SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Diploma: Pulp and Paper Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
62411	National Diploma: Pulp and Paper Technology
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Diploma	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	363	Level 6	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0513/23	2018-07-01	2018-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31		2024-12-31

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
112567	Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	360	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide for a formal qualification for high-level operators in the pulp and paper industry. A learner accredited with this qualification will be able to take responsibility for the operation of a plant or process in a pulp or paper mill safely and with due understanding of the quality, cost and environmental impacts of his/her actions.

This qualification serves as a basis for further learning and adds value to the learner in terms of marketability and employability. In addition, this qualification provides benefits to the economy by providing specifically skilled people.

Rationale:

The pulp and paper industry recognizes the need to be globally competitive by having competent operational staff to operate today's plant and equipment. In addition, equipment that will be installed in the future is becoming increasing complex and automated. Therefore the industry needs operational staff who can adapt to the future technology and who are at the same competence level as their global competitors.

Currently most operators are trained to N2\N3 level. Operational staff are not on the same competence level as our global competitors. There is no standard for education and training and there are insufficient trained people to fulfill present needs. Surveys conducted in the industry have revealed that the HIV\AIDS epidemic is likely to have a big impact on some mills. In addition the current work force is aging, and a significant proportion of the current experienced work force will be retiring in the next 10 years. There has also been a steady loss of skills due to emigration.

In anticipation of future job requirements and the need to uplift the competence of the current operational staff, it is estimated that the number of new employees required will vary from 100 to 200 per year.

The need for this qualification has been determined through consultation with line managers in the industry. In order to co-ordinate the industry's requirements, a "Memorandum of Agreement" has been drafted by the participating industries i.e. Mondi Ltd , Sappi Management Services Pty) Ltd and Nampak Tissue (Pty) Ltd. Work has already begun to put this memorandum into effect. This is demonstrated by the fact that two people have been seconded by the industry to implement this project.

The industry currently supports a B.Tech. program at the Durban Institute of Technology by seconding two members of industry to staff the department. The B.Tech. program has, and will continue to, supply the need for process engineers and technicians. However, there is an unfilled need for high-level operating staff. In order to address this need, the industry will be establishing a high-level learnership in pulp and paper operations. It is anticipated that the proposed National Diploma: Pulp and Paper Technology will provide the necessary educational vehicle for this learnership. A learner who graduates from this learnership will fulfill the role of "process controller" whose responsibilities will include the following:

Management/supervision of operating staff (Team Leader)

The quality and quantity of product produced.

The optimal operation of plant and equipment.

Make recommendations on modifications to plant to improve quality and outputs.

Make operational decisions such as plant shut down and start up, grade changes, maintenance, etc.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

This qualification assumes that the learners will be competent in the language of instruction of the provider. Mathematical skills are essential. Exposure to the technical field of the paper and pulp is recommended, but not essential. It is assumed that learners have a sound understanding of scientific concepts and practical techniques to function successfully in further study in the highly technical paper and pulp industry. A positive attitude in maintaining high standards of accuracy in technical skills, is preferred.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

The qualification shall be awarded to a learner who has completed the required credits either through formal education at a technikon, or through a combination of technikon learning and the recognition of relevant experience and/or other learning at appropriate levels which comply with the capabilities defined for this qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Level, Credits and Learning Components Assigned to the Qualification:

The National Diploma: Pulp and Paper Technology is a 363 credit qualification at NQF level 6. The Exit Level Outcomes and Assessment Criteria are detailed in Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. The required credits and levels are summarized in the table below:

Learning components, Number of Credits allocated and NQF Level;
Fundamentals: 22 credits, Level 5
Fundamentals: 5 credits, Level 6
(Total 27 credits)

Core: 136 credits, Level 5
Core: 160 credits, Level 6
(Total 296 credits)

Electives: 40 credits, Level 5
(Total 40 credits)

Total : 198 credits for Level 5
Total : 165 credits for Level 6
Total : 363 credits

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply engineering knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics and chemical engineering to operate common processes in P&P manufacturing in a typical SA environment at an optimum level.

1.1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry, physics and mathematics. [76 credits at NQF Level 5]
1.2. Use the basic principles of chemical engineering to solve operational problems in P & P manufacturing. [20 credits at NQF level 5, 40 credits at NQF level 6]
1.3. Explain the complete range of raw materials, energy and water supplies and the basic principles of pulping, papermaking, finishing and converting. [40 credits at NQF level 5]
1.4. Apply basic scientific and chemical engineering principles to explain the scientific rationale underpinning each process in a typical mill environment.[20 credits at NQF level 6]
1.5. Combine basic scientific and engineering knowledge to analyse defined but unfamiliar problems in P&P manufacturing, and offer theoretical solutions. [20 credits at NQF level 6]

2. Operate processes in the P&P industry according to specified output and quality targets.

2.1. Operate equipment associated with raw material preparation in the P & P industry. [20 credits at NQF level 5]
2.2. Operate equipment associated with raw material processing in the P & P industry. [20 credits at NQF level 5]
2.3.Operate equipment associated with raw material finishing in the P & P industry.[20 credits at NQF level 5]

Any 2 of the above 3 electives must be completed.

3. Evaluate the operation of processes in the P & P industry to ensure that they run at an optimum level.

3.1 Judge equipment performance against industry benchmarks. [30 credits at NQF level 6]
3.2 Diagnose process deviations.[30 credits at NQF level 6]
3.3 Make the appropriate changes to restore normal operations. [20 credits at NQF level 6]

4. Work with others to maximise effectiveness of production process under supervision and manage own learning and performance and identify areas for development.

4.1 Write reports communicating understanding of processes. [5 credits at NQF level 5]
4.2 Work with a group to achieve team goals. [10 credits at NQF level 5]
4.3 Use appropriate computer technology to communicate information and ideas. [7 credits at NQF level 5]
4.4 Take responsibility for mastering equipment and knowledge in learning environment. [5 credits at NQF level 6]

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1.1.1. Principles of chemistry and physics are explained.
1.1.2. Physical and chemical phenomena are explained.
1.1.3. Calculations are performed. Data is manipulated.
1.1.4. Defined problems are solved.

1.2.1. Principles of chemical engineering are explained.
1.2.2. Calculations are performed. Data is manipulated.
1.2.3. Defined problems are solved.

1.3.1. Pulp and paper manufacturing processes are explained using appropriate scientific theories.
1.3.2. Scientific and engineering terminology are integrated.

1.4.1. Pulp and paper manufacturing processes are explained using appropriate scientific theories.
1.4.2. Scientific and engineering terminology are integrated.

1.5.1. Solutions are clearly articulated, follow scientific conventions and are workable.
1.5.2.Solutions take into account the nature of the industry.

2.1.1. Experiential log shows consistent competence in operating machinery, with due care for occupational and environmental safety.

2.2.1. Experiential log shows consistent competence in operating machinery, with due care for occupational and environmental safety.

2.3.1. Experiential log shows consistent competence in operating machinery, with due care for occupational and environmental safety.

3.1.1. Awareness of the impact of machine failure on production quality and quantity and financial implications are demonstrated.

3.2.1. Diagnoses show ability to fault-find using problem-solving procedures outlined in equipment manuals.

3.3.1. The ability to use relevant references is illustrated.
3.3.2. Scientific principles underlying P&P manufacture are explained.

4.1.1. Recommendations have thorough grounding in understanding of the principles of P&P manufacture and understanding of audience.

4.2.1. Oral communication is respectful, polite and showing concern for listener's comprehension.

4.3.1. Spreadsheets contain accurate data and formulae.
4.3.2. Word-processed documents are appropriately laid out and spelling and grammar checked.
4.3.3. E-mail communications follow the rules of netiquette.

4.4.1. Reflection and initiative in accessing appropriate resources is identified.
4.4.2. Concern for occupational and environmental issues is shown.

Integrated Assessment:

There will be both formative and summative assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. These will include assignments, tutorials, tests, examinations, projects, case studies and workplace assessments.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is similar to vocational qualifications in the pulp and paper industry in the Northern Hemisphere, for example:

Lund Institute of Technology, Sweden: University Diploma in Applied Technology, and

British Columbia Institute of Technology: Diploma in Chemical Sciences Technology (Pulp and Paper)

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

There is vertical articulation with the B.Tech: Pulp and Paper Technology.

There is the possibility of horizontal articulation with the National Diploma: Chemical Engineering.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Moderating bodies: The CHE, through the functions of the HEQC.

There will be internal moderation, conducted by experts in the field, throughout the learning program. External moderation will take place at the qualification exit level. External moderators will comply with the standard Technikon rules.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Technikon rules require that assessors be qualified within the field of study to at least one level above the level on which the candidates are being assessed.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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.	University of South Africa