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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Elementary Occupational Certificate: Flat Glass Forming Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123685  Elementary Occupational Certificate: Flat Glass Forming Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA 
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  134  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0630/25  2025-03-11  2030-03-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2031-03-11   2034-03-11  

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
104822  Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming Operator  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  324  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Flat Glass Forming Operator.
Flat Glass Forming Operators operate machinery and equipment involved in the production of Flat Glass, cut and shape glass to desired specifications, and inspect the quality of the final product.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Perform glass forming operational checks.
  • Operate spout.
  • Operate bath.
  • Control annealing.
  • Deal with health and safety risks, use basic technology, and communicate effectively.

    A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: problem solving, technical orientation, effective communication skills and efficiency.

    Rationale:
    There is a significant demand for a formal qualification tailored to the nuances of Flat Glass forming. As modern buildings architecture, automotive, and interior design witness a surge in the use of Flat Glass products, it's imperative to have a workforce equipped with the requisite expertise in Flat Glass formation. This qualification responds to glass industry needs by instituting a structured learning pathway, which ensures that operators are competently trained, guaranteeing high production standards, safety, and quality.

    There is a pressing requirement for a standardised qualification addressing the skills and knowledge related to Flat Glass forming. As industries evolve and reliance on sustainable packaging solutions like glass increases, a specialised workforce equipped with the right expertise becomes crucial. This qualification aims to fulfil the industry's demand by offering structured learning pathways, thereby ensuring that the workers are adequately trained, promoting efficiency, safety and quality in production.

    The qualification reflects the common knowledge, practical and workplace-based specific needs that learners require in Flat Glass forming production before progressing to learning at a higher level.

    The glass industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependent upon the efficient production and manufacturing of glass products. Achievement of this objective is largely dependent upon the competence of the people who operate glass forming equipment, recognised by this qualification. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively.

    Competence in glass forming production requires appropriate general and glass specific knowledge as well as the practical application of the knowledge. Expertise in operating production equipment and controlling the forming process are further requirements for competence. The knowledge, practical and workplace expertise can form a basis for further learning, particularly in the production/operational, engineering, and supervisory aspects of glass production and similar industries in the chemical and other manufacturing sectors.

    The following are glass forming/manufacturing and related qualifications registered on the NQF:
  • Occupational Certificate: Container Glass Forming Operator, NQF Level 2, 108 Credits.
  • Occupational Certificate: Chemical Manufacturing Technician (Glass Manufacturing), NQF Level 5, 234 Credits.
  • Occupational Certificate: Glass Cutter and Edgework Operator, NQF Level 2, 29 Credits.
  • Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming Specialist, NQF Level 04, 64 Credits.
  • Occupational Certificate: Glass Handler, NQF Level 2, 29 Credits.
  • Occupational Certificate: Glass Manufacturing Feederman, NQF Level 4, 48 Credits.
  • Occupational Certificate: Glass Manufacturing Process Technician, NQF Level 3, 64 Credits.
  • Occupational Certificate: Glass Process Operator, NQF Level 3, 180 Credits.

    These qualifications as developed through industry lead process, cover separate set of skills related to glass forming/manufacturing and handling than the Elementary Occupational Certificate: Flat Glass Forming Operator, . It is therefore affirmed that a similar qualification specifically for Flat Glass Forming Operators is not registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

    The benefits to the sector, society, and economy are that the qualification augments the Flat Glass forming sector by instituting standardised practices and enhancing the competency of its workforce. This will result in optimum productivity, minimal production discrepancies, and a consistently high product quality. Flat glass is integral to sustainable urban development, energy conservation, and innovative automotive and interior design. Proper training ensures the production of efficient and sustainable Flat Glass products that meet modern-day requirements. Skilled operators will optimize production processes, leading to reduced wastage and cost-effective production. The potential to boost exports of superior Flat Glass products and the creation of specialised job roles will invigorate economic progress.

    Typical learners are individuals who are keen on entering the glass forming sector. This includes school leavers, those seeking a career shift, or operating personnel working in a glass forming production environment who aim to formalise and certify their skills.

    This qualification will enable qualified learners to competently operate machinery and equipment involved in the production of Flat Glass, cut and shape glass to desired specifications, and inspect the quality of the final product.

    Consultation with stakeholders within the glass forming industry was made during the development of this qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    RPL for Access to Training/Exemption:
    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification 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. 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 from modules:
    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification 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.

    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA):
  • Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification 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.
  • A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.
  • Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
  • An NQF Level 1 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 718102-002-01-KM-01, Safety and the Workplace Environment, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-KM-02, Basics Principles of Environmental Awareness and Ethic, Level 2, 2 Credits
  • 718102-002-01-KM-03, Emotional Intelligence and Active Learning, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-KM-04, Basics of Computers and Computing Systems, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-KM-05, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-KM-06, Spout Operations, Machines, and Equipment, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-KM-07, Bath Operations, Machines, and Equipment, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-KM-08, Annealing Operations, Machines, and Equipment, Level 2, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 28

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 718102-002-01-PM-01, Carry Out Start of Shift Activities, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-02, Carry Out End of Shift Activities, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-03, Identify and Handle Defects, Damage and Deviations, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-04, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-05, Apply Safety Standards and Housekeeping Practices, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-06, Liaise and Communicate with others, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-07, Identify Problems and use Available Processes and Technologies to Report, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-08, Prepare Work Area and Equipment, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-09, Operate, Monitor and Control the Spout, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-10, Operate, Monitor and Control the Bath, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-PM-11, Operate, Monitor and Control Annealing, Level 2, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 58

    Work Experience Modules
  • 718102-002-01-WM-01, Processes and Procedures to Conduct Glass Forming Operational Checks, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-WM-02, Spout Operations Processes and Procedures, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 718102-002-01-WM-03, Bath Operations Processes and Procedures, Level 2, 10 Credits.
    718102-002-01-WM-04, Annealing Operations Processes and Procedures, Level 2, 10 Credits.
    718102-002-01-WM-05, Processes and Procedures for using Basic Technology, and Health and Safety Communicating in the Workplace, Level 2, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 48 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply basic health and safety principles and concepts through on operational procedures, inspections and maintaining documentation within a managed environment.
    2. Safely perform spout operations.
    3. Safely perform bath operations.
    4. Safely perform annealing operations.
    5. Apply basic technology to effectively communicate and maintain healthy and safe work environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Apply basic health and safety principles and concepts through on operational procedures, inspections and maintaining documentation within a managed environment.
  • Conduct start-and end-of-shift procedures.
  • Conduct visual and pre-operational inspections by applying and adhering to all safety and health measures and requirements.
  • Implement housekeeping to maintain health and safety standards.
  • Conduct visual inspection for end of shift and shut down activities in accordance with standard procedures and protocols.
  • Maintain processes documentations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Safely perform spout operations.
  • Perform spout operations in the prescribed sequence, safely and in accordance with operating procedures.
  • Operate spout within the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific operating parameters.
  • Monitor and control spout operations.
  • Identify and report spout malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements following prescribed procedures and formats.
  • Handle spout operations emergency situations using operating procedures and health and safety regulations and specifications.
  • Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions to meet health and safety standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Safely perform bath operations.
  • Operate bath in the prescribed sequence, safely and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Operate bath within the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific operating parameters.
  • Monitor and control bath operations.
  • Identify and report bath malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements following prescribed procedures and formats.
  • Handle bath operations emergency situations using operating procedures, health and safety regulations, and specifications.
  • Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions to meet health and safety standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Safely perform annealing operations.
  • Perform annealing operations in the prescribed sequence safely and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Operate annealing equipment within the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific operating parameters.
  • Monitor and control annealing operations.
  • Identify and report annealing equipment malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements following prescribed procedures and formats.
  • Handle annealing operations emergency situations using operating procedures and health and safety regulations and specifications.
  • Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions to meet health and safety standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    ELO 5: Apply basic technology to effectively communicate and maintain healthy and safe work environment.
  • Maintain the working environment to meet health and safety requirements regarding personal protective clothing (PPC) and personal protective equipment (PPE), hazardous substances and unsafe conditions.
  • Implement good housekeeping practices to minimise injuries, contamination, wastage and damage.
  • Manage health and safety risks through the implementation of standard procedures and protocols.
  • Use different communication channels to communicate with team members and colleagues to convey a message or thought for clear, concise, and consistent manner.
  • Report problems using different tools, technologies and processes providing a detailed description and comprehendible report in accordance with standard procedures.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment.
    Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

    Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

    Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Elementary Occupational Certificate: Flat Glass Forming Operator, NQF Level 2 was compared with the GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Glass Processing from the United Kingdom and the National Glass Technician Certification (NGTC) from the United States of America.

    United Kingdom
    Qualification GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Glass Processing is offered by Absolute Training Solutions, LTD.

    The purpose of the qualification is to certify individuals in the field of glass processing. Entry requirements to the qualification is a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training. Some operators may also have vocational training in glass technology or a related field.

    Content/Modules covered:
  • Unit 1: Introduction to Glass Processing (mandatory).
  • Unit 2: Cutting Glass (mandatory).
  • Unit 3: Shaping Glass (optional).
  • Unit 4: Assembling Glass Products (optional).
  • Unit 5: Finishing Glass Products (optional).
  • Unit 6: Glass Decoration (optional).

    Duration and Credits: 28 credits, 280 hours.

    Similarities:
    Both qualifications emphasise practical skills and safety measures in glass forming or processing, provide pathways for further learning and professional development within the glass industry and have a work experience component. The knowledge/theory component's credits are the same in both qualifications.

    Differences:
    The South African qualification is more specific in its ELOs and AACs, focusing on individual operations like spout and bath. The UK qualification is broader but less detailed. The UK qualification allows for specialisation through optional units, offering flexibility not specified in the South African qualification. The Elementary Occupational Certificate: Flat Glass Forming Operator is comprised of knowledge/theory, practical skills and work experience components.

    United States of America
    The National Glass Technician Certification (NGTC) is a one-year qualification that is offered by the Auto Glass Safety Council. The purpose of the qualification is to certify the knowledge and skills of glass technicians in various areas of the glass industry. Entry requirements for the qualification is a High School Diploma or equivalent and some experience in the glass industry.

    The qualification covers the following content:
  • General Glass Knowledge: Properties of different glass types, handling and storage, cutting techniques and glazing materials.
  • Installation Fundamentals: Measuring and preparing openings, selecting glazing methods, using tools, and adhering to codes.
  • Specialty-Specific Skills: Varies by certification area, including residential, auto glass, shower doors, commercial, and security glazing.

    Similarities:
    Both qualifications cover operational aspects and safety measures in glass forming or processing, emphasise practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge and facilitate further learning opportunities and career advancement within the glass industry.

    Differences:
    The NGTC covers a broader range of topics, including business practices and speciality-specific skills, offering a comprehensive approach compared to the more focused South African qualification. The NGTC's inclusion of specialty-specific skills provides pathways for technicians to specialise in niche areas of the glass industry, a feature that is not found in the South African qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The comparison of the South African "Elementary Occupational Certificate: Flat Glass Forming Operator" with the UK's "GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Glass Processing" and the USA's "National Glass Technician Certification (NGTC)" highlights similarities in approach, content and structure. While there is a common emphasis on practical skills, safety, and quality standards, variations in assessment methods, duration, and specific focus areas reflect each country's unique educational and industry contexts. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming, NQF Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Glass Manufacturing Process Technician, NQF Level 3.

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

    NOTES 
    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 code is: 718102-002-01-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
    None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    The Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA)

    RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS
  • Occupational Certificate: Spout Operator, NQF Level 2.
  • Occupational Certificate: Bath Operator, NQF Level 2.
  • Occupational Certificate: Annealing Operator, NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    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.