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: Milling Machine Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118807  Occupational Certificate: Milling Machine Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - TASA/NTIP 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  72  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  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 
The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Milling Machine Operator. A Milling Machine Operator operates milling machine implementing measurement, materials, and safety (MMS) requirements and conducting conventional machining operations such as facing, boring, drilling, cutting, gear cutting, slotting.

A qualified learner should be able to:
  • Operate conventional milling machine for facing, boring, drilling, cutting, slotting.

    Rationale:
    The Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) is firmly entrenched in Government's overall policy and plans to address the key challenges of economic and industrial growth and race-based poverty, inequality and unemployment.

    The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) incorporated the National Tooling Initiative (NTI) into the Industrial Policy Action Plan - IPAP as a key action programme for the Industrial Development. The NTI is the turnaround intervention programme aimed at the rehabilitation and growth of the Tool, Die and Mould manufacturing (TDM) Sector and has been identified by the DTI as a key programme to uplift the manufacturing industry to international standards to develop the market and showcase the niche competitive advantages and capabilities of South Africa.

    The aspects of Milling Machine Operator for Tooling in Manufacturing: Tools, Dies & Moulds, Jigs and Fixtures, Gauges and Metrology Equipment are core, key and critical to Manufacturing Competitiveness, as they are key Product Life Cycle Cost Drivers in terms of:
  • Initial Capital Investment to enable manufacturing of any new product, (Design and Manufacturing Cost of Original Tooling).
  • Production Cost Competitiveness (through Production Cycle Time, Reject).
  • Rate, Conversion Efficiency of the product to be produced.
  • End-product Quality standard.
  • Reliability of Production output and End product.
  • Maintenance Cost of Tooling.
  • Occupational health and safety.

    The need for revamping and updating the training capacity for the TDM sector cannot be over-emphasised and the QCTO model for provision of training received overwhelming support from the industry. In particular, the advent of this system is considered opportune to address existing problems in the industry, such as:
  • Improved industrial competitiveness by addressing current loss of work to Europe, China, India, and other far east countries resulting from the lack of skills availability, decline in quality standards (out-dated non-competitive technology), decline in SA TDM companies' ability to meet delivery capacity and timing requirements.
  • Improve the BBBEE transformation in TDM industry whereas a result of perceived distress in the sector, financial institutions and investors classify this industry sector as high risk, thus empowerment investment to date remains largely insignificant. Capacity building will address start-up SME enterprises in the sector to improve investor perception and improve chances for investment finance.
  • Improve the Balance of Payments through import substitution resulting from local production and manufacturing competitiveness, i.e., machine setting, tooling adjustment and tool maintenance services. The improved competitiveness will further address downstream problems like plant downtime, higher scrap rates, drop in output efficiencies, quality problems, missed supply deadlines, and increased input costs.

    The Milling Machine Operator is one of part-qualifications that constitute a Toolmaker. The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are people who would like to gain access to employment in the Tool and Die Making and manufacturing industries and those with a specific interest in manufacturing and the production of tooling.

    This qualification resides as one of several in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments related to toolmaking and general manufacturing. It acts as feeder occupation within this context to gain access to the Toolmaker and other mechanical engineering qualification. This qualification also makes provision for people to progress to other aspects such as general manufacturing and machining, patternmaking, etc.

    The main benefits of this qualification for the learner are that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised with a well-structured, relevant, and current competency and have access to entrepreneurial opportunities within the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments. Society will be served by qualified operators that not only undertake work with improved skills but are also contributing to the competitiveness of South Africa's manufacturing sector. The overall benefits for the economy would include efficient and effective competencies available to be utilised for economic growth purposes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Learners will gain access to the part-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 credited for modules through 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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this part-qualification is:
  • NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematics and Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 652201-000-01-KM-01 Introduction to Measurement, Machining and Safety, Level 2,
    5 Credits.
  • 652201-000-01-KM-02 Principles and Concepts of Drawings, Level 2, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 10

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 652201-000-01-PM-01, Implement Measurement, Materials and Safety (MMS) Requirements,
    Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 652201-000-01-PM-04, Plan and Conduct Benchwork and Layout Activities, Level 3,
    10 Credits.
  • 652201-000-01-PM-10, Conduct Basic Milling Operations, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 652201-000-01-PM-11, Conduct Advanced Milling Operations, Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 42

    Work Experience Modules
  • 652201-000-01-WM-01 Workplace Orientation, Job Planning and Preparation and Elementary Toolmaking Processes and Procedures, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 652201-000-01-WM-05 Milling Operations, Level 4, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules:20 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct conventional machining operations such as facing, boring, drilling, cutting, slotting. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Plan and conduct benchwork and layout activities for milling operations in accordance with specifications and measurement, materials and safety (MMS) requirements
  • Perform basic and advanced milling operations in accordance with task, measurement, materials and safety (MMS) requirements.

    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 together with work experience leads to entrance in 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.

    The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Occupational Certificate: Milling Machine Operator as a derived qualification is linked to proficiencies related to the Occupational Certificate: Toolmaker and is recognised by industry as employment possibilities. These proficiencies are integrated in the qualifications provided in the countries selected to compare the Occupational Certificate: Toolmaker with and are thus equally valid for the derived qualification.

    The Toolmaker qualification and curriculum is one of many programmes to be found in the various vocational education and apprenticeship systems, for many countries in the world. Industry alignment of this trade ensures that the training content is aligned to new technological innovations, standards and competency requirements. The two best practice countries chosen for the international comparability of the qualification and part-qualifications are the United States and New Zealand.

    United states of America (USA)
    The National Institute of Metalworking Standards (NIMS) set national skill standards that help maintain consistency, quality, and transparency across industry and academic training programs and help employers measure workforce performance. The standards are the foundation of credentials that give individuals industry-certified, in-demand skills and help employers identify qualified talent. Industry skill standards benchmark what individuals need to know and perform to be successful on the job. The skill standards describe the primary knowledge, skills, and abilities in which individuals must be proficient to meet performance requirements and expectations in the workplace.

    The national skill standards are developed and validated by industry professionals representing a spectrum of sectors. The development process includes a series of national review sessions and interviews with employers and employees across industry sectors to document and validate the basic requirements for most skilled positions within the industry. The NIMS standards serve as the basis for certifying individual skills. NIMS offers multiple credentials within each standard to validate a complete set of skills needed for the occupation and these multiple credentials are awarded at Level I, II and III.

    NIMS has developed skill standards for:
  • Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
  • CNC/NC Punch Press.
  • Diemaking.
  • Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM).
  • Laser Cutting.
  • Machine Building.
  • Machine Maintenance.
  • Machining.
  • Metalforming.
  • Moldmaking.
  • Press Brake.
  • Screw Machining.
  • Slide Forming.
  • Stamping.

    New Zealand
    Components of the New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) qualification compares well with the Occupational Certificate: Milling Machine Operator.

    The New Zealand qualification will ensure that specific tasks can be executed which include milling machine operations:
  • Study drawings and specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances of articles to be manufactured and models to be constructed.
  • Measure and mark out metal stock and castings using various gauges.
  • Shape metal and wood stock using machine tools.
  • Check accuracy of manufactured articles and finished patterns to fine tolerances, using precision measuring instruments.
  • Test and modify manufactured articles.

    These tasks are pitched at skill level 3 and could lead to specialisation in:
  • Die Caster.
  • Die Sinker.
  • Jigmaker (Metal).
  • Plastic Mould Maker.
  • Press-tool Maker.

    There are differences based on the degree of integration into the educational system, the mechanisms of regulation, forms of government support for apprenticeship, and industry commitment to the system. The length of the different programmes also varies, but the duration of 4 - 6 months appears to be average.

    Conclusion
    The Occupational Certificate: Milling Machine Operator is comparable to what is found in the chosen comparisons, in terms of what the qualification covers in the content, the level of skills that have to be developed and the duration of study. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Lathe Operator, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Lathe Operator, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: CNC Milling Machinist, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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: Milling Machine Operator: 652201-000-01.

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

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

    Parent Qualification
  • Occupational Certificate: Toolmaker, NQF Level 5.

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.