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: Carton CAD Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119451  Occupational Certificate: Carton CAD Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - Printing SA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  194  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-08-04  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 Carton CAD Operator.

A Carton CAD Operator designs and draws carton/containers to specifications and makes up sample/prototype carton/containers.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Manually design and draw carton/containers to specifications using appropriate tools and instruments.
  • Make up sample carton/containers by hand.
  • Design and draw carton/containers to specifications using an appropriate CAD programme.
  • Make up carton/container samples using a digital cutting and creasing machine (plotter).

    Rationale:
    This qualification will provide a training platform for new entrants, but more importantly to recognise workplace skills and experience acquired and translate it into formal education and training.

    Learners who are assessed as competent against this qualification will prepare carton designs using hand drawing methods and Computer Aided Design (CAD) to produce carton/container samples and prototypes to customer specifications. This represents a specialised skill within an industry that has extended its reach from local markets, to ensure state of the art carton production and product packaging that enables local produces to compete on the local market and internationally.

    The qualification contributes to the development of qualified artisans in the printing industry. The career pathway is open to all youth, school leavers and any technical minded individual that has a flair for design and print.

    The qualification will enhance career progression for a substantial number of current employees, who will eventually acquire certification and offer opportunities for new entrants. Trained learners will be able to complete the entire qualification and practice as qualified Carton CAD Operators. Progressing beyond the requirement of this qualification, learners will become Carton CAD Operators and further related occupations like Carton Die Making, Carton Gluing Machine Operator, Carton Cutting and Creasing Machine Minder, Printing Estimator, Packaging Manager, Warehousing and Distribution Manager (Printing) and Production Manager. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 718304-006-00-KM-01, Introduction to the Printing and Packaging Industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-KM-02, Printing Science and Chemistry, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00KM-03, Quality studies in the Printing Industry, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-KM-04, Productivity and Economics, Level 3, 9 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-KM-05, Environment and Energy Efficiency, Level 3, 2 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-KM-06, Receiving Digital Data and File Preparation, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-KM-07, Pre-flighting, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-KM-08, Preparation of Carton Samples, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-KM-09, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-KM-10, Basic Equipment Maintenance, Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 74

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 718304-006-00-PM-01, Design Carton/Container Sample/Prototype to Specifications, Level 3, 40 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-PM-02, Design and Produce a Die for a Carton, Level 3, 40 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 80

    Work Experience Modules
  • 718304-006-00-WM-01, Design Carton/Container/Sample/Prototype to Specification by Hand, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 718304-006-00-WM-02, Work with CAD to Design Carton Samples, Level 4, 25 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Draw carton designs to specifications and make up samples. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Design carton/ container sample/ prototype manually to drawing specifications.
  • Design carton/ container sample/ prototype using a CAD programme to drawing specifications.
  • Make up a carton/ container sample/ prototype by hand and test its functionality.
  • Make up the carton/container sample using a digital cutting and creasing machine (plotter) and test its functionality.

    Integrated Assessment 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 Assessment 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 summative assessment will be a trade test conducted in terms of Section 26 D of the SDA through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by NAMB.The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. No recognition will be granted to candidates for those trade test tasks in which they were found competent, if all tasks were not passed and the candidate will be re-tested on all trade test categories in all trade test attempts. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The broad competencies of this qualification were compared to similar qualifications or programmes from the following countries that represented either best practice in the field, or offered learning at this level of competence:
  • Australia, and
  • New Zealand.

    Australia:
    The units of competency entitled Design basic carton (ICPPP281C) and Design complex carton (ICPPP481C) are included in the following Printing and Graphic Arts apprenticeship qualifications available in Australia:
  • Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Cartons and Corrugating).
  • Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (Cartons).
  • Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (General).

    These units of competency are offered in Australia by the Holmesglen Institute and provide the successful learner with credits toward the apprenticeships.

    New Zealand:
    The Level 2 qualification in Fibreboard Packaging provides for approved industry training programmes which included personal safety around machinery in the workplace, production skills to support fibreboard packaging production process requirements, quality standards and sustainable environmental practices, communication, and teamwork in the workplace.

    These qualifications are offered in New Zealand by the standard-setting body Competenz.

    Conclusion
    This qualification compares favourably with the international offerings in terms of duration, content, and complexity. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Carton Die Maker, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Die Cutting Machine Minder, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Carton Glue Machine Operator, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Carton Manufacturing Machine Minder, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    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 including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    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: Carton CAD Operator: 718304-006-00-00.

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

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

    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.