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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 (Steam System Optimisation) |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124448 | Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Advisor (Steam System Optimisation) | |||
| 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 |
| The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Energy Advisor (Steam System Optimisation Specialist). A learner would acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, manage and advise on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of steam generation, distribution, end-use and condensate recovery within industrial facilities to improve steam system performance.
A qualified learner will be able to: Qualifying learner attributes are: > Strategical, Rationale: The need for this qualification is because South African energy sector faces unique challenges that necessitate specialised skills in steam system optimisation. 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 Energy Advisor (Steam System Optimisation Specialist) qualification addresses these issues by equipping professionals with the skills needed to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of steam systems, which are integral to various industrial processes. This qualification is critical for supporting South Africa's transition towards more sustainable energy practices. Given the country's industrial landscape, where steam 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 steam system optimisation will be at the forefront of implementing technologies and practices that reduce 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. 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 such as: 73761 Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Energy Studies, NQF Level 08, University of Johannesburg. This qualification is more general in energy studies and not in energy advising with specific focus on steam systems. The current higher education qualification is also specifically focussed on sharing of principles and theory. The Occupational Qualification is more focussed on actual practice, how it should be done in an energy efficient manner. This qualification benefits the industry by providing a pool of specialists skilled in optimising steam systems, leading to more efficient use of energy, reduced operational costs, and enhanced competitiveness of South African industries. By improving the efficiency of steam systems, 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. Optimising steam systems 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 steam system optimisation, driving technological advancements and creating new opportunities in the green economy. The typical learners for this qualification are professionals and practitioners 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 Energy Management Experts, Energy Engineer and Energy Auditor. Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the energy advising and management environment participated in the development of the qualification. Typical occupations related to this qualification include: Steam System Optimisation Expert, Steam System Advisor, Steam Manager, Steam Engineer, Steam System Auditor Energy Management Experts, and Energy Auditor. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| RPL for Access:
Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification. 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: For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of qualification through any means of formal, informal or nonformal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for awarding credits: Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification, part 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 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 is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 7 qualification or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental or any other related fields. |
| 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 appropriate tools and knowledge of system performance to analyse the performance of the steam system, including steam generation, distribution, and end-use and condensate recovery.
2. Apply knowledge of energy system to analyse steam system performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices. 3. Analyse energy performance qualification, monitoring, and reporting by applying knowledge and skills of management processes and principles. 4. Demonstrate the ability to use relevant tools and methodologies to prepare and present information on steam system performance to maintain stakeholder commitment. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Apply appropriate tools and knowledge of system performance to analyse the performance of the steam system, including steam generation, distribution, and end-use and condensate recovery. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Apply knowledge of energy system to analyse steam system performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Analyse energy performance qualification, monitoring, and reporting by applying knowledge and skills of management processes and principles. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Demonstrate the ability to use relevant tools and methodologies to prepare and present information on steam system performance to maintain stakeholder commitment. Integrated Assessement 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, 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. 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 |
| This qualification was compared with similar qualification from United States of America and Germany:
United States of America The comparison with the United States focuses on the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Energy Systems, specifically steam system optimisation, offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A Curriculum Overview MIT's qualification is designed to prepare qualifying learners for advanced roles in energy systems, placing a strong emphasis on steam system optimisation. The curriculum is structured to cover a two-year period, featuring a combination of coursework, practical laboratory work, and a research thesis. Knowledge Skills Competencies Similarities Both the American qualification and Specialised Occupational Diploma in Energy Advisor (Steam System Optimisation) prioritise steam system optimisation for enhanced efficiency and sustainability, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications to equip qualifying learners with the skills needed for the energy sector. Differences The Specialised Occupational Diploma in Energy Advisor (Steam System Optimisation) incorporates work-based learning components, ensuring practical experience in real-world settings, focusing on technical proficiency and industry readiness. The MIT qualification, while comprehensive, leans more towards theoretical and research-based learning. Germany The comparison with Germany examines the Master of Engineering in Energy and Environmental Management, focusing on steam systems, offered by the University of Flensburg. A Curriculum Overview The qualification aims to produce experts in energy management, with a particular focus on steam system optimisation for environmental sustainability. Spanning two years, the curriculum blends theoretical education with project work and an internship. Knowledge Skills: Competencies Similarities Like the Specialised Occupational Diploma in Energy Advisor (Steam System Optimisation), the German qualification emphasises energy efficiency and sustainability within steam systems, aiming to develop professionals capable of leading efforts to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Differences The Specialised Occupational Diploma in Energy Advisor (Steam System Optimisation) stands out for its structured approach to practical skills development and workplace integration, ensuring a comprehensive education that is both academic and vocational. The German qualification emphasises offers a broader view of energy and environmental management beyond just steam systems. Conclusion The South African Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Advisor (Steam System Optimisation Specialist) demonstrates strong international comparability with leading qualifications in the United States and Germany and therefore compares well. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification provides opportunities for the following 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: There are no diagonal articulation possibilities across Sub-Frameworks, as the entry requirements are not met for ID 115643, Master of Philosophy in Environmental Management, NQF Level 9, Credits 180 qualification(s) which had been identified for possible articulation. |
| NOTES |
| Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
5 years' experience in related fields of steam system operations and implementation. 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. Curriculum code is: 214105-002-00-00. Encompassed Trade: None Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) The Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA). LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION None |
| 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. |