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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Mechatronics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
22771  National Certificate: Mechatronics 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  141  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0160/05  2006-11-07  2009-07-29 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-07-29   2013-07-29  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
67609  National Certificate: Mechatronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  141  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners, education providers, training providers and employers with the standard and range of learning required to work effectively in the mechatronics environment and meet the challenges of such an environment.

The primary skills that are recognised by this qualification include the ability to:
  • Install, test and commission single phase AC/DC machines, control and switch gear
  • Install, test and maintain basic pneumatic systems
  • Install, test and maintain basic hydraulic systems
  • Program, install and test basic PLC control systems

    These capabilities require an understanding of mechanical, electrical and electronic theory, and circuit diagrams, and an ability to machine simple parts using milling machines or lathes. Hand skills play a large role in this qualification.

    Qualifying learners will also be able to relate what they are doing to scientific and technological principles and concepts. They will also be able to maintain and support the various policies and procedures related to the safety, health, environment and quality systems that govern their workplace.

    What learners achieve in this qualification will also serve as a basis for further learning where they will engage further in the installation, maintenance and commissioning of mechatronic systems.


    Rationale for the qualification:

    The manufacturing industry is characterised by technologically sophisticated automation processes using Computerised Integrated Manufacturing systems (CIM) that integrate the fields of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering and control and information technology. The field of mechatronics deals with the installation, maintenance and commissioning of such CIM systems that must conform to all safety aspects as per regulations and legislation. People working in the mechatronics field require specialised technical skills and knowledge as well as highly developed hand skills to enable them to install, maintain and commission mechatronic systems.

    This is the second qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in mechatronics. This series reflects the skills, knowledge and understanding required to perform effectively in industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large enterprises.

    For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification represents part of the RPL process that acknowledges workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training. For the new entrant, this qualification recognises the applied competence needed by a productive person in a structured workplace.

    This qualification forms the basis for further learning in the field of mechatronics. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners entering a programme towards this qualification have achieved a mechatronics NQF level 2 qualification or have the relevant experience.


    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be obtained through the process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and support provided to assist in the process of developing a portfolio. While this is primarily a work-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit level Outcomes:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of machining methods and an ability to produce simple components that meet quality and output requirements, working safely and in an environmentally aware manner.

    2. Demonstrate the understanding of and an ability to install, test and commission basic hydraulic and pneumatic systems, working safely and in an environmentally aware manner.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to install, test, maintain and programme programmable logic controllers (PLCs) .

    4. Demonstrate the ability to install and configure PC hardware and software.

    5. Select appropriate procedures to solve familiar problems within a mechatronics environment and operate within clearly defined contexts, with some scope for personal decision-making and responsibility.

    6. Communicate with peers, customers and members of supervisory/management levels by demonstrating the ability to gather and summarise information from a range of sources and produce coherent presentations in a prescribed format.

    7. Demonstrate an understanding of options for further learning in this or a related field of learning and preparation requirements for such learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

    1.1 Output and quality requirements are met
    1.2 Safe working practices are adhered to
    1.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the theoretical principles of machining, the various machining methods and the functioning of machinery

    2.1 Hydraulic and pneumatic system installation, testing and commissioning meets specifications
    2.2 Safe working practices are adhered to.
    2.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to pneumatic systems

    3.1 PLC installation, testing and maintenance meets specifications
    3.2 PLC programming meets specifications
    3.3 Safe working practices are observed
    3.4 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to PLCs

    4.1 Hardware and software interfaces and compatibility of hard ware components and system requirements for software are checked
    4.2 System components are installed to specifications and hardware is configured.
    4.3 Software is installed and configured to software manufacturer`s specifications
    4.4 Safe working practices are adhered to
    4.5 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to PC hardware and software installation and configuration.

    5.1 Appropriate procedures are selected to solve problems in an efficient and effective manner
    5.2 Unfamiliar problems are accurately reported to appropriate personnel
    5.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to familiar problems in the mechatronics environment

    6.1 Information is gathered from a range of sources and accurately summarised into a prescribed format.
    6.2 Information is clear and accurate and presented in a timely manner in the required format to appropriate parties.
    6.3 Relationships with peers and supervisory./management levels are established and functioning.

    7.1 Options are explained
    7.2 Preparation requirements are explained.
    7.3 Learning plan is developed


    Integrated Assessment:

    The integrated assessment must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide must spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing the learner at work (in primary activities as well as in other interactions) or by relevant simulations
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding
  • Looking at records and reports

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process or preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes.

    The assessment process should cover both the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities required of mechatronics. The assessment process should also establish how the critical outcomes have been advanced by the learning process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    As a starting point, the series of qualifications in the field of mechatronics of which this qualification forms a part, was compared to other, similar outcomes-based qualifications, certifications or skills standards in New Zealand and Australia. It was found to be difficult to compare the New Zealand and Australian narrow focus qualifications with these broad-based qualifications in the specialised field of mechatronics. Therefore, extensive reference was made to training materials from Germany and the United States when constructing these qualifications to ensure the relevance of the qualification content and benchmarking with best practice world wide. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another. Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately. Equally, holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators for the qualification should be qualified and accredited with an appropriate ETQA and have a qualification in engineering.

    To assure the quality of the assessment process, the moderation should cover one of the following:
  • Assessor credentials
  • The assessment instrument
  • The assessment process

    Where assessment and moderation are taking place in sectors other than the MERSETA, assessment and moderation should be in terms of a memorandum of understanding negotiated with the MERS ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:

    1. Appropriate qualification in the field of engineering, with a minimum of four years` experience in the field of mechatronics. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning

    2. Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices

    3. Good interpersonal skills and ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interests of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and language of the learner

    4. Registration as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant
    ETQA

    5. Any other criteria required by the MERS ETQA or any other ETQA 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 67609, which is "National Certificate: Mechatronics", Level 3, 137 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12477  Identify engineering materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests used in engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  13205  Operate and monitor a lathe to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Core  13204  Operate and monitor a milling machine to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Core  13234  Apply quality procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  13134  Install and program basic programmable logic controllers  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Core  13117  Install, test and maintain a basic hydraulic system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  13139  Install, test and maintain a basic pneumatic system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  13141  Install, test and maintain single phase AC/DC machines and control gear  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  13138  Install, use and test hardware and software  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9528  Communicate with clients  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  9529  Compile feasibility and commissioning reports  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  12429  Develop a personal financial plan  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  12456  Explain and use organisational procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  8039  Operating cranes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  8038  Operating lift trucks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  13260  Perform non-destructive tests on metal parts and components  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  12455  Perform the role of a safety, health and environmental protection representative  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  9531  Show understanding of diversity in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  13274  Test the physical properties of engineering metals  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  9533  Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.