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: Automated Packaging Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58975  National Certificate: Automated Packaging Operations 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending 
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 091/21  2021-07-01  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 
Purpose:

This qualification is aimed at the learner who wants to obtain the standards and the range of learning required for the packaging of chemical and chemically related products, where the packaging process is primarily automated. It is also aimed at the learner who already has the above mentioned skills, and wants to obtain national recognition for these competencies through a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Qualifying learners will be able to understand the importance and use of packaging, Package products according to Company standards, Maximise quality and workplace productivity, Perform basic maintenance on the equipment, Operate effectively within the context of relevant safety, health and environment, and Co-ordinate people and activities in his/her area.

Rationale:

Packaging forms a critical part of manufacturing, especially in the production of goods that are branded and sold in the retail trade. In the Chemical Industries alone, the following sub-sectors engage in packaging activities: Fast Moving Consumer Goods, including cosmetics, household and personal products; Pharmaceuticals, Surface Coatings, various fine and speciality chemicals, petroleum blending and fertilizers intended for home use. Other than the Chemical Industries, Packaging is an integral part of a number of other industries, especially in Food and Beverage, and Dairy. In short, Packaging is required for all products that are packaged and branded.

The following Packaging qualifications have been registered on the NQF Level 3 National Certificate: Beverage Packaging (ID22054), which is specific to bottling of beverages, and is not standards-based; National Certificate: Cigarette Packaging (ID49078), which is focused on cigarette packaging; and The National Certificate in Seed Processing and Packing (ID48656), designed specifically for the Agricultural Sector.

None of the above mentioned qualifications meet the needs of this proposed qualification, as they focus on their individual products and are not sufficiently broad to incorporate the range of packaging knowledge and skills required.

This qualification therefore reflects the workplace-based need within the chemical industries. The qualification is a generic requirement for packaging in the Chemical manufacturing sector, and has been identified as a priority in the Chemical Industries Sector Skills Plan.

The qualification provides the flexibility to articulate to manufacturing activities in the broader Chemical Sector, but does not exclude the Food and Beverage, and other similar sectors.

The qualification also provides learners with appreciation of business principles and practices to enhance the understanding of their contribution and impact on profitability and sustainability.

Chemical industry applies innovation and technology in order to provide the packaging excellence demanded by retailers and consumers. It follows that there is a constant demand for well-trained people capable of optimising the role played by machinery in our industry. 

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 recognizes the experience and expertise of operators who do not have formal qualifications aligned to this qualification. RPL assessment may be conducted for parts or all of this qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open bearing in mind learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Learners must complete 56 Core and 36 Fundamental unit standards totalling 92 credits.
  • A minimum of 28 credits must be chosen from the elective component of the qualification with consideration of the preferred learning pathways.
  • A minimum of 120 credits is required to obtain the qualification.

    Chemical Industry specialisation (Learning Programme ID 79946):

    For the purpose of certification, a minimum of 28 credits must be selected from the elective unit standards
  • ID 9877: Assemble components, level 2, 12 credits.
  • ID 14804: Demonstrate knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices in a Chemical Manufacturing environment level 2, 6 credits.
  • ID 119744: Select, use and care for engineering hand tools, level 2, 8 credits.
  • ID 12219: Select, use and care for engineering power tools, level 2, 6 credits.
  • ID 246508: Demonstrate understanding of product packaging in the chemical manufacturing industries, level 3, 8 credits.
  • ID 14801: Solve operating problems using process chemistry and related technology, level 3, 10 credits.
  • ID 116940: Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to solve a given problem, level 3, 6 credits.
  • ID 116942: Use a GUI-based word processor to create merged documents, level 3, 3 credits.
  • ID 119078: Use a GUI-based word processor to enhance a document and t through the use of tables and columns, level 3, 5 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Package products using automated packaging equipment according to legislative and company requirements.

    2. Maintain health, safety and quality assurance practices in a packaging environment.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of basic economic and business principles.

    4. Communicate orally and in writing in order to co-ordinate the activities of people and packaging lines.

    5. Use mechanical skills to perform routine maintenance and changeovers on packaging machinery.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    While performing packaging functions, qualifying learners can:

    Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking, through:
  • Packaging products to specification and within the timeframes recognized as good practice.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 1 and 2.
  • Explaining how individual actions can impact on profit and loss, and cash flow.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.
  • Performing machine change overs and routine maintenance.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 5.

    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Optimisation of team performance.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 4.
  • Mediation of differences of opinion in a manner that reduces conflict and focuses on the task at hand.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 4.
  • Communicating orally and in writing to suit appropriate contexts.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 4.

    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Demonstrating the importance and interactive role of safety with regards to employer, employee and global best practices.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Maintaining personal hygiene and health.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.

    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Allocating resources and using them in a cost-effective way.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.
  • Perform change overs according to production plan.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 5.

    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Performing written and verbal communications to suit different workplace audiences.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 4.
  • Debating and discussing the benefits of packaging, impact of quality, consequences of non-conformance in product and packaging quality.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcomes 1 and 3.
  • Preparing and presenting reports.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 4.

    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Packaging products on automated machinery.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Changing over packaging machinery.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 5.
  • Performing maintenance on packaging machinery.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 5.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Monitoring and controlling quality assurance in product and packaging.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Understanding the interactive role of safety with regard to employer, employee and global best practices.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Demonstrating understanding of basic economic and business principles.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.

    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Maintaining and applying safety and quality practices.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 4.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of basic economic and business principles.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Products are packaged to specification, and within the timeframes recognized as good practice.
  • The importance of correct packaging and labelling is explained, with reference to legislation, Company requirements and the end users.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The interactive role of safety with regard to employer, employee and global best practices is explained within an automated packaging environment.
  • The quality assurance system and quality objectives, standards and elements pertaining to automated packaging are explained in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Personal hygiene and due care to fellow workers is adhered to at all times.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Allocated resources are used in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Explanations are made on how individual actions can impact on profit and loss, and cash flow.
  • Supply and demand of goods and services are identified and discussed with regard to consumer behaviour and factors of production.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Information is gathered from a range of sources and summarised and reported in accordance with the specified requirements.
  • Automated Packaging issues are discussed and resolved in work area on a regular basis with other team members, internal customers and supervisors/management.
  • Working Relationships with peers and supervisory/management levels are established and maintained in accordance with specified requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Machine change overs are performed according to production planning requirements.
  • Routine maintenance is conducted on packaging machinery in accordance with set requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if the learner is able to package products in accordance with requirements, maintain health, safety and quality assurance practices, demonstrate an understanding of basic economic and business principles, communicate appropriately orally and in writing, and perform routine maintenance and changeovers on packaging machinery.

    All critical cross-field outcomes identified in the qualification, must be assessed through assessment activities that combine practical, foundational and reflexive competencies. Assessment methods and tools must be designed to determine the whole person development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    In formative as in summative assessment the Assessor should look for opportunities to maximise integration of the various outcomes in the qualification. The final summative assessment must be based on an Assessment Guide that describes how the different aspects of the performance will be assessed, in terms of a variety of assessment methods. The use of log books and portfolios of evidence may also be considered in the design of assessment.

    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. As writing is integral to this qualification, a scribe may not be appointed for any part of the assessment.

    Assessors need to ensure that the 12 principles of assessment have been met, and this includes the evaluation of evidence to verify that the learner has been performing consistently over a period of time. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Benchmarking was done against the AQF from Australia, NVQ from England, Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the NQF from New Zealand.

    The Australian Qualification Framework contains an equivalent one year qualifications 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 and pastry).
  • Monitor the implementation of the environmental management programme.
  • Participate in a 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 equipment.
  • End packaging operating equipment.

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

    The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland contains the 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 NQF Level 2 equates to a level approximately between NQF Level 3 and NQF Level 4 and the NQF Level 3 equates to NQF Level 5 and NQF Level 4 equates to NQF Level 6. Therefore the NQF 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 ie "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 labeling 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 standard. Due to the fact of South African framework requires compulsory fundamental areas of learning in numeracy and communication this qualification is stands alone and packaging unit standards are not electives to the primary production process. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation is possible with the following NQF Level 4 qualifications:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Dairy Processing, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 65110: Further Education and Training Certificate: Management, NQF Level, 140 credits.
  • ID 48736: National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management, NQF Level 4, 120 credits.
  • ID 49397: National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail Operations Supervision, NQF Level 4, 120 credits .

    Horizontal articulation with the following NQF Level 3 Qualifications in the food and chemical industry:
  • ID 58953: National Certificate: Biscuit Manufacturing, NQF Level 3, 128 credits .
  • National Certificate: Bread Plant Baking, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Food Processing, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an Assessor or Moderator with the appropriate ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with, or have its programme approved by, the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessment, and should encompass achievement of the competence described in individual unit standards and exit level outcomes, as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A similar qualification at one level higher than the level of the qualification.
  • Registration as an assessor 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  13221  Perform routine maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  8000  Apply basic business principles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Core  13234  Apply quality procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  246509  Demonstrate understanding of good health, safety, hygiene and environmental practices in a manufacturing environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  246510  Package product using automated packaging equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  12319  Perform change overs in a production or packaging environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Core  242821  Identify responsibilities of a team leader in ensuring that organisational standards are met  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  13912  Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance team performance  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  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  9877  Assemble components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  14804  Demonstrate knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices in a Chemical Manufacturing enviroment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  119744  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  246508  Demonstrate understanding of product packaging in the chemical manufacturing industries  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  14801  Solve operating problems using process chemistry and related technology  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  116940  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to solve a given problem  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  116942  Use a GUI-based word processor to create merged documents  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  119078  Use a GUI-based word processor to enhance a document through the use of tables and columns  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    79946  National Certificate: Automated Packaging Operations: Chemical  Generic Provider - Field 06  Level 3  NQF Level 03  120     CHIETA  OQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.