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: Tractor Service Mechanic 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121912  Occupational Certificate: Tractor Service Mechanic 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA (Manufactur) 
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  135  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  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 Tractor Service Mechanic.

A Tractor Service Mechanic disassemble, assess, repair and reassemble tractor engine components, gearboxes, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems and components.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on a tractor, engine components, gearboxes, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems in accordance with specifications.
  • Disassemble, assess, repair and reassemble tractor engine components, gearboxes, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems in accordance with specifications.

    Rationale:
    A Tractor Service Mechanic is required to service, maintain and repair tractors and associated machines. However, due to the complex nature of the tractor systems and components, the mechanic is now required to use technology to repair and maintain tractor components, i.e. engines, transmissions, mechanical parts and hydraulically and / or electrically powered systems in an efficient and effective manner. As part of the tractor mechanic occupation, Tractor Service Mechanic deals mostly with the service of tractors and associated machines, which are competencies covered in this standalone qualifications, these competencies would enable qualified learners in this qualification to operate as service mechanic.

    As part of the complex nature of the agricultural sector and related sectors in which tractors are utilised, it is crucial to have qualified personnel available to service tractors and related machines which are in operation as part of a scheduled maintenance in accordance with standards.

    Stakeholders involved in agricultural and manufacturing sectors were consulted and representatives participated in the realignment process. Stakeholders included AGRISETA, merSETA, agricultural cooperatives, Skills Development Providers, organised labour (NUMSA), government departments, agricultural equipment importers and distributors and farming enterprises.

    In modern agricultural processes the tractor and associated machines play a crucial role in ensuring food security, economic growth and sustainability within the country. Global challenges facing agricultural processes require that we have more effective and efficient ways of maintaining tractors and associated machines.

    Advancement in technology requires Tractor Mechanics to have additional knowledge and skills that will enable them to use modern communication technology, computerised equipment and relevant software tools to execute their tasks as Tractor Mechanics.

    This qualification is aimed at school leavers, TVET college students as well as learners who are currently employed in a mechanical workshop within industries such as motor, agriculture, construction and mining.

    Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to assist the Tractor Mechanic with the service of tractor system components in any of these sectors: motor, agriculture, construction and mining.

    Possible learning career paths for this qualification are motor mechanic, small engine mechanic, diesel mechanic and heavy equipment mechanic. Upon completion of this qualification learners can advance their careers by enrolling in higher level qualifications. By so doing, learners will gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them to take more responsibilities within an organisation.

    Recognition will be given to learners that have gained experience, knowledge and skills through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    The qualified Tractor Service Mechanic will play a role in building the economy of the country and add value to the society at large. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to the qualification

    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 workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part-qualification.

    RPL for Credits
    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:
  • NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Physical Science. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 653308-000-00-00 -KM-01: Workplace Fundamentals, NQF Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 653308-000-00-00 -KM-02: Foundational Concepts for Mechanics, NQF Level 2, 14 Credits.
  • 653308-000-00-00 -KM-03: Vehicle and Equipment Fundamentals, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 653308-000-00-00 -KM-04: Basic Engine Systems, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 653308-000-00-00 -KM-05: Vehicle, Equipment and Propulsion Systems, NQF Level 3, 13 Credits.
  • 653308-000-00-00 -KM-06: Electrical Systems and Basic Electronic, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Principles, NQF Level 3, 9 Credits.
  • 653308-000-00-00 -KM-07: Hydraulic and Pneumatic Principles, NQF Level 3, 7 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 68

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 653308-000-00-00 -PM-01: Work Safely, NQF Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 653308-000-00-00 -PM-02: Use Tools and Equipment, NQF Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 653308-000-00-00 -PM-07: Maintain and Service Tractor System Components, NQF 3, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 37

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 653308-000-00-00 -WM-01: Routine Scheduled Services, NQF Level 2, 30 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 30 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on a tractor, engine components, gearboxes, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems in accordance with specifications.
    2. Disassemble, assess, repair and reassemble tractor engine components, gearboxes, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the general principles and critical issues relating to performing scheduled maintenance on tractor system components according to accepted industry standards.
  • Perform the maintenance and / or service according to the manufacturer's schedule, specifications and timeframes.
  • Source and correctly interpret technical information.
  • Plan he work systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Remove, replace and test components as per the maintenance or service schedule.
  • The maintenance report is accurately compiled and reflects the condition of the components including details of the defective components.
  • Perform all activities within specified timeframes.
  • Carry out workmanship in accordance with industry standards.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of general principles and critical issues relating to disassembling, assessing, repairing and/ or replacing and reassembling engine and tractor system components according to accepted industry standards.
  • Plan the work is systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Source and interpret technical information is sourced.
  • Systems and subsystems in the tractor are removed, disassembled, assessed, repaired and/ or replaced according to applicable standard processes and to the manufacturer's specifications.
  • Dispose all waste materials and restore the work area according to health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Perform all activities within specified timeframes.
  • Carry out workmanship in accordance with industry standards.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental 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 leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    An external intergrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issueing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

    New Zealand
    The National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Heavy Engineering) (Level 4) with strands in Agricultural Equipment, Materials Handling Equipment, Plant and Equipment, and Road Transport is registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. This qualification is pegged at level 4 and has credits ranging between 121-153. This qualification is aimed at people tasked with the responsibility of diagnosing and repairing complex vehicle and heavy equipment within the automotive, heavy and motor industry at both intermediate and advanced levels. Learners may choose the area of specialisation suited to individual respective area of work.

    The qualification comprises both core and elective unit standards. Elective unit standards are further clustered in accordance with the area of specialisation the learner may choose to pursue.

    These areas of specialisation, which are called strands as per the New Zealand terminology are: Plant and Equipment Strand; Road Transport Strand; Agricultural Equipment Strand and Materials Handling Equipment Strand.

    Core unit standards prepare learners to carry out administration work as well participation in quality improvement activities. Included in core unit standard are also industry specific skills and knowledge covering diagnosis and rectification of electrical starting and charging systems, electronic diesel management, driveline, cooling system faults on heavy vehicles and equipment. On the other hand, the elective section of each strand allows candidates to add further skills that are relevant to their position and/or specific workplace requirements. Institutions that offer this qualification are Northland Polytechnic, Southern Institute of Technology as well as Wellington Institute of Technology.

    Australia
    A few qualifications that are for individuals who perform maintenance and repair tasks on a variety of machinery in the automotive retail, service and repair industry are registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework. Some of these qualifications are listed below:
  • Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
  • Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology.
  • Certificate III in Automotive Drivetrain Technology.
  • Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology.

    Each of these qualifications are offered over a period of 3 years in the form of an apprenticeship.

    Bendigo TAFE, TAFE Queensland, Kangan Institute, Oceania College of Technology, are some of the accredited training providers that offer these qualifications.

    Similarities
    Similarities have been noted in terms of course content, entry requirements, scope of work, targeted learners, learning methodology, i.e. apprenticeship and the workplaces within which qualified learners operate.

    Differences
    Differences are in terms of credits allocated to internationally compared qualifications.

    The South African Tractor Mechanic has a high credit value due to the inclusion of modules pegged from NQF Levels 2 though to NQF Level 4.

    Differences have also been noted with regards to the inclusion of part qualifications in the South African Tractor Mechanic, whilst in qualifications offered in other countries, workplace specifics are catered for in the form of 'strands' and elective unit standards.

    It has also been noted that whilst the South African Tractor Mechanic qualification has covered individual learning units as part qualifications, these are covered as elective unit standards for each area of specialisation (strand) in New Zealand qualifications. Whereas in Australian qualifications, each of these has been developed as a stand-alone qualification.

    Conclusion
    The South African Tractor Service Mechanic occupational qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered in other countries. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Tractor Mechanic Assistant, NQF Level 2.
  • Occupational Certificate: Automotive Suspension Repairer, NQF Level 2.
  • Occupational Certificate: Automotive Clutch and Brake Repairer, NQF Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Tractor Mechanic, NQF Level 4.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, Level 3. 

  • NOTES 
    In order to qualify for the external summative assessment learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the all the knowledge and practical skill modules 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 is: Tractor Service Mechanic: 653308-000-00-02.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
  • 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.