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: Railway Track Welder 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119666  Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner -TETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  255  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 
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Railway Track Welder.

A Railway Track Welder refurbishes rail tracks and track components using specific welding and grinding processes to prepare and join rails to extend the lifespan of the railway lines.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Prepare and repair tracks, rail ends and track components.
  • Join tracks and maintain track components.

    Rationale:
    The need for this qualification was identified during the development of a qualification for the Railway Track Master which is a recorded Trade (SAQA ID 96355). This qualification relates to a set of skills that forms part of a trade and is recognised in industry as a requirement to perform a certain jobs and tasks. It also creates alternative pathways and occupations in relation to becoming an artisan. Currently there is no registered qualification that meets the specific requirements within the context of railway track construction including welding. The unit standard-based qualifications previously used for Railway Track Welders are to be replaced by the occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master.

    Railway Track Masters have been identified as a scarce skill in the Transport sector which incorporates the skills sets required by Railway Track Welders. The development of railway infrastructure is a key driver for economic development. In South Africa, one of the barriers to accelerated economic development is the provisioning of cost effective and reliable mass transport systems for both freight and passenger services. A key strategy in the National Development Plan is the improvement and proper maintenance of infrastructure. Currently and in future, there is and will be a need for skills and abilities to build and maintain an ever-growing railway network. This qualification is targeted at providing the fundamental human resource capabilities required to deliver this strategy which in turn, will benefit the sector, the society in general and the economy at large.

    Typical learners for this qualification are the out of school youth with limited formal qualifications as well as workers in the rail sector interested in working mainly outdoors and aspiring to obtain formal recognition for skills and knowledge. Learners entering this qualification will exit with an NQF Level 3 qualification that will be recognised within the rail sector both nationally and abroad.

    This qualification will contribute to the development of the learner by providing recognition and career mobility within the sector. This qualification forms part of a suite of related qualifications to create an occupational pathway with several options to follow, each resulting in employment opportunities in areas of specialisation part of a career path for railway track workers. There is presently no professional registration which this qualification leads to or is associated with.

    These qualifications include the Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Constructor, NQF Level 3, the part-qualification Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Maintenance Supervisor NQF Level 4 and Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master NQF Level 4 (Trade). The relationship and career path opportunities between the various qualifications are quite complex and is outlined in detail in the various curricula. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 734212-002-00-KM-01, Concepts and Principles of Per-way Construction and Maintenance, Level 3, 21 Credits.
  • 734212-002-00-KM-02, Health and Safety Concepts and Principles of Per-way Construction and Maintenance, Level 4, 21 Credits.
  • 734212-002-00-KM-03, Concepts and Principles of Materials and Components of Track Welding and Maintenance, Level 3, 21 Credits.
  • 734212-002-00-KM-04, Fundamental Principles and Theories of Rail Welding, Level 4, 16 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 79

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 734212-002-00-PM-01, Operate and Care for Engineering Hand and Power Tools within a Railway Maintenance Environment, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 734212-002-00-PM-02, Cut Rails, Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • 734212-002-00-PM-03, Grind Rails and Repair Battered Rail ends, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 734212-002-00-PM-04, Weld Rails, Level 4, 26 Credits.
  • 734212-002-00-PM-05, Weld and Maintain Track Components, Level 4, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 96

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 734212-002-00-WM-01, Processes for the Cutting and Grinding of Rails, Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • 734212-002-00-WM-02, Processes for the Welding of Tracks and Components, Level 3, 48 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 80 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Evaluate condition of rail ends and track components, prepare and repair it using appropriate techniques and demonstrate a fundamental understanding of safety principles.
    2.Gas-cut and weld tracks and track components using appropriate techniques and equipment and demonstrate a fundamental understanding of related principles, theories, and safety requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Repair wheel spin burns/battered rail ends using the appropriate grinding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment and adhere to appropriate safety standards.
  • Repair rail-manufactured frogs using the appropriate grinding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment and adhere to appropriate safety standards.
  • Execute preventative grinding using the appropriate grinding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment and accurately; make all required measurements according to the given diagrams and drawings and adhere to appropriate safety standards.
  • Prepare rail bound 14% cast manganese frogs using the appropriate grinding techniques, appropriately selected tools, materials, and equipment; make accurately all required measurements according to the given diagrams and drawings and adhere to appropriate safety standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Cast exothermic joints using the appropriate welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, consumables, and equipment; make and align measurements accurately to the given diagrams and drawings and adhere to appropriate safety standards.
  • Repair rail-manufactured frogs using the appropriate welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, consumables, and equipment; accurately make all required measurements according to the given diagrams and drawings and adhere to appropriate safety standards.
  • Repair railway switchblades using the appropriate cutting and welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, consumables, and equipment; accurately make all required measurements according to the given diagrams and drawings and adhere to appropriate safety standards.
  • Repair rail bound 14% cast manganese frogs using the appropriate welding techniques, appropriately selected tools, consumables, and equipment; accurately make all required measurements according to the given diagrams and drawings and adhere to appropriate safety standards.

    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 within a period of 1 day. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The countries selected for international comparability include the United Kingdom and Australia. These countries were selected as both have well-defined career paths for the railway sector that include training related to rail construction and maintenance which also include railway track welding.

    Australia
    Centre of Excellence in Rail Training, Sydney Australia offers the qualification the Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure (Track Work) as a 1-year apprenticeship with no specified entry requirements and the Certificate III in Rail Infrastructure as a two-year apprenticeship with Certificate II as entry requirement. The content of these two Certificates is outlined below.

    The Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure (Track Work) requires completion of all generic core units as well as all the units from one of the specialist elective groups. The modules covered by this certificate are listed below.

    Generic Core
  • Maintain and use hand tools.
  • Shift materials safely using manual handling methods.
  • Participate in basic workplace communication.
  • Follow work health and safety procedures.
  • Apply fatigue management strategies.
  • Safely access the rail corridor.

    Track specific
  • Apply track fundamentals.
  • Operate minor mechanical equipment.
  • Safely access the rail corridor.
  • Carry out track ballasting.
  • Install railway sleepers.
  • Install and repair rail fastening systems.
  • Carry out rail installation.

    The Certificate III in Rail Infrastructure requires completion of all generic core units as well as all the units from one of the specialist elective groups, i.e. track maintenance and construction; turnout installation; track welding; track examination; rail testing; turnout construction; rail track surfacing and track drainage maintenance. As the Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder covers elective groups track maintenance and construction; track welding and rail testing, all these units are also listed below.

    Generic Core
  • Use communications systems.
  • Conduct workplace information briefings.
  • Implement and monitor work health and safety procedures.
  • Apply quality systems.
    Track maintenance and construction
  • Carry out measurements and calculations.
  • Read and interpret plans and job specifications.
  • Check and repair track geometry.
  • Implement track maintenance and construction.

    Track welding
  • Grind rails.
  • Heat and cut materials using oxy-LPG equipment for the rail industry.
  • Weld rail using alumina-thermic welding process.

    Rail testing
  • Test rail using ultrasonic equipment.
  • Test rail using non-destructive testing equipment.

    Similarities and differences:
    The difference between Australia's certificates and the South Africa's occupational certificate is in the structure - Australia's certificates are two distinct certificates while Railway Track Welder is one. Furthermore, the level III certificate has more than one specialisation area provided for in the Level 3 Certificate and requires learners to complete several the units. The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder does not require the core component of the Level 3 Certificate which focus more on supervision.

    The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder is however broadly like the two Australian Certificates combined in terms of duration, approximate level and most of the related specialisation content.

    United Kingdom
    In the United Kingdom apprenticeship standards and several associated qualifications, under the City and Guilds, have been developed in the field of rail engineering for the disciplines track, overhead line, electrification, traction and rolling stock, signalling and telecoms.

    An entry level apprenticeship for a Rail Engineering Operative can be completed over a period of one year. This will require the learner to achieve two qualifications, i.e., 6497-02 Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Knowledge and 6499-02 Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence. Entry requirements are not specified.

    The knowledge qualification is currently being offered by Fast Line Training Services with branches across the UK. All modules of this qualification are covered by the Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder.
    The Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Knowledge (Duration 300 hours).
  • Engineering Operative Knowledge.
  • 201 Working in the rail engineering industry 90.
  • 202 Engineering technology principles 90.
  • 203 Rail Engineering.

    Similarities and differences:
    The structure of the Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder is different from the UK Diplomas as it is one qualification and not two sets.

    The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder covers all the knowledge of the UK Diploma but is however much broader and will take longer to complete.

    Conclusion
    The Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Welder compares well with the Australian Certificates combined in terms of duration level and content related to the applicable specialisation areas. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: N3: Engineering Studies, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Railway Track Master, 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 a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes.

    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 Railway Track Welder: 734212-002-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
  • This is not a Trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). 
    		•

    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.