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: Food and Beverage Packaging Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
57694  National Certificate: Food and Beverage Packaging Operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Food 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FOODBEV - Food and Beverages Manufacturing Industry Sector 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  120  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
20507  National Certificate: Food and Beverage Packaging  Level 3  NQF Level 03  121  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
121148  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Food and Beverage Packaging Operator  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  123  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

A person acquiring this qualification will be able to produce a packaged food or beverage product by operating, controlling and maintaining a primary or secondary packaging process within a food manufacturing environment whilst applying food safety, personal safety, quality assurance and monitoring critical control points.

This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the food and beverage packaging environment by providing recognition, further mobility and portability within the field of food manufacturing and sensitive fast moving consumer goods environment.

The skills, knowledge and understanding required to achieve this qualification are essential for the social and economic transformation of the South African food manufacturing environment and will contribute to the upliftment and skills development of the people therein.

Rationale:

This qualification is aimed at learners requiring a qualification in the primary packaging process within a specific food or beverage context.

This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of the primary and secondary packaging industry that is expressed by employers and employees, both now and for the future.

This qualification, although developed specifically for the food and beverage industry, also provides the flexibility for learners to articulate to other manufacturing environments such as fast-moving consumable products, the pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

The level of flexibility within the range of electives will allow the individual to peruse a career within an applied technical packaging environment, in the specific contexts of dairy, confectionery, food processing, coffee, tea, spice manufacturing, carbonated soft drinks and distilling and brewing. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring functions performed, portfolios, work records and performance records. As such, evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment. Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard that forms part of this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the relevant ETQA. The applicant must be assessed against the specific outcomes and assessment criteria for the relevant unit standards. A qualification will be awarded should a learner demonstrate that all the exit level outcomes of the qualification have been attained.

    Access to the qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open. However it is preferable that learners have already completed the following unit standards:
  • 120417: "Understand the control of pests and waste materials as part of a food safety system", NQF Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 120416: "Apply personal safety practices in a food or sensitive consumer product environment", NQF Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 120403: "Apply good manufacturing practices as part of a food safety system", NQF Level 2, 4 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The rules of combination will be:

    Fundamental and Core are compulsory components of this qualification and the learner is require to select 48 credits within the Elective component of the qualification and within this component at least 24 credits must be obtained from Primary Packaging.
  • Fundamental: 36 credits.
  • Core: 41 credits.
  • Electives: 43 credits of which at least 24 credits must be obtained from Primary Packaging as indicated below:

    > 242791: "Operate a coding process on a food automated packaging line", Level 4, 4 Credits.
    > 242782: "Operate a Washing Process on a food automated packaging line", Level 3, 8 Credits.
    > 242779: "Operate filling process on a food automated packaging line", Level 3, 18 Credits.
    > 242777: "Operate a closing process on a food automated packaging line", Level 3, 6 Credits.
    > 242778: "Operate a labelling process on a food automated packaging line", Level 4, 10 Credits.
    > 242780: "Operate Unpacking Process on a food automated packaging line", Level 4, 4 Credits.
    > 242790: "Operate an inspection process on a food automated packaging line", Level 4, 4 Credits.
    > 242794: "Operate electronic weigh head system to package products on a food automated packaging line", Level 3, 10 Credits.
    > 242785: "Operate a forming, filling and sealing process on a food automated packaging line", Level 4, 18 Credits.
    > 242792: "Operate a wrapping process on a food automated packaging line", Level 4, 18 Credits.
    > 242789: "Operate hoppers on food automated packaging line", Level 3, 3 Credits.
    > 242788: "Operate Packing Process on a food automated packaging line", Level 3, 6 Credits.
    > 242783: "Operate packaged pasteurising process on a food automated packaging line", Level 3, 6 Credits.
    > 123312: "Operate and control the filling and sealing of cans for food products", Level 3, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate in a variety of ways in a food and beverage manufacturing environment.

    2. Maintain quality assurance and monitor critical control points in a food and beverage packaging manufacturing environment.

    3. Operate a context specific range of automated packaging equipment.

    4. Solve problems and improve an automated packaging process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1:
  • Relevant production plans are interpreted according to organisational operations procedures.
  • Measuring instruments are used to measure production inputs and outputs and record information according to organizationally acceptable methods.
  • Technical packaging operating equipment terminology is identified and explained according to supplier specifications and standard operating procedures.
  • Operating data is collected and recorded according to generally accepted norms and practices and standard operating policies and procedures.
  • Deviations from required standards are identified and recorded according to organizationally acceptable methods.
  • Team members are informed of production plans, shift objectives and problem-solving solutions to recorded deviations according to organizationally acceptable methods.

    2:
  • Critical control points in a packaging line are identified, monitored and maintained to ensure health and safety standards are met.
  • Micro-biological concepts and practices are applied to a primary packaging operating line in order to prevent contamination and cross-contamination of products.
  • Quality control and quality assurance practices are applied in a packaging operating environment.

    3:
  • Preparation and planning to operate context specific packaging equipment is conducted and documented to ensure quality and correct quantity of output is obtained.
  • Packaged products are produced within the context of organisation's primary production process.
  • Personal health, hygiene and food safety procedures are applied throughout the packaging operating process.

    4:
  • Deviations from required standards are identified and recorded according to standard operating procedures.
  • Problems, challenges and matters within the operating process requiring a decision are identified to ensure efficient ongoing operation.
  • A proposed solution is identified and implemented according to recognized organisational methods or standard operating procedures.
  • The solution is evaluated and assessed in accordance with organizationally accepted methods or standard operating procedures.

    Integrated assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate is able to produce a range of craft fermented products within a craft baking environment whilst applying food safety, personal safety, quality assurance and monitoring critical control points.

    The identification and solving of problems, team work, organizing one-self, the using of applied science, the implication of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems must be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies assessment methods and tools to determine the whole person development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    Applicable assessment tool(s) to establish foundational, reflexive and embedded knowledge, problem solving and the application of the world as a set of related systems within the craft baking environment.

    A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner.

    Assessors should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical applied, foundational and reflexive competencies. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Unit standards in the qualification must be used to assess specific and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Benchmarking was done against the AQF from Australia, NVQ from England, Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the NQF from New Zealand. These countries were chosen because of the automated nature of their packaging qualifications. It was required to identify qualifications that represented a fast moving automated packaging line. These countries not only have an internationally recognized vocational qualification system but also have developed their qualifications specifically for automated packaging process.

    The Australian Qualification Framework contains an equivalent one year qualification in what is known as a composite level programmes:
  • Registration 21283VIC Certificate 111 in Beer Packaging.

    The Australian Qualifications are packaged in two ways either what is known as 'Single level programmes' where it is assumed that a person on entry has completed the lower level qualification or 'Composite level programs' where the person has not completed a lower level qualification and reflect the minimum requirement and this person would be expected to complete any pre-requisites as additional mandatory units in order to complete the qualification.

    The combined qualification in the composite format covers many of the units from the level 2 certificate regarding occupational health and safety and food safety, communication and mathematics. In addition it covers aspects regarding monitoring and implementation of quality systems, food and safety plans and the ability to diagnose and respond to product and process faults.

    The units that cover the same aspects as the South African qualifications are:
  • Communicate in the work place.
  • Coordinate promotional activities.
  • Apply basic mathematical concepts.
  • Apply safe work procedures.
  • Apply basic quality assurance.
  • Apply basic food safety practices.
  • Collect, present and apply workplace information.
  • Implement occupational health and safety principles and procedures.
  • Monitor the implementation of quality systems.
  • Diagnose and respond to product and process faults (bread, cakes and cookies, pastry).
  • Monitor the implementation of the environmental management programme.
  • Participate in a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) team.
  • Calculate and present statistical data.
  • Manage personal work priorities and professional development.
  • Pest prevention and control.
  • Start packaging operating equipment.
  • Diagnose and rectify equipment faults.
  • Control packaging operating equipmen.
  • End packaging operating equipment.

    The qualification covers the same processes although the design of a qualification and a unit standard within the South African context differs from the Australian design.

    The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland contains the following equivalent qualification in Packaging operations and Packaging technology:
  • Registration Q1051085 PAA/VQSET Level 1 NVQ in Packaging Operations.
  • Registration Q1051086 PAA/VQSET Level 2 NVQ in Packaging Operations.
  • Registration 100/3202/2 PIABC Level 3 Certificate in Packaging Technology.
  • Registration 100/3188/1 PIABC Level 4 Diploma in Packaging Technology.

    These are four separate qualifications that are awarded by the Packaging Industry Awarding Body Company accredited by National qualification framework of the United Kingdom. The Level 1 qualification equates to NQF level 2, the level 2 equates to a level approximately between level 3 and level 4 and the Level 3 equates to NQF level 5 and level 4 equates to NQF level 6. Therefore the Level 2 NVQ in Packaging Operations reflects most closely the proposed South African qualification.

    The units that cover the same aspects as the South African qualification:
  • Mandatory Units:
    > Working in a team.
    > Start packaging operations.
    > Respond to incidents, hazardous conditions or emergencies.
    > Work safely.
    > Control packaging operations.
    > End packaging operations.
  • Optional Units:
    > Producing product by simple processing operations.
    > Providing workplace instruction.
    > Communicating information.
    > Control materials movement.
    > Carry out routine machine changeover.
    > Work in aseptic or clean room conditions.
    > Work with hazardous materials.
    > Prepare and clean area and equipment.
    > Contribute to the health and safety of the workplace and the environment.
    > Carry out simple sampling operations.
    > Carry out simple testing operations.
    > Solve processing problems.

    The major difference between the UK qualifications and South African Qualifications is the UK deals with all the secondary packaging operations in their Level 1 qualification and all the primary packaging in the level 2 qualification whereas the South African qualification incorporates primary and secondary packing operations in this qualification. Secondly the South African qualification has developed packaging unit standards focused of the specific process i.e. filling labelling closing, washing, packing and unpacking whereas the UK qualification develops the unit standard from the task required of the learner i.e. "start up, control and end". Each alternative has its merits but the UK methodology may exclude potential portability from liquid packaging to confectionary packaging.

    The NQF from New Zealand:

    There are no qualifications registered at this level but there are 18 Unit standards registered from level 1, to level 6. The level 3 unit standards form electives for the Certificate in Food and Related Products Processing at Level 3.

    The unit standards that relate to this qualification are:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of packaging for food or related products.
  • Fill and package casks with liquid food products using automated equipment.
  • Implement a packaging line operations plan in a food or related products environment.
  • Package food and related products using automated gas flush packaging equipment.
  • Form packaging for food and related products using automated equipment.
  • Label food and related product containers using automated labelling equipment.
  • Operate food and related product identification process.
  • Pack filled liquid food or related product containers using automated packaging equipment.
  • Package canned food or related products using automated equipment.
  • Package food products using automated electronic weigh head systems.

    There is a significant similarity between the unit standards of this qualification and these unit standards. However, the South African packaging qualification contains additional learning to the New Zealand qualification e.g. Fundamentals (Communication and Mathematical Literacy). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification will allow a person to articulate to other baking, hospitality or food processing qualifications.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following NQF Level 4 Qualifications:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Dairy Processing (under development)
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Brewing Processing (under development)

    Horizontal articulation is possible with the following NQF Level 3 Qualifications in the food industry:
  • National Certificate: Biscuit Manufacturing (under development)
  • 50305: National Certificate: Food Laboratory Analysis
  • National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing (under development) 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation of assessment and accreditation of providers shall be at the discretion of a relevant ETQA as long as it complies with the SAQA requirements. The ETQA is responsible for moderation of learner's achievements, of learners who meet the requirements of the qualification.

    Particular moderation and accreditation requirements are:
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. 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. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Any person assessing a learner must be:
  • Registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Possess a similar qualification at one level higher than the level of the qualification and appropriate working experience. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 20507, "National Certificate: Food and Beverage Packaging", Level 3, 121 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114952  Apply problem-solving techniques to make a decision or solve a problem in a real life context  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  12315  Demonstrate an understanding of basic machine operations in a manufacturing and or packaging environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Core  120235  Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of microbiology in a food handling environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  120239  Monitor critical control points (CCPs) as an integral part of a hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  9913  Perform first line maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
    Core  119802  Perform quality control practices in a food or sensitive consumer product operation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    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  119457  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  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  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  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  12258  Identify computerised systems in a manufacturing or processing system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  7 
    Elective  9055  Operate and control the tamperproof sealing of already filled and closed containers  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  242787  Operate Tape Sealing equipment on a food automated packaging line  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  242781  Pack manually  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  9322  Work in a team  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  114892  Dispatch stock  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  14665  Interpret current affairs related to a specific business sector  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  13919  Investigate and explain the structure of a selected workplace or organisation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  242777  Operate a closing process on a food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  242782  Operate a Washing Process on a food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  123312  Operate and control the filling and sealing of cans for food products  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  242786  Operate cellophaning equipment on a food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  242794  Operate electronic weigh head system to package products on a food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  242779  Operate filling process on a food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  18 
    Elective  242789  Operate hoppers on food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  242783  Operate packaged pasteurising process on a food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  242788  Operate Packing Process on a food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  242784  Operate Shrink-wrapping equipment on a food automated packaging line  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  13932  Prepare and process documents for financial and banking processes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  114896  Receive stock  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  242791  Operate a coding process on a food automated packaging line  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  242785  Operate a forming, filling and sealing process on a food automated packaging line  Level 4  NQF Level 04  18 
    Elective  242778  Operate a labelling process on a food automated packaging line  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  242792  Operate a wrapping process on a food automated packaging line  Level 4  NQF Level 04  18 
    Elective  242790  Operate an inspection process on a food automated packaging line  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  242793  Operate the seaming of cans on a food automated packaging line  Level 4  NQF Level 04  18 
    Elective  242780  Operate Unpacking Process on a food automated packaging line  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Alabaster Training Centre (Pty) LTD 
    2. Competence Performance Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    3. Operational Process Improvements (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Optimum Learning Technologies (Pty) Ltd 


    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.