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:

Occupational Certificate: Miller

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
97204	Occupational Certificate: Miller
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - AgriSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Secondary Agriculture
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	401	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-07-01	2025-12-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30		2029-12-30

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:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Miller. A Miller monitors and controls mechanical and operational efficiency of the wheat and maize milling production facilities. This includes the equipment, plant, wheat and maize milling and related resources in the bulk handling and storage of wheat/maize products within a safe working environment adhering to food safety requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Receive, grade and store raw material in bulk or bags.

Prepare grain for the milling process.

Manage, control and supervise the milling process and communicate milling production information.

Establish and control the quality of milled products.

Blend or mix and store semi-finished products according to product specifications.

Monitor and control the packing process of the finished product for distribution.

Maintain the serviceability of milling machines and equipment throughout the milling process.

Rationale:
The AgriSETA has identified milling as a scarce skill in their sector skills plans. In the analysis of their report there is a need for formal training; the industries have identified the integration from the in-house training resource for the current learner.
The Government has identified the establishment of small rural mills (emerging mills) as a key project to create employment and to lower the costs of basic foods. The Chamber is working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to establish a milling school. The qualifications provide knowledge and skills to empower learners in the area of quality control to process basic food.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a Statement of Result or certifying a Work Experience Record.

RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry requirements:
Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission:

NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy and Communication.
Or.

5 years on-the-job experience as an assistant to a Miller.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following Knowledge and Practical Skills modules:
Knowledge Modules:

Introduction to Wheat/Maize Milling, at NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.

Grain Intake and Safe Storage of Grain, at NQF Level 5, 11 Credits.

Cleaning and Conditioning of Grain, at NQF Level 5, 11 Credits.

Milling Machinery, at NQF Level 4, 14 Credits.

Wheat and Maize Milling Process and Quality Assurance, at NQF Level 5, 36 Credits.

Packing and Storage of Wheat/Maize Products, at NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.

Supervision and Communication for the Shift Miller, at NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.

Basic Milling Science, at NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 104.

Practical skills Modules:

Manage and control stock according to customer requirements, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.

Monitor the gristing, cleaning and conditioning of whole grain, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.

Ensure milling efficiencies, at NQF Level 5, 55 Credits.

Analyse and interpret test results, at NQF Level 4, 9 Credits.

Meet product specifications and control stock in the blending and mixing process, at NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

Ensure quality and mass of the grain storing, packing and storage processes, at NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.

Maintain all milling machines and equipment in the total process flow of grain in the mill, at NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 142.

This qualification also requires the following work experience Modules:

Grain grading, fumigation, stock control and storage processes, at NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.

Grain cleaning, gristing and conditioning processes, at NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.

Ensure all milling efficiencies are within quality parameters, at NQF Level 5, 60 Credits.

Quality control processes, at NQF Level 4, 15 Credits.

Add and mix different qualities to meet specifications, at NQF Level 4, 15 Credits.

Stock control and quality of packed products, at NQF Level 4, 15 Credits.

Milling machine and equipment maintenance and servicing schedules, at NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 155.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1: Conduct and supervise adequate stock control throughout the milling process.
2: Oversee the milling process and ensure teamwork by applying good communication, decision-making and leadership skills.
3: Apply sound process knowledge and problem-solving skills to ensure optimised process control and product quality.
4: Optimise plant machinery and information systems to maximise process efficiencies.
5: Monitor and control quality by utilising quality control systems.
6: Apply safe working conditions and procedures in compliance with regulatory requirements.
7: Prepare the grain for the milling process which consists of gristing, cleaning, conditioning and correct setting of all equipment.
8: Comply with food safety standards and regulatory requirements relevant to the milling of maize and wheat.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Bulk stocks for the packing department are handled.

The storage and packing process of the finished product for distribution is monitored and controlled.

The quantity of grain is received in bulk and bags, and quality of the grain is assessed and compliance with the grain grading regulations is ensured.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

A team of people is managed and supervised in the application of effective communication, organisational and time management skills in milling.

A range of information related to the production process, condition of wheat, quality of the product and machinery and equipment is collected, interpreted and communicated to management and co-workers.

Initiative in order to be proactive in decision-making to solve production- and process-optimisation related problems in a mill and plant is applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

The different stock materials in the mill throughout the milling process are identified, assessed and interpreted.

Problem-solving and root cause analysis to systems and processes throughout the milling process to ensure the optimisation of processes and the quality of the milled product are applied.

An understanding of the roller mill system, which includes the break, reduction and scratch systems is applied.

The purifiers are administered and set up to ensure that the correct end product is achieved and quality is maintained are analysed.

The internal plansifter section flows are identified.

The internal flows in the sieving system are identified and analysed for efficiency.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

The mill is set up for optimum mill balance, and the milling process supervised and controlled.

Information about milling is analysed, interpreted and applied in order to ensure process efficiencies.

Common problems encountered with mill set-up are analysed, possible root causes are identified, and possible solutions are justified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

The consistent quality of milled and finished products is established and controlled by executing quality control tests.

Test results are accurately interpreted, and informed decisions are made based on quality parameters.

The importance of regular testing at critical points is justified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Compliance with occupational health and safety regulations throughout the milling process is enforced.

Safety precautions while starting up and shutting down the mill are observed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Grist is made up and quality is maintained as per end product requirement.

Equipment to achieve optimum wheat/maize cleaning is set up.

The water addition to ensure optimum wheat/maize conditioning is determined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Insects, noxious seeds and other contaminants in the grain are identified and appropriate methods to have them removed are applied.

Areas where harmful micro-organisms can be introduced to the mill are timeously identified.

A fumigation schedule or roster which ensures efficient infestation control throughout the milling process is compiled.

Compliance with food safety regulations throughout the milling process is enforced.

Compliance with occupational environmental safety throughout the milling process is enforced.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the Curriculum to guide the learners on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated summative assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner, is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a theoretical assessment and practical demonstration at assessment sites (which could be a workplace) registered by the AQP by registered Assessors qualified as a Miller with 10 years on-the-job experience in the industry, and 2 years' experience as a tutor and Assessor.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

In the leading major economies where agriculture to some extent contributes to the GDP and food security, the role played by the millers in the processing and quality assuring of the grain related food products is important and appreciated. As a result there is a huge investment in milling technology and capable human resources to use it. Millers are enrolled in to milling qualifications to improve their skills. Qualifications developed in Australia and the United States have been used to establish how this qualification compares with them.

In Australia, Certificate IV in Flour Milling is designed for people working in a technical leadership role in the flour milling industry. It also covers skills in monitoring the implementation of systems and procedures, and management functions of the organisation. Learners of this qualification are assessed in the following aspects:

Prepare grain storages.

Show leadership in the workplace.

Implement the pest prevention program.

Apply an understanding of legal requirements of food production.

Plan and coordinate maintenance.

Monitor the development and implementation of a food QA system.

International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) in the United States offers a Correspondence Course in Flour Milling. The qualification was developed with the purpose of helping the association to further its objective of improving professionalism and competency in the flour milling, cereal grain, and seed processing industry. Learners are assessed in the following modules:

Wheat Storage and Handling.

Wheat Quality Evaluation.

Plant Safety.

Flour Mill Sanitation.

Machinery Operation and Evaluation.

Flour Packaging Systems.

Conclusion:
The two qualifications cited above compare well with this qualification in that they all seek to create a complete professional who understands the scope of technology used in the milling occupation as well as the food safety and environmental regulations within the industry.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification is designed with clear articulation pathways within and across the three sub-frameworks of the NQF.
It may horizontally articulate with the following:

National Higher Certificate: Agriculture, at NQF Level 5.

Vertical articulation may be possible with the following qualification:

National Diploma: Agriculture, at NQF Level 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

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.

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