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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: |
| Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration) |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124346 | Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration) | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Development Quality Partner - EWSETA -Engineering | ||||
| 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 | ||
| Specialised 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 | 169 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 08 | Regular-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0632/25 | 2025-06-03 | 2030-06-03 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2031-06-03 | 2034-06-03 | |||
| 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 an Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration Specialist). The Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration Specialist) develops, manages and advises on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of heating and cooling thermal energy use within industrial facilities to improve thermal energy performance. A qualified learner will be able to: Successful learners would gain knowledge and skills to develop, manage and advise on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of process heating and cooling power generation, and distribution within a thermal application and industrial facilities to improve process heating and cooling system performance. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: Strategical, problem solving, creativity, methodical, technicality, analytic and procedural. Rationale: The South African energy sector faces unique challenges that necessitate specialised skills in advanced pinch analysis and process integration. These challenges include inefficient energy use, high energy costs, and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental degradation and economic inefficiency. The qualification addresses these issues by equipping professionals with the skills needed to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Pinch Analysis and Process Integration systems, which are integral to various heating and cooling manufacturing processes. This qualification is critical for supporting South Africa's transition towards more sustainable energy and carbon management practices. Given the country's industrial landscape, where process heating and cooling systems play a pivotal role in sectors such as manufacturing, power generation, and mining, optimising these systems can lead to significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved operational efficiency. Specialists in advanced pinch analysis and process integration will be at the forefront of implementing technologies and practices that reduce heat energy consumption and costs, contributing to the environmental and economic goals of the nation. Moreover, this qualification supports South Africa's commitments under international agreements on climate change by promoting the adoption of cleaner, more efficient energy technologies. It aligns with global and national strategies aimed at enhancing industrial energy efficiency, thereby supporting sustainable development and green job creation in the energy sector. This qualification delves into advanced concepts of process integration, focusing primarily on Pinch Analysis techniques for optimising energy usage and minimising environmental impact in chemical processes. Learners will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyse, design, and optimise industrial processes. Currently there are no other similar occupational qualifications for this specific specialisation area registered on the NQF. There are a number of energy related qualifications on the NQF, but they are in the HEQSF at either a lower or higher NQF Level and they are provider specific qualifications. Sector Benefit: This qualification benefits the energy generation and mining sectors by providing a pool of specialists skilled in advanced pinch analysis and process integration leading to more efficient use of heating energy, reduced operational costs, and enhanced competitiveness of South African industries. Societal Benefit: By improving the efficiency of advanced pinch analysis and process integration, this qualification contributes to environmental sustainability by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimising the environmental impact of industrial activities. It also promotes energy conservation awareness among industries and society. Economic Benefit: Advanced pinch analysis and process integration can lead to substantial energy cost savings for industries, which, in turn, can lower product costs and stimulate economic growth. This qualification fosters innovation in advanced pinch analysis and process integration, driving technological advancements and creating new opportunities in the green economy. The typical learners who are professionals and practitioners for this qualification are with a background in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, seeking to specialise in energy management. They are likely to have experience in the energy sector and are seeking to enhance their expertise to take on more specialised roles. These areas include but are not limited to Process Heating and Cooling System Optimisation Experts, Thermal System Advisors, Process and Integration Managers and Process Engineers. Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to Training: 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 from modules: 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. RPL for credits: 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. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): 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/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: |
| 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: 68 Practical Skill Modules: Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 61 Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Apply knowledge and skills of heating and cooling system to analyse the needs for the thermal energy application performance assessment.
2. Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes to analyse and advise on heating and cooling energy performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices. 3. Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes to analyse and advise on heating and cooling energy performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes 4. Synthesise case study data on heating and cooling system performance to obtain stakeholder commitment using appropriate tools and methodologies. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Apply knowledge and skills of heating and cooling system to analyse the needs for the thermal energy application performance assessment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes to analyse and advise on heating and cooling energy performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes to analyse and advise on heating and cooling energy performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Synthesise case study data on heating and cooling system performance to obtain stakeholder commitment using appropriate tools and methodologies. Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessments conducted internally 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. Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc. The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The South African Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration Specialist), NQF Level 8, has undergone benchmarking against qualifications from the Australia and Germany to assess its global standing and compliance with international standards in this sector. This analysis highlights the qualification's capacity to produce globally competitive professionals who can contribute significantly to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Australia Qualification Title: Master of Engineering in Mechanical with a Specialization in Thermal Energy Systems. Institution: Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), Australia. Entry Requirements: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. Duration of the qualification: The duration of the Master of Engineering qualification is typically two years of full-time study. Overview of curriculum: The comparison focuses on the specialization in Thermal Energy Systems, specifically within the areas of Process Heating and Cooling system optimization. The qualification covers the following knowledge areas: It also equips learners with the following skills: The following competencies are embedded in the qualification: Similarities: Differences: The South African qualification uniquely incorporates work-based learning, providing practical experience in real-world settings, which promotes technical proficiency and industry readiness. Conversely, the Australian qualification has a more pronounced focus on theoretical and research-based learning. Germany Qualification Title: Master of Engineering in Energy and Environmental Management. Institution: Europa-Universität Flensburg. Entry Requirements: an above-average bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, at least two years of relevant professional experience, and proficiency in English, demonstrated by standardised tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. Duration of the qualification typically spans 18 months, plus an additional 6 months for a preparatory pre-semester. Overview of curriculum: The focus of the comparison is on the specialisation in Process Heating and Cooling systems within the broader context of energy and environmental management. The qualification is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for key professional positions in the energy industry, government, NGOs, and international organizations. The qualification is structured into different specialisation areas, focusing on the needs of either industrialized or developing countries, and covers topics such as sustainable energy systems, environmental economics, and project management. Similarities: Differences: Conclusion: The benchmarking of the South African Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration Specialist) against the two international qualifications above reveals a strong alignment with comparable qualifications in both Australia and Germany. This qualification excels in integrating practical industry experiences with advanced theoretical learning, positioning its graduates as highly competent professionals in the field of energy efficiency and sustainability. While the Australian and German qualifications offer rigorous academic and theoretical frameworks, the unique inclusion of work-based learning in the South African qualification enhances practical skills and industry readiness. This comprehensive approach ensures that the South African qualification not only meets but often exceeds global standards, equipping professionals with the necessary tools to excel in the global energy sector. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: There are no vertical articulation possibilities within the OQSF as there are no NQF level 9 or 10 qualifications in the OQSF. Diagonal Articulation: Master of Engineering in Energy, NQF level 9. |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
5 years' experience in related fields of process heating and cooling system operations and implementation. Criteria for the accreditation of providers The curriculum title and code are: Energy Advisor (Advanced Pinch Analysis and Process Integration), 214105-007-00-00. Encompassed Trade: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) The Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA). |
| 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. |