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: Arboriculture: Tree Preservation |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
65490 | National Certificate: Arboriculture: Tree Preservation | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Task Team - Horticulture | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
FPMSETA - Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation | Horticulture | ||
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 0695/12 | 2012-07-01 | 2015-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2016-06-30 | 2019-06-30 |
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 meeting the needs of persons already working in the field of Arboriculture. It also caters for new entrants in the field of Arboriculture who seek to do tree work as Ground Workers, who conduct elementary tree maintenance and who tree care work. In South Africa, untrained workers without the necessary competencies pose a danger to trees, plants and other operating tree workers. This results in a compromise of environmental, health and safety standards. Accordingly, this Qualification is aimed at serving as an entry-level qualification that articulates with other qualifications in the field of forestry and nature conservation. It also serves as a springboard for future learning and competence needs of persons seeking to pursue higher levels of study and work in Arboriculture and related sub-fields. This Qualification is aimed at filling the competence gap at this level to allow entry-level tree workers to earn a qualification and formal recognition. The Qualification will enable the qualifying person to: The Qualification will enable the qualifying learner to do the following: Rationale: This Qualification is needed because of the varying levels of performance by the many people who act as Arborists and General Tree Workers. Low and insufficient competence levels of tree workers leads to a loss of essential existing current and future trees and plants. Low skills in tree work are also associated with structural damage to plants and trees and to injury to workers, due to the lack of competencies required to handle trees safely and responsibly. In addition, there is the tendency to indiscriminately use chemicals in the handling of plants and trees. This lack of skills, knowledge and proper orientation has resulted in the need for unit standards and qualifications for Arborists and tree work ground staff to build a competence profile and to develop capacity in the profession. In addition, learning opportunities for many previously disadvantaged persons will be created (access), through the many channels of learning and recognition, including Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This Qualification creates opportunities for employment in the SMME, corporate, Non-Governmental (NGO) and the various state entities. It creates, for the learner, a platform for future learning and work opportunities in the various sub-fields within the forestry and nature conservation field. The qualification will, in general, benefit entry-level learners, and, in particular, those that are currently employed and have acquired work experience but have not acquired any formal recognition and/or qualification. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
This Qualification assumes that learners are already competent in:
In addition, the learner should be a qualified chainsaw operator. Recognition of Prior Learning: This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. Whether a learner attends formal courses or acquires the required skills through informal means, the same standards apply as per the matrix of unit standards and Exit Level Outcomes. The Qualification and the Unit Standards have been written in such a way that the learning has to be assessed in an integrated way. Assessors will assess evidence to establish what the learners know, understand and can do. Such evidence may be gathered through course related activities and/or through work related activities. In cases where candidates do not attend formal learning programs, assessors should seek work related evidence as far as possible. Assessors should ensure that learners submitting themselves to RPL are thoroughly briefed prior to assessment. Learners will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. Where courses are provided for learners, institutions can use the Unit Standards and this Qualification to assess learning achievements. For learners who are not able to achieve the outcomes, providers can then use the Unit Standards and Qualification to determine a specific learning program to suit the learning needs of the candidate. Access to the Qualification: Access is open to all learners who are qualified chainsaw operators. However, the following learner attributes are recommended: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
The Qualification consists of Fundamental, Core and Elective Unit Standards. A minimum of 120 credits is required to achieve this Qualification. The credits are allocated as follows:
Fundamental Component: Core Component: Elective Component: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Communicate with role players (team, customer, supervisor/manager) in the work context.
2. Maintain and preserve trees and plants in an urban environment in accordance with industry standards. 3. Perform tree related aerial work in an urban environment according to safe working practices. 4. Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards in carrying out tree work. Critical Cross-field Outcomes: This Qualification addresses the following Critical Cross -Field Outcomes. The way in which the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed is given in detail in the unit standards. Identify and solve problems: Work effectively with others as a member of a team or organisation: Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively: Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information: Communicate effectively by using mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations: Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others: Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation: |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
1.1 Client requirements are gathered and communicated according to company's policies and procedures. 1.2 Oral communication is maintained and adapted as required to promote effective interaction in a work context. 1.3 Written communication is conducted at an appropriate level for designated target audiences. 1.4 Solutions are recorded and presented at an appropriate level. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: 2.1 Tree work techniques are carried out according to needs identified and in line with relevant standards. 2.2 Knowledge of tree biology is applied correctly and appropriately within the relevant environment. 2.3 Safety measures are applied together with the correct use of equipment and resources when performing tree work operations. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: 3.1 Cabling equipment is used appropriately to meet needs identified and in a safe manner. 3.2 Bracing equipment is used appropriately to meet needs identified and in a safe manner. 3.3 Aerial operations are carried out procedurally and in a manner that meets all safety and all requirements. 3.4 Knowledge of road traffic law and regulations is applied for tree work operations in a safe and compliant manner. 3.5 Tree climbing is in line with relevant standards and meets needs identified within context. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: 4.1 Knowledge of OHS legislation is demonstrated and applied when performing three work operation. 4.2 First Aid is administered appropriately in the workplace and reported according to organisational policies and procedures. 4.3 Safety, healthy and environmentally related activities are conducted in the work environment according to requirements of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental laws and related codes. Integrated assessment: Integrated assessment evaluates the learner's ability to combine actions and ideas across a range of activities and knowledge areas. The integrated assessment must specifically assess the learner's ability to: The assessment will require assessment methods which measure and evaluate evidence generated during learning and on-the-job activities. Because assessment practices must be open and transparent, fair, valid and reliable; ensuring that no leaner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification. A variety of methods must be used in assessment tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the learner at the workplace, simulations, case studies role plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment. The term integrated assessment implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Unit Standards should be integrated and, during integrated assessment, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods. Combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies should be assessed. Assessment should further ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated way. Assessors must assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience as the assessment process is capable of being applied to RPL, subject to the rules and criteria of the relevant ETQA. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
Introduction:
Arboriculture deals with the specialisation of tree care. In the past Arborists used to be commonly referred to as a tree surgeon. However the term, arborist, is now becoming increasingly common. For this comparative survey, we have reviewed Qualifications, courses and training opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom due to their advanced technology and best practices in the field of nature conservation and forestry. SADC countries were also looked at to compare practices. Australia: Australia's entry level course in the field is the Certificate II in Horticulture (Arboriculture), which has general and specialist streams. Generally, Australian Arboriculture courses articulate well at a number of general vocational education/schooling and beyond. For our purpose, we have reviewed the course TAFE NSW Course No: 1601. This course is part of a range of a series of articulating Horticulture certificates. These are: the entry level No 1600, for which there are no entry level requirements; Course No: 1601, Course No 1604, (for supervisors) and Course No: 1605 Diploma in Horticulture, for those seeking to run a business in the field of horticulture. The level 4 Course No: 1601 is for people who work, or want to work, at a trade level, in the arboriculture sector of the horticulture industry, especially people who already have qualifications in amenity horticulture. The entry requirements are the entry level Horticulture Course No 1600, or New South Wales School Certificate (or equivalent). Although this course is at a higher level than South Africa's entry Level 3 Arboriculture Qualification, it contains equivalent course content elements that are comparable to SA's Level 3 Arboriculture Qualification. The object of this Australian course is, "to develop sound underpinning knowledge and a broad range of practical skills required to cultivate, establish, maintain and care for trees and shrubs in public and private gardens". It is consistent with the South African Arboriculture Level 3 qualification. The course elements: provide information about trees and their culture; implement tree pruning programs, operate chainsaws; undertake complex tree climbing and aerial rescue; respond to emergencies; remove dead, damaged, dangerous or unsound trees or tree limbs and fell small trees and remove trees in confined spaces, form part of Australia's level 3 and 4 Arboriculture course offering. These course elements are also found in SA course Level 4 core offering. Generic components of the qualification that resonate with the CCFO and other underpinning components of the SA Qualification are occupational health and safety procedures; first Aid, communicate effectively in the workplace; work effectively in the industry. Differences are that: the Australian Qualification is at a higher level (level 4). It is pitched at the level of a tradesman. Also, the following elements of the Australian course are not part of the SA qualification: sample soils and analyse results; improve plant nutrition; implement tree care and maintenance programs. Also, while the Australian Qualification, TAFE NSW, Course No: 1601, articulates horizontally with another, Certificate IV, RTF40203 in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (1604), the South African qualification, does not have such articulation at horizontal level. SA needs to develop an articulation pathway for Arboriculture. United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, The National Proficiency Test Council NPTC and Lantra Awards offer certificates of competence for chainsaw use and for other areas related to Arboriculture. The difference between the South Africa and the UK is that the UK Arboriculture Qualification equivalent is at NQF Level 2, as opposed to SA's Level 3. The UK Arboriculture certificate of competency is foundational and is at Level 2: National Certificate (0345) Horticulture (Forestry Route/Arboriculture Route). However, the corresponding titles of certificate programs are Climb Trees & Perform Aerial Rescue; Brush Cutting Operations; Brushwood Chipper Operations; Stump Grinding Operations; Inspection of Arboricultural Equipment and Utility Arboriculture, Forest Machine Operations. Qualifying learners in the UK can work as tree climbers and as tree surgeons, or alternatively as contract workers. This Qualification articulates vertically with the Level 3 Qualification in Arboriculture - an Arboricultural Association Technicians' Certificate in Arboriculture - which opens doors for opportunities as a foreman. The BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture is the next vertical point in the broader scheme of the Qualification framework, which can be achieved on a part time basis. A comparison with SA will show that the UK's entry level at NQF Level 2 has a greater substance than SA's entry Level 3, which is for beginners. However, both South Africa and the United Kingdom require Arboriculture practitioners to be qualified in chainsaw and First Aid work. In addition, there are Health and Safety Regulations (PUWER), in the UK, that make it obligatory for tree work operatives, in order for their Qualifications to remain up to date, to attend chainsaw refresher courses. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA): This body of tree care workers has developed a learning and occupational framework and a membership structure to which members and non-members can refer. ISA differentiates between three levels of competency. The ISA Arborist is at the bottom with competencies of tree worker, climber specialist and aerial specialist, in the middle is the utility municipal specialist with the capacity to manage arboricultural operations and projects and the Board Certified Master Arborist, with advance competencies in field sciences and management practices is at the top level. New Zealand: South Africa's Level 3 National Certificate in Arboriculture is an amalgam of New Zealand's level 2 and 3 Qualifications, in terms of content and course orientation. While South Africa's Level 3 Qualification is targeted at both the general tree worker, chainsaw operator with aerial tree work and basic tree maintenance capabilities, New Zealand enables a gradual-incremental approach with these competencies. For example, the New Zealand Horticulture Training (NZHTO) offers six National Certificates in Horticulture in the Arboriculture area, graded for the Ground worker (Level 2), Transplant Worker (Level 3), Basic Climber (Level 3), Utility Worker (Level 4), Advanced Climber (Level 4) and Consultant Climber (Level 4). Overall, New Zealand's Horticultural training, at the NQF Level 2-4, referred to above, is comprised of the following learning areas, which is consistent, in many important ways, to South Africa's Level 3 National Certificate in Arboriculture: pruning young, and mature amenity plants; plant maintenance; chainsaws, health and safety; transplanting trees manually and with specialist equipment; using climbing equipment in arboriculture; basic and advanced limb, sectional and tree felling techniques; using brush chippers and stump grinders; climbing and moving in trees; site access; site assessment; identifying amenity trees and shrubs; tree inspection; diagnosing amenity plant health problems; working around electricity in an arboriculture situation. Despite this, the following, and their equivalents, are not featured in South Africa's Level 3 National Certificate in Arboriculture: Planting trees and shrubs, planning and managing complex tree work, knowledge of application of tree law; the New Zealand arboriculture industry. The South African Level 3 National Certificate in Arboriculture neatly tracks some of New Zealand's key competencies at the various levels, both in content, Unit Standard structure and outlook of the competency. The SA Level 3 National Certificate in Arboriculture Qualification contains, at intermediate level, the key aspects of aerial rescue operations. These are: tree maintenance (felling, dismantling and pruning), first aid, and tree climbing orientation into plant families as core elements of the qualification. The other components of the qualification - including chainsaw operation, map reading, environmental pollution control, chipper and stump grinder operation identification of soil types, the control of pests, road traffic regulations, cabling and bracing - are electives. Africa: Arboriculture/Horticulture is still in its infancy on the continent. Only four countries on the continent (South Africa, Kenya, Algeria and Morocco) participate in Arboriculture/Horticulture trade shows. Saharan African universities focus mainly on forestry, Food Production, Silviculture and Wood Processing Studies at higher education level at universities such as Kwame Nkrumah, Nigeria Federal University, Botswana. Conclusion: Similarities: South Africa's Level 3 National Certificate in Arboriculture, as an entry level Qualification, compares well with its international counterparts in a number of areas. The Qualification's composite exit level outcomes are in line with those at similar Qualifications reviewed. The basic areas of tree work are covered, both in content and practice. There is an international perspective in its outlook. In the practice of Arborcists, there are similar stringent requirements for the use of potentially dangerous equipment like grinders, chippers and chainsaws. The standards pertaining to First Aid are also consistent with those of the broader international community. Also similar is the inclusion of generic work related competencies like team work. Differences: The South African qualification is at a different level on the NQF than those of other countries, but this is a result of the nature of the NQF. South Africa's learning and occupational pathway for Arboriculture has not evolved to include a learning pathway as compared to its international counterparts. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This Qualification articulates horizontally to the following qualifications:
This Qualification articulates vertically to: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid reliable and non-discriminatory. |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this qualification, the applicant needs:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012. |
NOTES |
N/A |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 243272 | Operate a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 10 |
Core | 262280 | Climb a tree according to safe working practices | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 10 |
Core | 262157 | Conduct pruning activities according to industry standards | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Core | 262301 | Dismantle trees according to acceptable industry standards and safe practices | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 10 |
Core | 117066 | Fell trees with a chainsaw using specialised techniques | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
Core | 262185 | Identify types and basic characteristics of tree families | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 10 |
Core | 262187 | Operate a chain saw from a rope and harness | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Core | 262258 | Perform aerial rescue from a tree | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Core | 254220 | Provide primary emergency care/first aid as an advanced first responder | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
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 | 116124 | Control pests, diseases and weeds on all crops effectively and responsibly | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 2 |
Elective | 261803 | Operate chipper according to industry norms | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 261804 | Operate stump grinder according to industry norms | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 9322 | Work in a team | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 117085 | Conduct basic forestry map reading | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
Elective | 254506 | Demonstrate knowledge and attainment of the principal soil types and their characteristics | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 262183 | Install cabling and bracing for tree support | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 7 |
Elective | 123242 | Organize forestry work team activities | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 256527 | Apply knowledge of road traffic legislation pertaining to traffic officers, road users and vehicles | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 14 |
Elective | 114587 | Determine and manage the human resource needs of a new venture | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Elective | 114589 | Manage time productively | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Elective | 243273 | Monitor and control the safety and operations of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 8 |
Elective | 242819 | Motivate and Build a Team | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 10 |
Elective | 242850 | Perform fire-ground operations necessary to ensure life safety, fire control, and property conservation under supervision | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 12 |
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. | Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc |
2. | Take Note Trading 227 cc |
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. |