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:

Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Crafted Furniture Assembler

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
121908	Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Crafted Furniture Assembler
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-FPMSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Intermediate Occupational Cert	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	158	Not Applicable	NQF Level 03	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 1121/24	2024-01-30	2029-01-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30		2033-01-30

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 Crafted Furniture Assembler.

A Crafted Furniture Assembler produces decorative joints, curved and laminated components and fit fixtures for crafted furniture using power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Assemble carcases and case goods and fit hinges, handles, runners and legs using power tools such as drills, routers, biscuit jointers, jig saws and mitre saws and hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, hand saws, etc.

Prepare the product for final finishing and perform the hand finishing and spray applications (conventional and pumps), performing colour matching to produce finished wooden furniture.

Produce decorative joints, curved laminated components and fit fixtures using power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools.

Rationale:
A shortage of higher-skilled workers, rising production costs, and poor domestic demand are affecting the performance of local furniture manufacturers negatively. The cost of labour, electricity, raw materials and transportation continue to shrink operating margins and make it difficult for furniture manufacturers to compete in local and international markets. The industry is also negatively affected by declining investment in capital equipment, insufficient research and development, and inadequate design improvement or new product development. Imported furniture is often cheaper than what is manufactured locally, and furniture imports grew beyond R7bn during 2019 (according to the Furniture Industry Master Plan, 2020). South African furniture manufacturers are also facing competition from Chinese furniture in their important export markets in Africa. With about 80% of the companies in the furniture manufacturing sector classified as small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), these challenges impose significant pressure on a large component of players in the industry. There are no other similar qualifications on the NQF other than those to be replaced by this qualification.

The Furniture Industry Master Plan (FIMP) was established by the South African Government to set clear guidelines and targets for the furniture manufacturing industry, as well as guide public sector procurement as part of government's efforts to support and stimulate the industry. The furniture industry is one of the most labour-intensive industries, with a potential to contribute to the reduction of unemployment, and increase export and development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). It contributes to the geographical spread of economic activity, since the products can be developed in rural areas with minimal investment. The above identifies the importance to grow the furniture industry and signals the need for skilled and competent furniture makers at various levels of the furniture production process, whether big companies, or small enterprises or entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it clearly defines the benefits to the sector as well as the economy.

The Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Crafted Furniture Assembler is designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to participate effectively in the furniture industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations. Learners may find employment as crafted furniture assemblers, furniture finishers or furniture assemblers. It includes two-part qualifications, namely the Elementary Occupational Certificate: Furniture Assembler and the Elementary Occupational Certificate: Furniture Finishers which will provide for intermediate exit points, where the learner has acquired a set of employable skills that could find them employment or self-employment in the industry.

The competencies contained in this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the furniture manufacturing environment, whilst simultaneously improving the skills base of the furniture industry. This will enhance the international competitiveness of the furniture sector by means of improving productivity in the various furniture making departments and overall quality of products.

The qualification: SAQA QUAL ID: 22305; National Certificate: Furniture Making: FET Phase; NQF Level 03; 122 Credits; Originator: Department of Education is registered on the NQF, however, cannot be regarded as similar, since it does not include work experience modules.

Four distinct learner target groups have been identified, namely school leavers wishing to enter the furniture-making industry, persons currently employed in the furniture industry who have no formal qualification in furniture making, persons currently employed in the furniture industry who want to advance their skills or unemployed persons.

No professional registration is needed for a Crafted Furniture Assembler to operate in the industry. Industry associations and labour unions consulted include:

Cape Furniture Manufacturers Association (CFMA).

KwaZulu Natal Furniture Manufacturers Association (KNFMA).

Allied Business Association (ABA).

Garden Route Employer Association (GREA).

Furniture Bedding and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (FBUMA).

The National Union of Furniture & Allied Workers SA (NUFAWSA).

The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers' Union (CEPPWAWU).

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Knowledge Modules

682201-003-00-KM-01: Introduction to Furniture Manufacturing, Level 2, 2 Credits.

682201-003-00-KM-02: Furniture Assembling Department and Operations, Level 2, 4 Credits.

682201-003-00-KM-03: Wood Finishing Department and Operations, Level 2, 12 Credits.

682201-003-00-KM-04: Crafted Furniture Assembling Department and Operations, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.

682201-003-00-KM-05: Computer Technology and Operations, Level 2, 4 Credits.

682201-003-00-KM-06: Leadership and Supervision, Level 3, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 41

Practical Skill Modules

682201-003-00-PM-01: Join and Assemble Cut Components in Furniture Manufacturing, NQF Level 2, 10 Credits.

682201-003-00-PM-02: Operate a Range of Furniture Finishing Equipment to mix and apply Furniture Finishing Materials to Finish Assembled Furniture Products or Components, Level 2, 17 Credits.

682201-003-00-PM-03: Prepare, Join and Assemble cut components in the Manufacturing Process of Crafted Furniture, Level 3, 24 Credits

682201-003-00-PM-04: Guide Teams in a Fair and Consistent Manner to Achieve Set Targets and Outputs, Level 3, 2 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 53

Work Experience Modules

682201-003-00-WM-01: Furniture Assembling Operations, Level 2, 14 Credits.

682201-003-00-WM-02: Furniture Finishing Operations, Level 3, 20 Credits.

682201-003-00-WM-03: Crafted Furniture Assembling Operations, Level 3, 30 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 64

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Prepare for assembling and jointing operations to produce assembled and jointed components for crafted furniture.
2. Produce decorative joints, curved laminated components and fit fixtures using power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools.
3. Design, manufacture, repair and modify formers, moulds and templates.
4. Perform minor maintenance tasks for machines and power tools used in the assembling department to ensure serviceability of the equipment.
5. Apply quality, productivity, health and safety in a work environment.
6. Explain the key principles involved in the assembling of crafted furniture and producing a range of joints.
7. Join and assemble cut furniture components.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Prepare for assembling and jointing operations to produce assembled and jointed components for crafted furniture.

Produce engineering drawings conforming with product specifications.

Check production information for accuracy and sufficiency and identify and report any incorrect information.

Use formers, moulds, jigs and templates in assembling and jointing operations are designed, manufactured, repaired and modified.

Identify all necessary raw materials (components and consumables) , delicately handled, inspected and stored to maintain quality.

Identify and prepare advanced machines, machine parts and attachments (tooling) used in the wood machining department according to product specifications.

Identify and prepare for operation power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools used in the furniture assembling department.

Describe and correctly apply adhesive qualities, mixing and application.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
ELO 2: Produce decorative joints, curved laminated components and fit fixtures using power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools.

Plan veneers, cut, jointed and laid applying the correct cut such as to width, to shape, flame, crown or quarter-cut.

Accurately and complete the matching of veneers selecting from a range of applicable techniques such as straight, slip laid, leaf laid, book match or edge veneering.

Complete inlays using methods such as hand laid and mechanical pressing according to the applicable sequence, ensuring the avoidance of faults and defects such as blisters, adhesive penetration, misalignment and marks and corrective action is taken.

Take correct action on wood that is bent and laminated to produce curved laminated timber and board components using formers and moulds, applying the correct number of layers and avoiding faults and defects such as blisters, adhesive penetration, misalignment and marks.

Produce, assemble and fit curved and laminated drawers to a carcass/cabinet, making accurate measurements and allowing for the curve of the panel and including allowances for aspects such as weather, humidity, shapes, forms and joints.

Curved and raised panel doors are produced, assembled and fitted to a carcass/cabinet while making accurate measurements and allowing for the curve of the panel and including allowances for aspects such as weather, humidity, shapes, forms and joints.

Produce a range of joints (joints include but are not limited to: double end mortise, mitred butt joints, butt joints, tongue and groove, rail and style, dado joint, rabbet joint) according to specifications and drawings and is within tolerances using appropriate tools and machines.

Prepare adhesives according to manufacturer's specifications and manually applied, avoiding defects such as poor bonding, poor penetration and skewness.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
ELO 3: Design, manufacture, repair and modify formers, moulds and templates.

Make formers, moulds and templates according to drawings, samples, pictures and/or products while accurately meeting specifications.

Select and use the most suitable material for the formers, moulds and templates, taking into consideration the intended use of formers, moulds and templates.

Provide secure and safe attachments, accurate calibrators and sizing for their production purpose.

Describe characteristics and uses of different material (MDF board, Perspex, hardboard, ply board).

Identify different accessories (bearings, toggle clamps).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
ELO 4: Perform minor maintenance tasks for machines and power tools used in the assembling department to ensure serviceability of the equipment.

Select and correctly apply correct tools, lubricants, oil, solvents and cleaning agents.

Inspect and clean tools and equipment and conduct minor maintenance tasks (such as lubrication, belt tension, etc.) to maintain serviceability of the machines.

Inspect and clean tools and equipment and conduct minor maintenance tasks such as sharpening to maintain good working order.

Tag and report faulty and/or defective equipment in accordance with workplace practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
ELO 5: Apply quality, productivity, health and safety in a work environment.

Confirm quality of raw materials and consumables such as correct composite and dimensions prior to operations.

Perform regular product quality checks to maintain accuracy according to customer requirements and tolerances and take corrective action to address faults and defects.

Inspect the furniture components ensuring fit, adhesive penetration, alignment, bonding, etc., confirming quality and meeting product specifications.

Apply production requirements such as production rate, waste control and efficiency control to ensure productivity and operations are completed within the time allocated.

Complete necessary documentation is accurately.

Work practices minimise the risk of injury and damage to machinery and equipment and safety of self and others.

The use of relevant safety procedures and requirements are maintained throughout the operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
ELO 6: Explain the key principles involved in the assembling of crafted furniture and producing a range of joints.

Define terminology and abbreviations used in the furniture industry.

Describe the construction of various types and styles of crafted furniture with reference to the components and assembling and jointing operations required.

Explain the mass production process of making crafted furniture from raw material to finished product with reference to the various departments and their contribution to the final product.

Identify the main furniture construction principles and their impact on product quality is reasoned.

The function and application of engineering drawings in the process of manufacturing of crafted furniture are argued.

Identify and justify key assembling and jointing principles related to advanced jointing operations, veneers, inlays, bent and laminated wood, curved drawers and raised doors and quality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
ELO 7: Join and assemble cut furniture components.

Assembly carcasses and case goods.

Fit hinges, handles, runners and legs using power tools such as drills, routers, biscuit jointers, jig saws and mitre saws and hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, hand saws, etc.

Different types of power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools are operated to perform operations such as drilling, sawing, routing, bevelling, stapling and cutting to assemble furniture components.

Produce a range of joints applicable to furniture assembling according to specifications.

Inspect joined furniture products, visually and by feel, checking against specification and applying tolerances to ensure quality and accuracy.
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.

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 summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites in a simulated environment and conducted by an assessor(s) registered with the relevant AQP.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

Australia
The Australian Certificate III in Furniture Making is offered by the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association Ltd. This qualification includes the skills related to, inter alia, interpretation of drawings and occupational health and safety related aspects. It comprises of core units as well as elective units.

Core units (selected) include:

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.

Work safely.

Communicate in the workplace.

Work in a team.

Prepare surfaces for finishing.

Use furniture making sector hand and power tools.

Assemble furnishing components.

Hand makes timber joints.

Make measurements and calculations.

Read and interpret work documents.

Handle dangerous goods/hazardous substances.

Elective units relevant to the OC: Crafted Furniture Assembler include:

Select and apply hardware.

Apply sheet laminates by hand.

Join solid timber.

Follow plans to assemble production furniture.

Set up, operate and maintain pressure and clamping machines.

Construct chair and couch frames.

Construct furniture using leg and rail method.

Produce angled and curved furniture using manufactured board.

Produce angled and curved furniture using solid timber.

Install furnishing products.

Prepare and apply decorative surfaces for furniture.

Construct jigs and fixtures.

Similarities:
Both qualifications are at level 3. The content of the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Crafted Furniture Assembler encompasses all competencies listed above as core and elective units.

Differences:
The Australian qualification has no entry requirements and includes core and elective units, while the South African qualification specifies NQF Level 1 and comprises of compulsory modules only. The IOC: Crafted Furniture Assembler includes compulsory work experience modules, which is not the case with the Certificate III in Furniture Making.

United Kingdom (UK)
The Level 3 Diploma in Furniture Design and Making is offered by City & Guilds. Learners must achieve 61 credits from the mandatory units and 23 credits from the optional units.

Mandatory units include:

Health and safety within furniture and furnishing making environments.

Sustainability in the timber trade.

Assemble furniture components by hand.

Attaching doors, drawers and fittings in furniture making.

Hand finishing methods in furniture making.

Spray finishing in furniture making.

Technical drawings and workshop geometry.

Similarities:
Both qualifications are at level 3. The content of the IOC: Crafted Furniture Assembler encompasses all competencies listed above.

Differences:
The City & Guilds qualification has no entry requirements and includes core and elective units, while the South African qualification specifies NQF Level 1 and comprises of compulsory modules only. The IOC: Crafted Furniture Assembler includes compulsory work experience modules, which is not the case with the City & Guilds qualification. In the case of the UK qualification, assessments are conducted by the training centre while the IOC: Crafted Furniture Assembler includes an external assessment.

Conclusion
This South African qualification compares favourably with the competencies covered in international qualifications.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Real Wood Floor Finisher, NQF Level 3.

National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 03.

Vertical Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Wood Processing Machine Operator, NQF Level 4.

Diagonal Articulation

National Certificate: Vocational, 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: Crafted Furniture Assembler: 682201-003-00-00.

Encompassed Trade:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)

Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA .

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.

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