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: Engineering Patternmaker 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119643  Occupational Certificate: Engineering Patternmaker 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
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  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  541  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  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 
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to qualify as an Engineering Patternmaker.

Engineering Patternmaker construct full size engineering patterns from specific construction material such as timber, polymer (resin) or metal to produce metal castings, vacuum form tooling and tooling as a positive or negative shape for specific products used in various manufacturing industries.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Inspect, plan, and prepare pattern equipment and materials for the operations of a patternmaking manufacturing process.
  • Manufacture patternmaking pattern equipment.
  • Problem-solve, adjust, and maintain patternmaking production processes.

    Rationale:
    This is a reviewed qualification replacing Occupational Certificate: Engineering Patternmaker, SAQA ID: 93623. A shortage of Engineering Patternmaking skills and capacity within the industry was identified as one of the major gaps within the Foundry Industry and listed on the critical skills list of the MERSETA. The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are people who would like to gain access to employment opportunities in Engineering Patternmaking.

    This qualification resides as one of several in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments and makes allowance for any feeder occupation within this context to gain access to the Engineering Patternmaker qualification. The Engineering Patternmaker qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to other aspects such as working with metal patterns, wooden patterns, and resin patterns.

    One of the main benefits of this qualification is that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised as a qualified artisan with well-structured, relevant, and current competencies and have access to skilled employment opportunities within the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments. Society will be served by qualified Engineering Patternmakers that not only undertake work with improved skills but who are also contributing to the competitiveness of South Africa's manufacturing sector. The overall benefits for the economy would include efficient and effective Engineering Patternmaking 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):
    Gain access through 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 work experience accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.

    Be exempted from modules through RPL
    Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.

    Be awarded credits for, or towards the qualification or part qualification.
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved work experience s must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and work experience s must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 2 with Mathematics and Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical and Workplace Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules
  • 652204-001-00-KM-01, Applied Mathematics and Sciences, Level 4, 5 Credits
  • 652204-001-00-KM-02, Metallurgy and Melting Processes, Level 4, 22 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-03, Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-04, Environment and Energy Efficiency, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-05, Tools, Equipment, Materials and Workplace Practice, Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-06, Sand Technology and Sand Casting, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-07, Casting and Die Casting, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-08, Pattern Assembly, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-09, Design and Cutter Technology, Level 4, 11 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-10, Information Technology for Patternmakers, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-11, Introduction to Engineering Technology and Drawings, Level 2, 15 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-KM-12, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 120

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 652204-001-00-PM-01, Inspect and Prepare patterns, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-02, Plan and Prepare Patternmaking Equipment and Materials, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-03, Interpret and Draw Engineering Drawings, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-04, Prepare to Set Up Patternmaking Production Machines, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-05, Manufacture Simply Wooden Pattern, Level 3, 30 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-06, Manufacture Advanced and Complex Wooden Pattern, Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-07, Manufacture Resin Pattern Using Tools and Equipment, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-08, Manufacture Metal Pattern Using Tools and Equipment, Level 4, 64 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-09, Communicate Safety, Health, Environmental, Risk and Quality Issues Regarding the Operation of Machinery, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-PM-10, Conduct problem Solving and Maintenance Activities During Patternmaking Production Process, Level 4, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 239

    Work Experience Modules
  • 652204-001-00-WM-01, Planning and Preparing Processes for Patternmaking Equipment, Consumables, and Production Machines Suitable for Producing Metal Patterns for use in a Production Environment, Level 3, 21 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-WM-02, Planning and Preparing Processes for Patternmaking Equipment, Consumables, and Production Machines Suitable for Producing Wooden Patterns and Resin Patterns for use in a Production Environment, Level 3, 21 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-WM-03, Patternmaking Manufacturing Processes for Producing Metal Patterns for use in a Production Environment, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-WM-04, Patternmaking Manufacturing Processes for Producing Wooden Patterns and Resin Patterns in a Production Environment, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-WM-05, Patternmaking Production Problem-solving, Adjustment and Maintenance Processes for Producing Metal Patterns for use in a Production Environment, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-WM-06, Patternmaking Production Problem-solving, Adjustment and Maintenance Processes for Producing Wooden Patterns and Resin Patterns for use in a Production Environment, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 652204-001-00-WM-07, Processes for Repair and Manufacturing of Simple Wooden Pattern, Level 3, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 182 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use acquired knowledge to inspect, plan and prepare pattern equipment and materials.
    2. Manufacture the patternmaking patterns equipment.
    3. Demonstrate the problem-solving, adjusting and maintaining patternmaking of the production process.
    4. Use acquired knowledge to inspect, plan and prepare pattern equipment and materials. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use correct materials and consumables in the preparation of the pattern equipment.
  • Use correct tool of tools, measuring equipment and or machines as to specification.
  • Ensure that methods of determining materials, consumables and equipment are in accordance with a specific job, tasks, or activity.
  • Order materials and schedule equipment to reflect relevance and accuracy of materials relevant for specification.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Order materials and schedule equipment in accordance with relevant procedures.
  • Comply the marks off isometric scales to standard practices.
  • Use assembly drawings to represent items that consist of more than one component.
  • Label assembled drawing correctly to demonstrate the parts of the complete drawing.
  • Demonstrate correct programming, setting up and operating of advanced (CNC and EDM) machinery to meet manufacturing requirements as well as in accordance with safety and environmental procedures.
  • Inspect machines for safety in accordance with the standard operating procedures for each machine.
  • Shut down manufacturing machines safely, clean work area and remove and depose waste accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Label pattern equipment parts and /or equipment to prepare for finishing activities according to specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and record problems related to tools and equipment to reflect part of the maintenance history.
  • Evaluate and determine the causes of an identified problem to effect the optimal solution and determine, implement and sustain possible solutions to rectify the problem using different techniques for problem solving.
  • Identify the needs for replacement of consumables to reflect the importance of maintenance during the production processes.
  • Conduct set-up activities to optimise production processes and a test run of the set-up activities is commissioned to optimise production processes.
  • Depose of waste in a safe and responsible manner in line with prevailing best practice.
  • The pattern parts and/or equipment are coated and painted according to specification by considering the reactions of different coatings on pattern materials.
  • Plan communication activities in accordance with type of information, type of audience, media available, formats, timeframes, standard operating procedures and QMS application and system.

    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 external integrated assessment will be conducted through a trade test as prescribed under section 26 D of the Skills Development Act and defined in the Trade Test Regulations. It will be conducted 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 the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An international comparability study was undertaken to evaluate a selected number of Engineering Patternmaker qualifications from various countries in terms of their scope, levels and curriculum content.

    The purpose of this exercise was to benchmark the Engineering Patternmaker qualification against best practice internationally. The benchmark was against Germany and India.

    Germany
    Germany has a vibrant foundry industry of over 900 individual plants, on which their heavy engineering plant manufacturing sector as well as the highly developed rail, sea and road transportation sector is based. Germany is a leader in wind energy turbine development and leads the world in the demanding technology required for these applications. Their training and research establishments are world-renowned.

    The Wood sculptor offered by the Chamber of Crafts and Trades, Chamber of Industry and Commerce revealed that there is a significant number of similarities with the Engineering Patternmaker in terms of content, skills and competences covered in the following modules:
  • Execute work in an autonomous fashion according to due consideration to safety and health in the workplace.
  • Produce patterns and moulds in a range of materials, produce stencils and templates.
  • Use and process, wood stone, metals, and plastics.
  • Select, handle, and maintain measuring devises, tools and additives for processing wood, stone, plastics, and metals.
  • Set up, operate, and maintain machinery and machine tools.
  • Prepare and treat wood, stone, plastics, and metal using a range of techniques appropriate to the material and specifications concerned.
  • Repair damaged parts, repair and restore damaged surfaces.

    The entry requirements to this (Wood sculptor) qualification are (nine or ten years) of general school education which is equivalent to NQF level 1.
    The final examination for this qualification similar with the South African assessment model and recognition of prior learning or ARPL is accepted as a model for assessing or exiting learners on the qualification.

    The qualification level according to the German Qualifications Framework is at (DQR) level 4 and the Engineering Patternmaker is at the same level at NQF level 4. Both qualifications are multiyear qualifications or vocational qualifications, the duration of this (Wood sculptor) qualification is Three (3) years which is one year less than the duration of the Engineering Patternmaker with 541 credits or training period of Four (4) years.

    India
    India became the second largest casting manufacturers in the world in 2010. Its foundry industry developed over many years and recently grew to significant levels. It produces for all the engineering sectors including automotive, agricultural implements and tractors, infrastructure projects and manufactured products. The Indian Institute of Foundrymen, is represented at the BRICS Foundry Forum, of which South Africa is also a member. Like the other two countries, India's approach was found to be comparable.

    Eligibility and course duration
    High school or class 10th pass is the minimum qualification required. The duration of the course is generally 1 year.

    India also has the Pattern maker apprenticeship developed by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Directorate General of Training.

    Central Staff Training And Research Institute Pattern Maker trade under Apprentice Training Scheme (ATS) is one of the most popular courses delivered nationwide through different industries. The training is of 01 year 03 months (01 Block of 15 months, including basic training) in duration. It mainly consists of Domain area and Core area. In the Domain area Trade Theory & Practical impart professional - skills and knowledge, while Core area - Workshop Calculation and science, Engineering Drawing and Employability Skills imparts requisite core skills & knowledge and life skills.

    After passing out the training programme, the trainee is being awarded National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) by National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVT) having worldwide recognition. Broadly candidates need to demonstrate that they can:
  • Read & interpret technical parameters/document, plan and organize work processes, identify necessary materials and tools.
  • Perform task with due consideration to safety rules, accident prevention regulations and environmental protection stipulations.
  • Apply professional skill, knowledge, core skills & employability skills while performing jobs and solve problem during execution.
  • Check the job/assembly as per drawing for functioning, identify and rectify errors in job/assembly.
  • Document the technical parameters related to the task undertaken.

    Although the compared countries do not uniquely provide similar qualifications, some modules in the above learning programmes are like those offered in this qualification. All occupations are regarded as trade/occupational qualifications and prescribe a set of national standards. The jobs related to the occupations require very similar knowledge and variety of similar skills sets.

    Conclusion
    The South African occupational qualification is comparable to benchmarked countries in terms of the content coverage and the delivery approaches. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: EDM Wire Operator, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: EDM Plunge Operator, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Moulder, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Tooling Machinist, NQF Level 5.
  • Occupational Certificate: Toolmaker, NQF Level 5.
  • National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and work experience including 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: Engineering Patternmaker: 652204-001-00-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • National Artisan Moderation 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.