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: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturing (Seamless Hot-Finished OR Welded OR Cold-Formed) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49403  Further Education and Training Certificate: Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturing (Seamless Hot-Finished OR Welded OR Cold-Formed) 
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
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  159  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 0480/09  2009-07-01  2012-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2013-06-30   2016-06-30  

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 
It is intended that qualifying learners will be able to work in the steel tube and pipe manufacturing environment and be able to perform a range of activities in steel tube and pipe manufacturing processes.
This qualification recognises the skills, knowledge and values acquired by learners involved in the actual forming/ manufacturing of seamless or welded or cold-formed steel tube and pipe products.

The chief skills that are recognised in this qualification are the ability to control the production of a range of steel tube and pipe products and enhance the performance of team members. This capability requires an in-depth understanding of the conversion process, product quality requirements, as well as an understanding of communication, people management and people development theory.

Qualified learners will also understand how they should operate within the legislative, safety, health, environmental, quality and risk management systems that govern their workplace and how to apply the various policies and procedures related to these systems.

Qualifying in the exit level outcomes will allow learners to participate effectively in workplace activities.
Learners will also have foundational competence in mathematics, science, reading, writing and speaking relevant to the steel tube and pipe manufacturing industry.

Rationale for the qualification:

The steel tube and pipe manufacturing industry is characterised by sophisticated manufacturing processes operating in a competitive and challenging environment. The manufactured products have to respond to a wide variety of exacting customer requirements. In addition the industry has to respond to global competition and ongoing development of new products as a result of changing customer needs and safety, health, environmental, quality and risk management issues.

This is the third qualification in a series designed for learners who want to follow a career in steel tube and pipe manufacturing. The series outlines a learning progression from NQF level 2 to NQF level 4 for learners learning and working in the following steel tube and pipe manufacturing processes; seamless hot-finished, welded and cold-formed. It reflects the skills, knowledge and understanding required to participate effectively in these manufacturing processes within the industry, whether in small, medium or large operations.

For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification represents part of the RPL process to acknowledge workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education or training. For the new entrant, this qualification recognises the applied competence needed by a productive person in a steel tube and pipe manufacturing workplace.

The qualification also forms the basis for further development in manufacturing and assembly processes, and the management thereof, in the higher education and training band. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This qualification assumes learners have a National Certificate in Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturing: NQF Level 3 or equivalent. If the learner does not already have such a qualification, it is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3
  • Concepts of science and technology related to material, machinery and equipment in use in manufacturing processes at NQF Level 3

    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 and guidance should be 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.

    Care should be taken that the process used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not too demanding as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining the qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

    To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 159 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.
  • Communication in a Second South African Language at NQF Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

    It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at NQF Level 4 and the other at NQF Level 3.

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core component:
  • The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 43 credits all of which are compulsory.

    Elective component:

    The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 202 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to a minimum of 60 credits. Learners can choose between the three specialised Unit Standards listed below, as well as from the other Elective Unit Standards:
  • 119052: Produce cold-formed tube and pipe, NQF Level 4, 50 credits.
  • 119058: Produce welded tube and pipe, NQF Level 4, 60 credits.
  • 119055: Produce seamless tube and pipe, NQF Level 4, 60 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to produce steel tube and pipe products, and an ability to meet quality, safety, health, environmental and risk management specifications.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of, and ability to perform on-plant product tests, analyse and interpret test results gathered to identify problems and determine trends
    Range: Understanding of quality specifications and an ability to interpret these and evaluate fabricated components to determine compliance with specifications.
    3. Demonstrate a familiarity with process machinery operations and procedures in order to diagnose and troubleshoot machinery functioning.
    4. Maintain and support procedures to solve a variety of manufacturing process problems, both familiar and unfamiliar, and operate within familiar and new situations, taking responsibility and making decisions.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to enhance manufacturing team performance.
    6. Communicate and present information clearly and reliably. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Monitor and control manufacturing processes according to manufacturing and customer requirements
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area
  • Monitor and control actual manufacturing cost against budget
  • Apply and adhere to applicable policies and procedures
  • Respond to questions and discuss issues related to steel tube and pipe manufacturing processes relevant to the outcomes

    2.
  • Perform product tests and interpret test results
  • Record actions related to product tests for future reference
  • Respond to questions and discuss issues related to product tests
  • Explain relevance of quality specifications and importance of adherence to these

    3.
  • Establish root cause of problems and categorise defect types
  • Communicate equipment repair and preventive maintenance need to maintenance specialists
  • Respond to questions and discuss issues related to maintenance issues on machinery

    4.
  • Base solutions to production problems on a clear analysis of information gathered through diagnostic procedures
  • Modify procedures to respond to unfamiliar problems where appropriate
  • Record actions related to problem solving for future reference
  • Respond to questions and discuss issues related to familiar and unfamiliar problems arising in the manufacturing process

    5.
  • Select employees to fill defined positions
  • Understand the dynamics within a specific group
  • Implement procedures related to legislation
  • Assess learning outcomes
  • Develop a plan of action and enhance team performance

    6.
  • Conduct meetings with team members, peers, management and maintenance specialists
  • Report and discuss conditions, evidence and incidences accurately and in a timely manner
  • Make records available for scrutiny and future reference

    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, and must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing the learner at work (both in the primary activity as well as other interactions)
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding
  • Looking at records and reports in the portfolio and reviewing previous assessments

    In some cases inference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.

    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.

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of 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 associated with the tube and pipe manufacturing process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    No comparative sources of outcomes-based, standards-based and/or learning material could be found during Internet searches. Subject matter experts in this field could not provide any additional references to research for comparison with this qualification. A comparison between this qualification and other international models is therefore not possible.

    This qualification was however compared with existing South African unit standards-based qualifications:
  • National Certificate in Iron and Steel manufacturing: NQF Level 4 (ID # 21010)
  • National Certificate in Industrial Rubber Manufacturing (Mixing OR Extruding OR Moulding OR Calendaring): NQF Level 4 (ID # 23259)

    It was evident that the technical content of this qualification for Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturing corresponds with the level and content of the qualifications highlighted above, and is of similar quality and value to learners and the provision of learning according to NQF principles. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move both horizontally from one area of specialisation to another, and vertically, further specialising in a particular skills area.

    This qualification has been designed so that the learner can meaningfully articulate into the higher education and training band at NQF Level 5 in steel tube and pipe manufacturing. This qualification should also, in terms of the fundamental, non-manufacturing unit standards and other portable skills, articulate with any other qualification at level 4 in the fields of:
  • Engineering
  • Machine-based manufacturing processes such as Product Coating and Iron and Steel Manufacturing

    Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of these qualifications 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 or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the Unit Standard.


    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors should be in possession of:
  • Appropriate qualification and preferably relevant workplace practical experience of at least 12 months in the field of Manufacturing and/or Operational Management at or above NQF level 5. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.
  • Registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  13912  Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance team performance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  13914  Conduct a formal meeting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  13254  Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of business processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  13235  Maintain the quality assurance system  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  13224  Monitor the application of safety, health and environmental protection procedures  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  13194  Perform statistical process control  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  119054  Perform tube and pipe product tests and interpret results  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    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  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8979  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  12429  Develop a personal financial plan  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  12457  Develop learning strategies and techniques  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  12455  Perform the role of a safety, health and environmental protection representative  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  12135  Represent stakeholders in consultations and discussions on matters that arise at shop floor level  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  119051  Prepare material chemically for input  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  119052  Produce cold-formed tube and pipe  Level 4  NQF Level 04  50 
    Elective  119055  Produce seamless hot-finished tube and pipe  Level 4  NQF Level 04  60 
    Elective  119058  Produce welded tube and pipe  Level 4  NQF Level 04  60 
    Elective  10978  Recruit and select candidates to fill defined positions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 


    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.