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

Further Education and Training Certificate: Electrical Network Control 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48978  Further Education and Training Certificate: Electrical Network Control 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Power Plant Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
EWSETA - Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  190  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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 
Learners obtaining this qualification will be recognised on a National level for operating and controlling of radial and integrated power generating and transmission systems. This qualification will ensure professionalism, proficiency and excellence in the control of integrated networks. The qualification will address a previous shortcoming and provide network controllers with self worth and pride.

Safe, sound and efficient network control principles will be manifested in the competence of the learners throughout the qualification and enhance worthwhile employment opportunities in the electrical network industry.

A person acquiring this qualification will have practical, foundational and reflective competence in the following areas:
  • Theories and application of electrical apparatus
  • Regulatory Knowledge in - Occupational Health and Safety Act and Permit Work System
  • Problem solving and decision making
  • Planning and organising
  • Electrical network configuration and integrated systems
  • Big picture thinking
  • Self management within a team context
  • Written and verbal communication

    Rationale of the Qualification

    This qualification is based on the Power Generation and Transmission industry needs and forms the foundation for Electrical Network Controllers on Radial and Integrated Electrical Networks. The qualification therefore sets the standards for Controllers of Electrical Power Generation and Transmission systems.

    Accessibility and employment with this qualification are possible within the Local, Regional and National Integrated Electrical Systems.

    The qualification also focuses on:
  • Setting national standards of practice in this specific learning field
  • Building individual capacity in foundational electric power control
  • Ensure entry progression and mobility into life long learning in this specific learning field
  • Addressing the electrical industries employment requirements
  • Enhancement of professional competence on a National level
  • Provide an avenue of upliftment for the previously disadvantaged into this discipline
  • Providing a qualification to be used in a learnership in this field
  • Enhance social and economic development 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners should be competent in:
  • Communication and Language at NQF Level 3
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

    This qualification will be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning in other related Electrical qualifications such as electrical Engineering NQF 1-4.
    Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, credits and learning components assigned to the qualification in Electrical Network Control:

    This Certificate is made up of a planned combination of learning outcomes that has a defined purpose and will provide the learner with applied competence and a strong basis for further learning in Electrical Network Control.

    The Qualification is made up of unit standards that are classified as fundamental, core and elective.

    Minimum credits required to complete this qualification is as follows:

    In this qualification the credits are allocated as follows:
    Local Control Centres
    Gas Turbines Systems

    Fundamental: 57 Credits, 30 %
    Core: 104 Credits, 55 %
    Elective: 29 Credits, 15 %
    Total: 190 Credits, 100 %

    This Qualification is made up of unit standards at NQF levels 2, 3, 4 and 5.

    The majority of unit standards related directly to the purpose of the qualification with maximum portability between the various control centres (local, regional, national).

    Motivation for the Number of credits, assigned to:
    Fundamental, core and elective requirements.

    This certificate is made up of a combination of learning outcomes that have a defined purpose and will provide the learner with applied competence and a good foundation for further personal development in Electrical Network Control.

    Fundamental Requirements
    There are eight unit standards for communication in the first language at NQF Level 4, totalling 20 credits and there are four Second Language unit standards at NQF level 3 totalling 20 credits.
    Unit Standards to the value of 17 credits on Mathematical literacy are also included.
    All Unit Standards for this requirement are compulsory.

    Core Requirements
    Unit Standards to the value of 104 credits have been allocated as core requirement to this qualification. The core requirements of this qualification form the foundation of applied competence in controlling Electrical Networks. A broad range of technical concept and principles related to Electrical Network Control are covered within requirement of the qualification, which have portability towards credits within all Electrical Network Systems (Local, Regional and National Control).
    All Unit Standards for this requirement are compulsory.

    Elective Requirement
    Learners are required to select elective standards for learning according to the type of control environment they are engaged with. All controllers apart from Hydro and Nuclear Power utilities must complete the standards for Steam generator and Turbo generator design and application.(A total of 12 credits) Controllers functioning on Gas turbines generating systems must complete the unit standards associated with this specific utility. Other Standards include 7 credits on Leadership development and must be taken together plus a further 22 credits from the options provided in the elective component. Minimum of 29 credits are required. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Fundamental Learning:

    1. Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication when performing operational outcomes.
    2. Interpret and use information from text
    3. Use Language and communication in occupational learning programmes.
    4. Write for a wide range of content.
    5. Engage and sustain oral communication and evaluate spoken text.
    6. Read analyse and respond to a variety of text
    7. Use Language and communication in occupational learning programs.

    Core Learning:

    8. Apply Mathematical Literacy in the Electrical Network Industry in the following way
    9. Demonstrate knowledge on the following Electrical Network Fundamentals used as the foundation to perform operating outcomes on the Electrical Network
    Range: this includes operating on all radial and integrated electrical networks

    Learners will be regarded "not yet competent" should they jeopardise the safety of people/plant during any stage of the assessment.

    Exit points for learners who do not complete the Qualifications:
  • Learners will be credited with Unit Standards in which they have proved competence.
  • Learners who complete individual Unit Standard, but do not complete this Qualification retain their credits, however, should the substance of the unit Standard change in future the validity of the credit towards the Qualification may be reviewed.
  • Learners who change their provider before completing the Qualification may transfer their credits to the new provider/learning site. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1 Report plant system conditions to the following role players:
  • National Control
  • Field Services
  • Multi disciplinary functions (in house)
    1.2 Evaluate outage requests from Authorised officials (field operators)
    1.3 Instruct safe operating to Authorised officials (field operators)
    1.4 Define electrical network processes and equipment used in the electrical networks

    2.1 Read and contextualise the information as requested by Authorised officials (field operators)
    2.2 Read and contextualise the information as stipulated from Operating regulation for High Voltage Systems

    3.1 Interpret terminology and concepts by means of specified occupational language use in programmes and courses during electrical network training
    3.2 Define electrical network concepts, terms and theories used in Power Generation and Control

    4.1 Compile reports on system conditions consisting of:
  • Trip reports
  • Shift events
  • Incident notifications
  • System conditions
  • Flash reports
  • Hazardous conditions

    5.1 Formulate safe operating instructions
    5.2 Evaluate feedback received

    6.1 Read and contextualise the information stipulated in Standards and Procedures containing system dynamics
    6.2 Interpret operating requests/instructions received
    6.3 Read and contextualise statistical and operational data (includes text with numerical data)

    7.1 Interpret terminology and concepts by means of specified occupational language use in programmes and courses during electrical network training
    7.2 Define electrical network processes and equipment used in the electrical network

    8.1 Solve technical problems in the workplace.
    8.2 Differentiate between complex and non-complex problems in this technical environment
    8.3 Identify a variety of problem solving techniques when working with technical equipment and processes
    8.4 Compile statistical data used to build historical data to manage re-occurrence of typical problems

    9.1 Control electrical networks from a Control Centre
    9.2 Operate breakers on electrical networks
    9.3 Operate isolators on electrical networks
    9.4 Operate converters on electrical networks
    9.5 Operate on transformers within electrical networks
    9.6 Operate on earthing devices on electrical networks
    9.7 Perform operations on electrical networks
    9.8 Phasing and or synchronising on electrical networks
    9.9 Demonstrate knowledge of safe entry into controlled prohibited and restricted networks
    9.10 Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements for permit to work systems
    9.11 Operate stand alone computer systems
    9.12 Comply with electrical safety standards in a process plant
    9.13 Understand the principal of alternating current (AC) motor operation and application in a process plant
    9.14 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electrical power generation
    9.15 Interpret electrical circuits
    9.16 Interpret basic electronic theories in process plant control
    9.17 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of earthing practices on alternating current power systems
    9.18 Understand the principals of magnetism
    9.19 Interpret electrical theories
    9.20 Understand the operating principals of transformers
    9.21 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electrical systems and related concepts
    9.22 Explain transformer characteristics applied on power systems
    9.23 Apply engineering principals and concepts in a power generation process plant
    9.24 Describe plant instrumentation and process measurement
    9.25 Control frequency and voltages in and islanding condition on electrical networks
    9.26 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of and produce computer spreadsheets using basic functions
    9.27 Produce word processing documents for business
    9.28 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the electrical technology associated with the control of electrical energy on a power generating unit in the power plant
    9.29 Demonstrate the ability to use electronic mail software to send and receive messages

    Integrated Assessment

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflective competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner is able to achieve all exit level outcomes of the qualification. Applicable critical cross field outcomes must be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies. Assessment methods and tools used must determine the whole person's development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.
  • Certain exit level outcomes are measurable and verifiable through assessment criteria assessed in one application.
  • Applicable assessment tools to assess the foundational, reflective and practical competencies within the power plant operations environment.
  • A detailed portfolio of evidence is required of the practical, foundational and reflective competencies of the learner.
  • Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired by recognition of prior learning (RPL) through any form of learning.
  • Unit standards associated with this qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross -field outcomes. During integrated assessment, the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Formative assessment

    Assessment criteria for formative assessment are described in the various unit standards. Formative assessment takes place during the process of learning and assessors should use a range of appropriate assessment methods and tools that assess competence holistically. These methods include but are not limited to the following:
  • On-the-job observations
  • Role-play and/or simulations
  • Knowledge tests, exams, case studies, projects, logbooks, workbooks
  • Verbal report backs (presentations)
  • Portfolios of evidence (RPL)
  • Working in teams (360 degrees evaluations)
  • Scenario sketching
  • Incident reports

    The assessment tools and methods used by the assessor must be:
  • Fair, not to hinder or disadvantage the learner in any way
  • Valid, to measure what is intended to measure
  • Reliable, consistent and delivers the same output across a range of learners and assessors

    Summative assessment

    Summative assessment is carried out at the end of each meaningful competence level achieved by the learner. A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, foundational and reflective competencies of the learner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is based on a study conducted by ESKOM on various European countries with leading power producers. The German model (with minor changes) was adopted as the basis for this qualification. Operator qualifications after this were registered under the manpower-training act and accredited by the ESKOM and Allied Industries Training Board (EAITB). This qualification was further developed to meet the SAQA requirements for registration.

    International Benchmark Matrix: Power Plant Operations

    Criteria: SA- NZ - UK - Ger

    Utility: Fossil Hydro Nuclear - FossilNuclear - Fossil Hydro Nuclear - Fossil Nuclear
    Roles: Electrical Network Controller - Operator Maintainer - Operator Maintainer - Operator Maintainer
    Frameworklevels: 1-8 - 1-10 - 1-5 - n/a
    Credits: 247 - 532 - n/a - n/a
    Accreditation / Quality assurance: SETA - NZQA - C&G/ETA - VGB
    Entry level: NQF 3 Related Technical Qualification - NQF 2 - NVQ 1 - ?
    Operators in fields: 614 - Not available - Not available - Not available
    Number of Unit Standards: 46 - 61 - 18 - Not available

    The following information based on the matrix:
  • Roles: Electrical Network Controller is the person performing duties by controlling and monitoring the electrical network from a control room.
  • Framework: Qualifications obtained in this learning field for nuclear, hydro and fossil power plants consist of a certificate, a diploma and a higher diploma.
  • Controllers in the field: This figure represents controllers in Fossil, Hydro, Nuclear, National and Regional control centres. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to pursue different careers in the power generation industry. The level of flexibility within the range of elective utilities (hydro, nuclear, fossil and electrical control) will allow the individual to pursue further learning within those development areas. Other articulation fields could be the following:
  • Certificate in occupational directed Education Training and Development at NQF Level 4.
  • Diploma in Electrical Network Control (Still under development). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA's (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qua
  • Verification. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • A learner wishing to be assessed for this Qualification can only be assessed through an accredited assessment provider/centre. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The assessor must be:
  • Competent in the standard at or above the level at which the assessment is conducted.
  • At least one year on the job experience.
  • Registered with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  10195  Apply Engineering Principles and concepts in a Power Generation Process Plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  10893  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electrical power generation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  14062  Demonstrate Knowledge of Safe Entry into Prohibited and/ or Restricted Areas  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  14036  Describe plant instrumentation and process measurement used on Power Generation plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  14204  Interpret basic electronic theories in power plant process control  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  10894  Interpret electrical circuits  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  10677  Interpret electrical theories  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  116436  Operate breakers on radial and integrated networks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  116438  Operate earthing devices on electrical networks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  116439  Operate electrical converters on electrical networks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  116440  Operate high voltage breakers on radial feeders  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  116451  Operate on transformers within electrical networks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Core  10719  Understand the operating principles of transformers  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  10707  Understanding the principles of magnetism  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  116434  Control electrical networks from a control centre  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  116407  Control frequency and voltages in an Islanding condition on electrical networks  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  14056  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of earthing practices on alternating current power systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Core  14057  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electrical systems and related concepts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  10897  Explain transformer characteristics applied on power systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Core  116453  Perform operations on high voltage integrated systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  13803  Phasing and or synchronising on high voltage intergrated systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Core  10933  Understand the principles of alternating current (AC) motor operation and application in a process plant  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  14041  Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of the Electrical Technology Associated with the Control of Electrical Energy on a Power Generating Unit in the Power Plant  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  13600  Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements for permit to work systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8972  Interpret a variety of literary texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7465  Collect and use data to establish complex statistical and probability models and solve related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7484  Describe, represent, analyse and explain changes in shape and motion in 2- and 3-dimensional space with justification  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8974  Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  8975  Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7466  Represent and operate on complex numbers in non-trivial situations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Fundamental  8979  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7470  Work with a wide range of patterns and inverses of functions and solve related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  7571  Demonstrate the ability to use electronic mail software to send and receive messages  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  14063  Apply Self Management through the Concepts of Positive Self-esteem and Resiliency  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  10574  Demonstrate knowledge of Steam Generator design and application  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  14065  Demonstrate knowledge of steam turbines design and application  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  7786  Operate a Computer  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  7567  Produce and use spreadsheets for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  7570  Produce word processing documents for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  14060  Understand transformational leadership  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  116416  Control load variations on a gas turbine power generating system from a control room  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  116454  Shutdown a gas turbine power generator unit from a control room for maintenance outage  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  116457  Stabilise transient conditions on a gas power generating system from a control room  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  116459  Start up a gas turbine power generator system from a control room  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  116462  Sustain plant operability of a gas turbine power generating unit  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 


    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.
     
    1. ESKOM HENDRINA POWER STATION - OPERATIONS 


    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.