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: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
23254  National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority  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  185  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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  2007-05-15  2008-06-25 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-06-25   2011-06-25  

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
59689  National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  130  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to work effectively in various industries making use of engineering fitting and machining skills and to meet the challenges of such an environment.

The primary skills that are recognised in this qualification are the ability to machine simple components using a variety of machining methods and the ability to apply basic mechanical assembly, maintenance and repair fundamentals to recognise and respond to equipment component defects. These capabilities require an understanding of basic machining theory, machinery functioning and maintenance, engineering materials and tools and concepts of measurement, and basic engineering drawings. Hand skills play a large role in this qualification.

Qualified learners will also understand:
  • the basics of how a business functions
  • their role in the business, i.e. in engineering and related activities
  • how they are affected by legislation, regulations, agreements and policies related to their particular work environment.

    With this understanding learners will be able to participate in workplace activities.


    Rationale for the qualification:

    The field of engineering machining is characterized by work-to-order, low volume manufacture of components using different machining methods for use in a variety of industries including the automotive, metal, appliance manufacturing, plastic, tyre and rubber industries. People working in the engineering machining field require specialized technical skills and knowledge, as well as highly developed hand skills in order to adapt to and meet the requirements of the constantly changing products that must be manufactured.

    The field of engineering fitting is characterized by the provision of engineering maintenance, repair and installation services and support in a variety of industries. The equipment requiring such service and support ranges from sophisticated equipment to antiquated single station machines. People working in the mechanical engineering field require specialized technical skills and knowledge, as well as highly developed hand skills in order to meet the mechanical engineering requirements of diverse industries.

    This is the first qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in the field of engineering fitting and machining. This qualification focuses on developing skills and knowledge necessary to begin such a career.

    It also provides learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace with an opportunity to obtain credits through an RPL process.

    The qualification also forms the basis for further learning in field of engineering fitting and machining where the learner will be able to specialize. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification assumes learners have a General Education and Training Certificate at NQF level 1, or alternatively, an ABET level 4 qualification.

    If the learner does not already have such a qualification, learning in preparation for this qualification would also have to include:
  • Literacy and numeracy
  • Basic concepts of science and technology


    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification may be obtained through RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed of the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not too onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is composed of Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components:
  • Fundamental: 36 credits
  • Core: 143 credits
  • Elective: the learner must select a minimum of 6 credits
    Total: a minimum of 185 credits 
    		•

    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 an understanding of the mechanical equipment maintenance process and an ability to recognise and respond to equipment component maintenance requirements that will result in increased levels of safety, health, quality or efficiency.

    3. Understand and use appropriate hand and power tools, machinery and equipment to:
  • make simple adjustments to equipment and process
  • maintain mechanical components

    4. Identify engineering materials used in the machining process and describe their characteristics and applications.

    5. Demonstrate an ability to read, interpret and produce basic engineering drawings.

    6. Demonstrate a familiarity with routine maintenance procedures and operations for machinery.

    7. Recognise and respond to routine problems related to the machining process.

    8. Communicate with peers and members of supervisory/management levels by demonstrating the ability to summarise information and express opinions on given information in spoken or written form.

    9. 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:

    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 Appropriate checks are performed on components.
    2.2 Components are maintained to specifications..
    2.3 Non-conformances and actions taken are reported accurately and clearly.
    2.4 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the basic component maintenance process relevant to the outcomes.

    3.1 Mechanical components are maintained to specification.
    3.2 Adjustments made are appropriate.
    3.3 Downtime is minimised.
    3.4 No material or product is damaged or its quality compromised.
    3.5 Quality, safety and environmental procedures are followed.

    4.1 Engineering materials are identified and their physical properties described.
    4.2 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing using engineering materials.

    5.1 Components to be machined are identified and requirements interpreted from engineering drawing.
    5.2 Engineering drawing produced meets job requirements.
    5.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to engineering drawing concepts and material lists.

    6.1 Process agents are applied consistently and systematically.
    6.2 Pre-operational checks are performed and identified problems reported to appropriate personnel.
    6.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to routine maintenance on machinery.

    7.1 Various options are considered before a solution is chosen.
    7.2 Lessons learnt in previous performances are used.
    7.3 Responses are appropriate to the nature of the problem.
    7.4 Problems are accurately reported to relevant personnel in a timely manner.
    7.5 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to routine problems encountered while working.

    8.1 Communication is effective, regular and ongoing.
    8.2 Information is clear and accurate and conveyed in a timely manner.
    8.3 Relationships with peers and supervisory/management levels are established and functioning.

    9.1 Options are explained.
    9.2 Preparation requirements are explained..
    9.3 Learning plan is developed.


    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.

    Some assessment aspects will demand practical demonstration while others may not. In some case inference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.

    Since this is a foundational qualification, it is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    As a starting point, the series of qualifications in the field of mechanical engineering covering machining, fitting, fitting and machining, and tooling manufacture specialisations, 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 that also include fundamentals and generic core standards. It was further difficult to undertake such comparisons given that the New Zealand and Australian qualifications, although they are in the same field of mechanical engineering and cover the same areas of specialisation (thus containing a large degree of similar content) are conceptualized as three year qualifications without exit level outcomes at the intermediate levels (NQF levels 2 and 3). This notwithstanding, the technical content of this series of qualifications for mechanical engineering (with the various specialisations) of which the highest qualification is at level 4 does correspond with the equivalent level of qualification in mechanical engineering (with the various specialisations) in Australia and New Zealand. 

    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 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution or learning provider offering learning towards the achievement of this qualification should be accredited as a provider with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment should be overseen by the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines provided for in this qualification as well as the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

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

    1. Appropriate qualification in the field of mechanical engineering (fitting and machining) - with a minimum of 3 years' experience working in the field. 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 the 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 relevant ETQA 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 59689, which is "National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering", Level 2, 130 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12465  Develop a learning plan and a portfolio for assessment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  12466  Explain the individual`s role within business  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12477  Identify engineering materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests used in engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  13220  Keep the work area safe and productive  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  13216  Maintain indirect drives  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  13218  Maintain pipe systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Core  13219  Maintain static seals in machines and / or equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  9881  Mark off basic regular engineering shapes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  13214  Operate and monitor a drilling machine to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    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  13215  Operate and monitor a surface grinding machine to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  9880  Perform basic welding/joining of metals  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  13221  Perform routine maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  12215  Read, interpret and produce basic engineering drawings  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  12216  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  12476  Select, use and care for engineering measuring equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  12481  Sling loads  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12463  Understand and deal with HIV/AIDS  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8963  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  12461  Communicate at work  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  12444  Measure, estimate and calculate physical quantities and explore, describe and represent geometrical relationships in 2-dimensions in different life or workplace contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  9268  Manage basic personal finance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  12484  Perform basic fire fighting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  7548  Use personal computer operating system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.