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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Thermoplastic Fabrication 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
24217  National Certificate: Thermoplastic Fabrication 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services 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  126  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to work effectively in the thermoplastic fabrication industry and to meet the challenges of such an environment.

This qualification recognises the skills, knowledge and values acquired by learners involved in thermoplastics fabrication. The chief skill that is recognised in this qualification is the ability to produce plastic components and assemblies of some complexity using a variety of fabrication methods. This capability requires an understanding of the laying out and marking off of shapes; the setting up and use of powered machinery; development and fabrication from drawings and sketches; the cutting and joining of components; and complex welds. Hand skills play a role in this qualification. At this level, qualifying learners must be proficient in all five welding processes.

Qualifying learners will be able to relate what they are doing to scientific principles and concepts. They will also be able to maintain and support the various policies and procedures related to the safety, health, environment and quality systems that govern their workplace. Qualifying learners will also understand diversity and how to resolve conflict in the workplace, the basics of business finance and how to manage their own work time effectively.

What learners achieve in this qualification will also serve as a basis for further learning where they will further develop their skills and knowledge to include fabricating complex welded assemblies and shapes, maintaining product quality and commissioning and handing over fabrications.

Rationale for the qualification:
This is the second qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in thermoplastic fabrication processes. This qualification focuses on developing skills and knowledge necessary to progress in such a career.

The thermoplastic fabrication industry operates in a competitive and challenging environment. The finished fabrications have to respond to a wide variety of exacting customer and consumer requirements. In addition, the industry has to respond to international competition, on-going development of new products as the result of changing customer needs, and environmental issues.

The fabrication of plastics products generally requires the manufacture and joining of plastics components into assemblies. The assemblies are often subjected to considerable stress when in operation and the manufacturing process needs to be consistent and accurate.

There were previously no qualifications for this branch of industry, which consists of many micro and small enterprises. Few employees have any sort of formal qualification. The industry has low barriers to entry and invests little in developing people's skills. This, together with the ignorance of clients, has led to widely differing standards. Many products and services are safety critical in nature and there is a need to create skills standards to alleviate these problems.

This qualification forms part of a series of qualifications at different levels to create opportunities for development, a career path and greater security of employment within the thermoplastics fabrication industry.

This qualification enables learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace to obtain credits through the RPL process. This qualification also forms the basis for further development in thermoplastic fabrication in particular and the plastics manufacturing industry in general. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This qualification assumes learners have a National Certificate in Thermoplastic Fabrication (Level 2). If the learner does not already have such a qualification, learning in preparation for this qualification would also have to include:
  • Language and maths beyond basic literacy and numeracy
  • Basic concepts of science and technology related to fabrication methods, plastics materials, and tools and equipment used in the fabrication process
  • An ability to produce simple components and assemblies using a variety of fabrication methods
  • An ability to perform routine maintenance on machinery
  • Concepts of organising factors in labour, business and the economy
  • Role and purpose of procedures related to workplace relationships, roles and responsibilities

    Recognition of prior learning:
    This qualification may be obtained through a process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an ability to produce components and assemblies of some complexity using a variety of fabrication methods and operations, meeting output requirements and working safely with due care for fellow workers and the environment.
    2. Demonstrate an ability to plan fabrication processes, develop work instructions, and lay out and mark off materials.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to select and apply quality checks to determine whether components and assemblies comply with specifications.
    4. Select procedures to solve familiar problems within a thermoplastic fabrication environment and operate within clearly defined contexts, with some scope for personal decision-making and responsibility.
    5. Contribute to workgroup efforts and support the maintenance of a safe, effective and efficient workplace.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate with peers and members of supervisory / management levels and to use information which has been gathered and summarised from a range of sources to produce simple written reports 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Output and quality requirements are met
  • Fabrication time limits are adhered to
  • Safe working practices are adhered to
  • Issues related to the theoretical principles of fabrication and the various fabrication methods and their respective operations at this level are discussed and an understanding is demonstrated by responding to questions
    2.
  • Components and assemblies to be fabricated are identified and requirements are interpreted from drawing
  • Material lists are compiled
  • Work instructions are clear and logical and comprehensive
  • The ability to plan fabrication processes for a variety of different situations and projects is demonstrated
    3.
  • Quality checks are appropriate for the specifications
  • Issues related to various quality checks, methods and procedures and the principles underpinning such quality checks are discussed and an understanding is demonstrated by responding to questions.
    4.
  • Appropriate procedures are selected to solve problems in an efficient and effective manner
  • Unfamiliar problems are accurately reported to appropriate personnel
  • Issues related to familiar problems in the fabrication of components and assemblies are discussed and an understanding is demonstrated by responding to questions.
    5.
  • Production schedules and assignments are met
  • Production workflow is managed efficiently
  • Safe working practices are adhered to
  • Workgroup goals are met
  • Assistance and support are provided where required
  • Active participation in workgroup discussions, in workgroup problem solving activities and in the implementation of solutions occurs
  • Relevant information is received and passed on
    6.
  • Information is gathered from a range of sources and accurately summarised
  • Information is presented clearly, in a timely manner and in the required format to appropriate parties
  • Relationships with peers and supervisory / management levels are established and functioning.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The purpose of assessment for this qualification is not to re-assess the outcomes of unit standards but to assess the evidence in terms of exit level outcomes. The exit level outcomes represent an integration of the various unit standards.

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.

    Some assessment aspects will demand practical demonstration while others may not. In some cases inference will be necessary to determine competence, depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.

    The assessor will collect evidence of the learner's competence by:
  • Observing the learner at work (in primary activities as well as in other work-related interactions) or by relevant simulations
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding
  • Looking at records, reports, the portfolio and assessment reports for individual unit standards

    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 on the approach being taken.

    Since this is a foundational qualification, it is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An extensive search has not revealed any comparable qualifications. The contents of this qualification do, however, conform to the second phase of trade-level fabrication qualifications in Germany. It is likely that this qualification will become a benchmark for future qualifications of this kind for other countries. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another. Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately. Equally, holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA
  • Any institution or learning provider offering learning towards the achievement of this qualification should be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA
  • Moderation of assessment should be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines provided for in this qualification as well as the agreed ETQA guidelines. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:
    1. Appropriate qualification in the field of plastics fabrication at NQF Level 4 and a minimum of 2 years' experience in a thermoplastic fabrication environment. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning
    2. Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices
    3. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interests of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and language of the learner
    4. Registration as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other 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  14720  Adapt to working in a client`s work environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  12457  Develop learning strategies and techniques  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  14688  Develop work instructions for thermoplastic fabrication using drawings  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  14699  Fabricate thermoplastic assemblies requiring complex welds  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Core  14700  Lay out and mark off regular and irregular shapes for thermoplastic fabrication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  25 
    Core  9526  Manage basic business finance  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  9530  Manage work time effectively  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  116720  Show understanding of diversity in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  9533  Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9528  Communicate with clients  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9529  Compile feasibility and commissioning reports  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    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 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  10567  Transport personnel, material and equipment using Light Delivery Vehicle  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  116231  Operate a cab controlled overhead crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  116254  Operate a mobile crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  243272  Operate a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  116235  Operate a pendant controlled overhead crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  262824  Operate a Sideboom  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  116255  Operate a tower crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  116253  Operate a truck mounted loader crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  13214  Operate and monitor a drilling machine to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  13205  Operate and monitor a lathe to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  13204  Operate and monitor a milling machine to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  242981  Operate defined purpose lift trucks  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  242976  Operate overhead/gantry cranes  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12484  Perform basic fire fighting  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  9880  Perform basic welding/joining of metals  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  243021  Shift loads using lifting equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  14684  Weld thermoplastics with electrofusion equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  14697  Weld thermoplastics with extrusion equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  14694  Weld thermoplastics with heated-tool equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  14696  Weld thermoplastics with hot gas  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  14690  Weld thermoplastics with solvent cement  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  244407  Lift and move a load using mechanical lifting equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  260798  Operate a cantilever container crane (ship to shore)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  260777  Operate a container side loader  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  260818  Operate a counter balanced lift truck in excess of 15 tons  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  260763  Operate a floating crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  260760  Operate a inland container crane (rail mounted)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260761  Operate a reach stacker  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260765  Operate a rubber tyred gantry crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  260817  Operate a scotch derrick crane (ship mounted)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260764  Operate a ships crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  260797  Operate a sideloader lift truck  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  260757  Operate a straddle carrier  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260780  Operate a sugar cane crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  260781  Operate a telescopic boom handler  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  260758  Operate a wall-mounted jib  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  242972  Operate advanced defined purpose lift trucks  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  242974  Operate counter-balanced lift truck  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  242982  Operate heavy crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
    Elective  260762  Operate rough terrain/earthmoving/agricultural equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Elective  123260  Operate tailgates and tail-lifts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  242978  Operate truck-mounted cranes  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  8039  Operating cranes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  8038  Operating lift trucks  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  253658  Perform a lifting task by using a mobile crane  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  117001  Use a mobile crane to carry out pile driving  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  243273  Monitor and control the safety and operations of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  116583  Perform tandem lifting  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  253660  Supervise advanced mobile crane operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 


    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.
     
    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.