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: Trade Unionist 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118790  Occupational Certificate: Trade Unionist 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-ETDP SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Industrial & Organisational Governance and Human Resource Development 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  190  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 107/22  2022-02-03  2027-02-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-02-03   2031-02-03  

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 Trade Unionist.

A Trade Unionist develops, formulates, and directs the implementation of the trade union and industry policies as well as represent members' rights and interests.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Participate in the development, formulation, and implementation of trade union documentation, policies, and procedures.
  • Build and strengthen the structures and membership of the trade union.
  • Act on behalf of members and the union in compliance to the trade union constitutional requirements.

    Rationale:
    Historically the trade union movement spearheaded the struggles for transformation of education and training for skills enhancement and conversion of the experience into meaningful, portable, and recognised education. The recent history of skills development and legislative changes bears testimony for these struggles. Within trade union movement however, the formalisation of skills and occupation-based training was set to develop.

    This situation is exacerbated by globalisation on the changing socio-economic environment and the pervasive influence of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The result is a trade union movement with cadre ship potentially not attune to engage current socio- economic challenges. This qualification seeks to address skills gaps to enable trade unionist to engage progressively in the interest of their members.

    Capacitated trade unionists are a critical voice for engagements to represent interest of the poor generally but the working-class stratum. A strong trade union movement will ensure equitable economic growth and limit social conflicts arising from increasing inequalities and poverty. This qualification will enhance trade unionists' skills set to leverage the power of social media, adapt to dynamic work environment, and easily embrace new values and traditions of the current young and vibrant generation. It presents an opportunity for trade union organisations to rebrand and adapt to changing socio-economic environment. Ultimately, the society remains to benefit from empowered trade union movement.

    The youth entering the changing and dynamic world work will be attracted to trade union organisations that are in tune with evolving social values, embraces a culture of lifelong learning and promote the use of ICT. Infusion of new brand of trade unionist will create opportunities for growth within trade union organisations for skilled functionaries ready for deployment in different fields such as economic planners, trade union educationist as well as leadership positions at various levels of the trade union organisations. 
    		•

    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 3 with three years' membership experience of a trade union. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 111402-001-00-KM-01 History and Theories of Trade Unionism, Level 4,10 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-KM-02 Trade Union Organisation, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-KM-03 Fundamentals of Labour Law for Trade Unions, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-KM-04 Fundamentals of Economics for Trade Unions, Level 5, 13 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-KM-05 Basic Principles of Financial Management, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-KM-06 Information Technology for Trade Unions, Level 4, 3 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 55

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 111402-001-00-PM-01 Develop a Policy Position for the Union, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-PM-02 Build the Capacity for a Strong Trade Union, Level 3, 25 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-PM-03 Participate in Societal Policy Initiatives on Behalf of the Trade Union, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-PM-04 Participate in Different Legislated Structures to Advance the Interest of the Trade Unions' Members, Level 4, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules:90

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 111402-001-00-WM-01 Participate in Union Meetings, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-WM-02 Participate in Statutory Workplace Committees, Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-WM-03 Participate in Membership Recruitment and Servicing Processes, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 111402-001-00-WM-04 Participate in Bargaining Processes, Level 5, 10 Credits
  • 111402-001-00-WM-05 Participate in Disciplinary Processes, Level 5, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 45 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Participate in the development, formulation, and implementation of documentation to establish formal policy positions and operational procedures for the trade union.
    2. Build and strengthen structures and membership for organised and sustainable trade union.
    3. Act on behalf of members and the union to maximise member security, strong organisation, and member representation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Effectively conduct the collection of data for policy development following normal research standards.
  • Undertake the analysis of information and preparation of documentation for policy development to properly inform policy documentation.
  • Carry out facilitation and consultation of members and trade union structures following standard trade union practices to inform formulated draft documentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Correctly undertake the building of trade union membership following a formulated and approved plan of action.
  • Undertake the processes for member education, information dissemination and gathering in compliance with the law and to members' convenience.
  • Conduct the general function of the trade union following standard trade union planning and coordination approaches.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Carry out the trade union mandate and delegation following standard democratic processes.

    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:
    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 
    An international comparability exercise was undertaken to compare the Occupational Certificate: Trade Unionist with related qualifications from specific countries in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise is to compare the qualification against existing and comparable practice internationally. The exercise was conducted with two (2) countries, namely Canada and Ireland.

    Canada
    Labour College of Canada (LCC) has provided university level courses for trade unions leaders and its members for the last sixty years. The certificate is targeting active union leaders and members. The Labour College of Canada Certificate Program is a union-made program for active union members, including current and future union leaders. Due to Covid, the qualification combines online and in-person learning over fourteen months, to accommodate busy and changing schedules.

    Participants come from a diversity of unions and regions in the country. Learners learn together in large or small groups (or cohorts) throughout the lessons as they discuss, debate and strategize on key issues facing workers inside and outside of unions.

    The qualification comprises the following modules:
  • Foundations of political economy, theory, and practice of unions.
  • Strategic thinking, planning and project development.
  • Research and communications skills.
  • Truth to reconciliation.
  • Leadership for movement building.
  • Education for action/organising for change.
  • Work and workers in a global world and lastly governance, laws and policies.

    The last critical aspect for the qualification is a six month long Independent Leaning Project.

    Ireland
    The Irish Congress of Trade Union offers a Certificate in Trade Union Studies managed by Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) College. The qualification is offered at several locations countrywide. The qualification offers six modules, each delivered at one-night class per week for ten weeks. Three modules are delivered per year between September and June. The modules are delivered continuously, and learners can join the qualification at the start of any module.

    The modules are:
  • Collective bargaining and the theory & practice of negotiation.
  • Introduction to Irish employment law, equality, and diversity.
  • Safety, health, and welfare at work.
  • Introduction to economics.
  • Human Resource Management (HRM) in the workplace.

    This qualification is accredited for lifelong learning with a value of sixty QQI credits, ten per module. Successful completion of the qualification earns the award of a Certificate in Trade Union Studies from the National College of Ireland.

    Conclusion:
    The above-mentioned countries compare well to the Occupational Qualification: Trade Unionist. The difference in both cases is the absence of workplace exposure. The duration of the Irish qualification is also relatively shorter. The focus of the qualifications however is comparable. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Development: Community Development Management, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Labour Relations Practice: Industrial Relation Support, NQF Level 5.
  • National Diploma: Labour Relations Practice: Dispute Resolution, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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 are: Trade Unionist: 111402-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
    This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • ETDPSETA. 
    		•

    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.