  • Apply budgeting concepts (including operational budgeting principles, types of budgets, budget cost items) in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Monitored and controlled Operational cost in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Execute financial reporting duties (including monthly operating budget reports, cost control and variance reports, cost of handling and storage, recording and processing financial documents) in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Execute stock management duties (including availability of different quality grains and oilseeds, niche market requirements/customer needs, stock control) accordance with workplace requirements
  • Appropriate writing styles, format and language is used when producing production reports and presenting information.
  • Maintain Business correspondence (including written instructions, memoranda, electronic messages, completing of prescribed documents and records) in accordance with workplace standards and requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Achieve the efficient and productive use of resources in terms of production targets, operational capacities, and quality standards.
  • Apply facility and asset utilisation practices and principles in terms of accepted industry practices
  • Monitored and controlled Storage conditions and pest control operations in accordance with accepted industry practices.
  • Perform Grain handling facility and equipment inspections and remedial actions to ensure efficiencies and quality standards.
  • Controlled and enforced Occupational health and safety standards as related to risk assessment requirements.
  • Control operational practices and quality standards as related to risk assessment requirements
  • Monitor and apply rain sampling and grading in terms of accepted industry practices.
  • Maintain emergency response procedures in terms of risks associated with the handling and storage of grains and oilseed.
  • Apply pest control principles and concepts (including primary and secondary grain pests, principles of pest management, pest harbourage and infestation signs, pest monitoring techniques) in accordance with workplace standards.
  • Identify and respond to work practices, events or situations that could create unsafe working conditions in accordance with workplace standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Assure valid and reliable grain and oilseed grading results by applying standard prescribed sampling practices.
  • Compile and document regulated grading standards and requirements.
  • Adhere food safety standards and practices in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Select and use grading equipment and consumables in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Plan and execute work in a structured manner to ensure that the pace of work meets accepted turnaround times.
  • Grading results and the interpretation of the results achieved are accurate in accordance with regulatory standards.
  • An understanding of work practices and concepts that promotes work outcomes achieved within accepted standards of business ethics and value systems is demonstrated.
  • Grading documentations are accurately completed, and administrative requirements are met in accordance with standard procedures.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The skills development provider 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
    The occupational qualification is assessed externally through an appropriate nationally standardised 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.

    The external assessment consists of one written theoretical and one practice related assessment managed by the AQP at an approved assessment site. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with training programmes and a qualification, namely the:
  • The credential bearing training programmes in Grain Operations Management and Grain Quality Management offered by the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) in conjunction with the Kansas State University, United States of America (USA); and the
  • The Diploma of Grain Management (10842NAT) recognised under the Australian Skills Quality Authority



    United States of America (USA)
    The training programmes offered by the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) were specifically selected, as this institution is regarded by the South African industry as leaders in grain handling and storage training. The GEAPS programmes are regarded as best practices examples by the South African industry.

    The South Africa representative body of the grain storage industry, AgriBiz Grain, is also a member of The Grain Elevator and Processing Society and played a key role in the development of this qualification through expert member representatives.

    GEAPS offers a range of training programs for grain silo personnel in conjunction with the Kansas State University. The content of the following training programs aligned with this qualification include:
  • Operations Management
  • Grain Quality Management
  • Grain Handling Equipment Management

    A specific unit of learning available from the GEAPS training programme in Grain Quality Management addresses training in grain inspection in accordance with the standards set by the USA Department of Agriculture through the Federal Grain Inspection Service of the USA (FIGIS): FGIS Grain Inspection Orientation.

    The GEAPS course introduces professional grain handling operations personnel to basics of grain inspection. The course is presented as a ten-day programme that covers a range of aspects related to grain inspection, inspection standards, legislation, and trading rules.

    The South African occupational qualification is comparable to the programmes covered by GEAPS as well as the emphasis placed on the specific unit of learning in Grain Inspection.

    Australia
    The Diploma of Grain Management (10842NAT) was selected for comparison as this qualification covers a wide range of skills and knowledge to operate effectively at grain handling and storage operational management level that are comparable to the South African standard.

    Grain Trade Australia (GTA) promotes this diploma and delivers the core of the qualification through industry workshops. GTA members represents enterprises responsible for 95% of the grain storage and freight movement in Australia.

    The following units included in the programme are comparable with the South African qualification:
  • Apply grain industry standards.
  • Manage staff.
  • Maintain work health and safety processes.
  • Plan and manage a stored grain programme.
  • Apply chain of responsibility legislation, regulations, and workplace procedures.
  • Market products and services.
  • Maintain grain quality in storage.
  • Support the recruitment, selection, and induction of staff.
  • Test grains and seeds on receiver.
  • Implement and monitor transport logistics.

    The competencies addressed by the South African qualification are comparable to the qualification in terms of scope, complexity, and content.

    The South African qualification places comparable emphasis on the specific unit of learning Test Grains and Seeds on Receiver (AHCBAC304). This is referred to as Grain and Oilseed Grading in South Africa.

    Conclusion
    The approach followed by South Africa is designed to be fit for purpose in scope and complexity and compares well to the GEAPS and Australian standards. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Feed Miller, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Miller, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Operations Management; NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment
    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.

    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: Grain Depot Manager: 132408-000-00

    Encompassed Trade(s):
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • AgriSETA

    Related Part-qualification
  • Occupational Certificate: Grain Grader, NQF 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.