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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
23255  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  174  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 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 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 fitting and engineering machining skills and meet the challenges of such an environment.

The primary skills that are recognised in this qualification are the ability to produce components of some complexity using a variety of machining methods and the ability to fault find, dismantle, maintain, repair and install complex mechanical assemblies and diagnose and repair equipment and machinery during production/operation. These capabilities require an understanding of advanced machining and mechanical theory, detailed engineering drawings and a variety of tests and treatments used on engineering metals. 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.


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 second qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in the field of engineering fitting and machining.

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 the 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 national certificate in mechanical engineering (fitting and machining) level 2.

If the learner does not already have such a qualification, learning in preparation for this qualification would also have to include:
  • Language and maths beyond basic literacy and numeracy
  • Basic concepts of science and technology related to machining methods, engineering materials and tools used in the machining process
  • An ability to produce simple components using a variety of machining methods
  • An ability to apply basic mechanical assembly, maintenance and repair fundamentals to recognise and respond to equipment component defects.
  • Concepts of organising factors in labour, business and the economy
  • Role and purpose of procedures related to workplace relationships, roles and responsibilities


    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification may be obtained through a 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 workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit-level outcomes. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit level outcomes:

    1. Demonstrate an ability to produce components of some complexity using a variety of machining methods and operations, meeting output requirements and working safely with due care for fellow workers and the environment.

    2. Demonstrate an ability to select and apply appropriate inspection methods to determine component compliance with specifications.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to fault find, dismantle, maintain, assemble and install a variety of mechanical assemblies and make close tolerance adjustments to equipment and process, meeting output requirements and working safely with due care for fellow workers and the environment.

    4. Demonstrate an understanding of lubrication systems and an ability to maintain such systems.

    5. Demonstrate an ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings.

    6. Select appropriate procedures to solve familiar problems within an engineering machining and fitting environment and operate within clearly defined contexts, with some scope for personal decision-making and responsibility.

    7. 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.

    8. 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 Machining time limits are adhered to.
    1.3 Safe working practices are adhered to.
    1.4 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the theoretical principles of machining and the various machining methods and their respective operations at this level.

    2.1 Appropriate inspection methods are chosen and applied.
    2.2 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to various inspection methods and procedures and the principles underpinning such methods.

    3.1 Condition of equipment and machinery is monitored.
    3.2 Faults in equipment and machinery are diagnosed.
    3.3 Equipment and machinery are maintained to required standards and overhauled at required intervals.
    3.4 Dismantling sequence of assemblies meets specifications.
    3.5 Assemblies and installations meet specifications.
    3.6 Safe working practices are adhered to.

    4.1 Lubrication systems are maintained to specifications.
    4.2 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the lubrication systems of equipment and machinery within the plant.

    5.1 Components and assemblies to be machined identified and requirements interpreted from engineering drawing.
    5.2 Machined components and assemblies meet drawing specifications.

    6.1 Appropriate procedures are selected to solve problems in an efficient and effective manner.
    6.2 Unfamiliar problems are accurately reported to appropriate personnel.
    6.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to familiar problems in the machining of components and assemblies.

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

    8.1 Options are explained.
    8.2 Preparation requirements are explained.
    8.3 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.

    It will be necessary to 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 
    This qualification was compared to other, similar outcomes- based qualifications, certifications or skills standards in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. 

    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. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This Qualification will be replaced by Qualification 93625, "Occupational Certificate: Metal Machinist", Level 4, 324 credits, as soon as 93625 is registered. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12457  Develop learning strategies and techniques  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  13297  Grind tools and drill bits  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  13283  Maintain bearings in machines and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  13282  Maintain brakes and clutches  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  13280  Maintain direct drives  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  13279  Maintain dynamic seals in machines and / or equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  13278  Maintain heat exchangers and pressure vessels  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  13277  Maintain lubricating systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  13276  Maintain pumps  Level 3  NQF Level 03  24 
    Core  9526  Manage basic business finance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  9530  Manage work time effectively  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  13294  Produce components by performing engineering grinding operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  13296  Produce components by performing engineering milling operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Core  13295  Produce components by performing engineering turning operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    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  116231  Operate a cab controlled overhead crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  116254  Operate a mobile crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  243272  Operate a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  116235  Operate a pendant controlled overhead crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  262824  Operate a Sideboom  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  116255  Operate a tower crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  116253  Operate a truck mounted loader crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  242981  Operate defined purpose lift trucks  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  242976  Operate overhead/gantry cranes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  243021  Shift loads using lifting equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  244407  Lift and move a load using mechanical lifting equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Elective  13281  Maintain conveyor systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  260798  Operate a cantilever container crane (ship to shore)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  260777  Operate a container side loader  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  260818  Operate a counter balanced lift truck in excess of 15 tons  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Elective  260763  Operate a floating crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  260760  Operate a inland container crane (rail mounted)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260761  Operate a reach stacker  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260765  Operate a rubber tyred gantry crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  260817  Operate a scotch derrick crane (ship mounted)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260764  Operate a ships crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  260797  Operate a sideloader lift truck  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  260757  Operate a straddle carrier  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260780  Operate a sugar cane crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  260781  Operate a telescopic boom handler  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260758  Operate a wall-mounted jib  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Elective  242972  Operate advanced defined purpose lift trucks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Elective  242974  Operate counter-balanced lift truck  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Elective  242982  Operate heavy crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
    Elective  260762  Operate rough terrain/earthmoving/agricultural equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Elective  123260  Operate tailgates and tail-lifts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  242978  Operate truck-mounted cranes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  8039  Operating cranes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  8038  Operating lift trucks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  253658  Perform a lifting task by using a mobile crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  13275  Perform heat treatment processes on engineering metals  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  13260  Perform non-destructive tests on metal parts and components  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  13298  Produce detailed engineering drawings  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  116720  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  117001  Use a mobile crane to carry out pile driving  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  9533  Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  243273  Monitor and control the safety and operations of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  116583  Perform tandem lifting  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  253660  Supervise advanced mobile crane operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 


    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.