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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 Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Technician (Automation) |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 122626 | Occupational Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Technician (Automation) | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - QCTO (MANU) | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Occupational Dip | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Engineering and Related Design | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 417 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0426/24 | 2024-08-22 | 2029-08-22 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2030-08-22 | 2033-08-22 | |||
| 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 replaces: |
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
| 66881 | National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 40 | Complete |
| 66960 | National Certificate: N5: Engineering Studies | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 40 | Complete |
| 67005 | National Certificate: N6: Engineering Studies | Level 5 | NQF Level 05 | 40 | Complete |
| 67043 | National N Diploma: Engineering Studies | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 360 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mechanical Engineering Technician (Automation). Mechanical Engineering Technician manages the installation and commissioning of new equipment on a production and or a manufacturing environment and the associated production processes thus ensuring operational efficiency and improvements of existing production lines. A qualified learner will be able to: Learners graduating from this qualification would acquire necessary competencies to function in mechanical engineering industry as technicians, eligible to perform a variety of tasks including but not limited to maintainers and designers of equipment and systems. Rationale: The National N Diploma (SAQA ID 67031), a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework under the Occupational Qualifications Sub Framework (OQSF) is part of the instructional offerings under Report 191 NATED N4 - N6 engineering studies. This qualification which reached registration end date on 30 June 2023 need to be reconstructed/realigned into an occupational qualification to meet qualification registration requirements as informed by SAQA and OQSF policy prescripts. Mechanical engineering technician is an occupation listed in the 2020 List of Occupations in High Demand: A Technical Report, produced for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as part of its Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) research. The need to develop this Occupational Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Technician (Automation) qualification arises from the above mentioned. There are many similar qualifications registered on the NQF under Higher Education Qualifications Sub Framework (HEQSF). These cover broader scope of Mechanical engineering at various NQF levels as opposed to the Occupational Diploma: Electrical Engineering Technician (Automation) which is specific to technicians specialising with automation. This qualification will benefit society by providing highly sought after skills and competencies in this occupation which is in high demand. This qualification will contribute to the economic reconstruction and recovery of South Africa by capacitating leaners with competencies that are critical in Mechanical engineering. The skills acquired from this occupational qualification will lead to a reduction of unemployment particularly amongst youth. Learners graduating from this qualification may also venture into starting their own businesses because of competencies acquired in this qualification. The sector will benefit from this qualification through the availability of well-trained Mechanical engineering technicians who would be capable of delivering services required today and into the future. Learners who qualify in this qualification would be able to perform a variety of tasks related to duties and functions of electrical engineering technicians in the industry. The economy will benefit from well trained technicians who would be able to deliver services that are in demand and will also contribute to improving the level of services informed by new developments in the ever-changing environment. New ways of service delivery will emerge as the economy grow and develops thus resulting in increases in quality services and production which will benefit the economy. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to Training/Exemption: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for Exemption For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 4 qualification with mathematics and science. |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 242 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 85 Work Experience Modules Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 90 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Apply relevant techniques, concepts, and principles to develop new technology, equipment,r processes in a production environment.
2. Conduct and manage the usage, care and maintenance of production systems and equipment through the application of relevant and appropriate knowledge, principles, and processes to ensure effective and efficient operation of production systems and equipment. 3. Monitor production equipment and systems performance through the application of relevant processes, procedures, and techniques to maintain equipment and system reliability. 4. Manage related engineering operations and activities by applying relevant knowledge and principles to maintain effectiveness and efficiency. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Apply relevant techniques, concepts, and principles to develop new technology, equipment, or processes in a production environment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Conduct and manage the usage, care and maintenance of production systems and equipment through the application of relevant and appropriate knowledge, principles, and processes to ensure effective and efficient operation of production systems and equipment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Monitor production equipment and systems performance through the application of relevant processes, procedures, and techniques to maintain equipment and system reliability. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 4: Manage related engineering operations and activities by applying relevant knowledge and principles to maintain effectiveness and efficiency. Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessment The Skills Development Providers 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. Summative Assessment An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification has been compared with two best practice qualifications from Australia and Canada.
The EIT offers 52884WA advanced diploma of mechanical engineering technology. This diploma is officially accredited within the Australian Qualifications Framework by the Training Accreditation Council (TAC), and EIT is approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for delivery in all Australian states. At least a Year 12 or Cert III trade qualification or equivalent in a related field is required for entry into this qualification or 4 years minimum work experience in a related field. The programmes duration is 18 months. The following modules make up the curriculum of this qualification: Similarities Both the Australian advanced diploma and the South African Occupational Diploma cover similar content and the entry requirements are similar. Differences The South African Occupational Diploma is delivered over a minimum period of 36 months whilst the Australian advanced Diploma is offered over 18 months. The level of the two qualifications differs. Most titles of modules of the Australian qualification are topics and or topic elements of the South African Occupational Diploma. Canada Ontario college offers a 2year diploma in mechanical engineering - technician whose admission requirements include Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or grade 12. Students have the option to register with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians having completed their Professional Practice Exam. The qualification is made up of the following content: These modules offer similar comparison with the South African Occupational Diploma. Some of the similarities include the entry requirement. Both qualifications offer an opportunity to graduates of professional registration upon completion. Differences between the two qualifications are in terms of the scope as the South African Occupational Diploma is aimed at mechanical technicians in the manufacturing industry whilst the Canadian diploma is generic. The Canadian qualification graduates have to write a professional practice exam to be declared as certified technicians whilst South African diploma graduates do not, the South African diploma is developed in compliance to professional registration requirements of the regulating body and graduates are to be deemed eligible to register for professional recognition. Conclusion This qualification compares fairly with the New Zealand and Canadian Diploma qualifications. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: There are no vertical articulation possibilities registered on the NQF. |
| 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 requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below: The curriculum title and code are: Occupational Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Specialist (Automation) 311501-001-00-00. Encompassed Trade: This is not a trade qualification. Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) Quality Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO). |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. |