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: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Lumber Milling 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
66289  Further Education and Training Certificate: Lumber Milling 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry 
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
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
EXCO 07158/17  2015-07-01  2016-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2017-12-31   2019-12-31  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

Learners who wish to practice as managers in the field of Lumber Milling Industry can enrol in this qualification. It seeks to harness the management potential required to ensure that the level and quality of productivity is realised. It is assumed that learners are already competent at a NQF Level 3 Lumber Milling Qualification or an equivalent and have completed any of the specialised areas covered in the NQF Level 3 Qualification. The specialisation areas are: Dry Lumber, Lumber Drying Processing, Green Timber Processing and Saw Doctoring. At this level, learners will be exposed to contextual application of management principles as outlined in the below paragraph.

The Qualification provides the qualifying learner with the following skills:
  • Describe and apply the management functions of an organisation.
  • Apply the budget function in a business unit.
  • Participate in production and quality improvement programmes.
  • Apply technical knowledge and skills to align business unit performance to business goals.
  • Use a word processing package to produce business documents.
  • Formulate and implement an action plan to improve productivity within an organisational unit.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and application of the OHAS Act and the responsibilities of management in terms of the Act.
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of the primary labour legislation that impacts on a business.

    Rationale:

    There are certain regulatory requirements prescribed by bodies such as South African National Standards (SANS).

    The Lumber Milling Industry is required to conform to regulatory standards. The products produced within the Lumber Milling Industry are audited by SANS. It is therefore imperative for organisations within the Lumber Milling Industry to conform to such standards.

    Requirements includes among others: handling of certain chemicals, handling and operation of machinery to name but a few. In order to meet the set standards, both employers and employees should know and apply these regulatory requirements.

    This Qualification is intended to familiarise and equip learners with knowledge and skills required to apply management principles in the Lumber Milling context whilst the following roles are not compromised:
  • Safe operation of Machinery is performed to avoid death and injuries.
  • To ensure that used chemical do not spill and cause environmental hazards.

    The health and safety of employees is not endangered:
  • Qualifying learners will assist their respective employers/organizations with skills required to:
    > Run an organisation in a professional manner.
    > Draw up departmental budget.
    > Add value towards the productivity of an organisation.
    > Assist in aligning business unit performance with business goals. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part or wholly through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes.

    The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the recognition of prior learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in engineering and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

    Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through recognized methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognize achievement thereof.

    Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).

    The structure of this unit standard based qualification makes the RPL possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification.

    Learners who already work in the Lumber Milling industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the ELOs listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open, however it is assumed that a learner, who wishes to register for this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3 or equivalent. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    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:

    All fundamental Unit Standards are compulsory (56 credits).

    The fundamental Component consists of the following, which is compulsory for all learners:
  • Unit standards at NQF Level 4, totalling 16 credits in Mathematical Literacy.
  • Unit standards at NQF Level 4, totalling 20 credits in Communication in a First South African Language.
  • Unit standards at NQF Level 3, totalling 20 credits in Communication in a Second South African Language.

    It is therefore compulsory for learners to do Communication in two different South African Languages, one at NQF Level 4 and the other at NQF Level 3.

    Core Component:

    The core component consists of 7 Unit Standards and 48 credits. All the Unit Standards are compulsory for all the learners.

    Elective Component:

    The elective component consists of 11 elective Units Standards with 73 credits. The qualifying learner must choose a minimum of 16 credits in order to meet the Qualification requirements. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Describe and apply the management functions of an organisation.

    2. Manage Expenditure against budget.

    3. Participate in productivity and quality improvement programmes.

    4. Apply technical knowledge and skill to align business unit performance to business goals.

    5. Formulate and implement an action plan to improve productivity within an organisational unit.

    6. Demonstrate knowledge and application of the OHAS Act, 85 of 1993 (OHSA) (as amended) and the responsibilities of management in terms of the Act.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Identifying variables that affect productivity.
  • Identifying budget needs of a business.
  • Identifying main core functions of a business.
  • Optimising productivity within the business.

    Working effectively with others as a member of a group, organisation and community during:
  • Communicating with customers, employees and other managers.
  • to members of a team within the department.
  • Presenting reports to managers.
  • Reprimanding employees within the department.

    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Analysing budget needs of a business.
  • Determining production efficiency.
  • Making projections.

    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain by:
  • Writing reports on departmental performance.
  • Filling in record keeping templates.
  • Carrying out calculations.
  • Interpreting and recording correct client contact details.

    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Issuing clear verbal instructions to team members, other colleagues and clients.
  • Communicating with Maintenance/Engineering Department.
  • Actively listening to feedback received from team members, other colleagues and clients.
  • Evaluating and reporting problem situations to team members, other colleagues and clients.

    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Use Computer Aided Programmes to carry out Lumber Milling related operations.
  • Using Total Quality Management Systems.

    Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Applying the inter-relatedness of the Lumber Milling industry as a set of related systems.
  • Recognizing the inter-relationship between the various business units within the Lumber Milling Industry. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Management functions are described in terms of roles and responsibilities specific to area of specialisation.
  • Level of accountability is explained in order to have an insight on how far one goes in dealing with certain aspects relating to one's responsibilities.
  • Protocol is followed in resolving issues pertaining to one's area of responsibility.
  • Structure of the organisation is illustrated and understood.
  • Main business core functions are identified according to worksite procedures.
  • Planning of staff activities is explained with examples specific to shifts and leave according to worksite procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The concept of budgeting in a business unit is explained.
  • The budget needs of a business unit are analysed.
  • A proposed budget for a business unit is presented and justified.
  • Actual expenses and revenue against projected expenses and revenue are monitored and controlled.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The variables that affect productivity are identified and explained in terms of the total Lumber Milling Operation.
  • Production efficiency is determined in terms of machine throughput, utilisation, downtime, production yields/waste, and conformance to plans.
  • Basic productivity improvement options are assessed according to procedures.
  • Quality improvement objective is demonstrated in accordance with specified requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A performance management programme for a business unit is developed.
  • Different performance management systems are compared in terms of their underlying principles and how they measure performance.
  • Performance is monitored in terms of a performance agreement.
  • Ways of addressing under-performance issues are investigated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Productivity measures are selected to identify single factor productivity in the organisational unit according to procedures.
  • An activity plan to improve productivity within the organisational unit is formulated according to procedures.
  • Productivity within the organisational unit is optimised according to procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The basic principles of the Act and the accompanying Regulations are explained according to the Act.
  • The requirements for minimum compliance stipulated in the Act are explained according to the Act.
  • The management controls required to achieve compliance is interpreted according to the Act.
  • The obligations of managers in terms of communication and training are explained according to the Act.

    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:
  • Demonstrate competence by means of the practical application of the embedded knowledge in a manner that meets the required performance standards required.
  • Illustrate a clear understanding of the concepts, theory and principles that underpin the practical action taken.

    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 
    Countries listed below were selected for their renowned excellence in the field of Wood processing:
  • New Zealand.
  • Canada.
  • USA.

    In addition, a scan of SADC countries was also carried out to compare practices.

    New Zealand:

    National Diploma in Wood Manufacturing (Level 5), with 125 credits.

    In this qualification, focus is on optimisation of business and operational processes used in the wood manufacturing industries using techniques that are new to the industry in New Zealand.

    Topics Covered:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of productivity and work study techniques.
  • Explain and apply work study and design methodologies.
  • Write an analytical report.
  • Calculate costs in wood manufacturing operations.
  • Develop and evaluate quality management techniques applied in wood manufacturing.
  • Explain procedures to add value to wood products.
  • Relate operations management principles to wood manufacturing operations.
  • Analyse business management structures and processes applied in the wood manufacturing industry.
  • Develop personal leadership and coaching strategies for effective wood manufacturing teams.
  • Analyse wood manufacturing material flows and make recommendations for improved process efficiency.
  • Develop a maintenance plan for an item of plant in a wood manufacturing operation.
  • Develop optimisation procedures for a wood manufacturing operation.

    This qualification is similar to the proposed model in South Africa in that both qualifications, qualifying learners are expected to demonstrate knowledge of productivity, write an analytical report, apply quality control measures and analyse business management structures.

    The difference with the proposed model is that this qualification at Level 5, the SA Qualification is at NQF Level 4. In the South African NQF Level 4 Qualification, the focus is more on some management skills as opposed to technical skills.

    The National Certificate in Saw Doctoring (Level 4).

    Emphasis is on the skills and knowledge required for the development, care and maintenance of saws in the solid wood manufacturing industry.

    The qualification has a large compulsory section to ensure that qualification holders have the required knowledge and skills to bench and tension circular and bandsaws, sharpen, swage, tip, and set saws. The elective section allows the development of knowledge of sawmill operations, environmental issues, or the nature of wood as a raw material.

    Topics:
  • Weld wide bandsaws.
  • Bench bandsaws and frame saws.
  • Bench circular saws.
  • Swage and shape a saw.
  • Tip circular saw teeth and profile circular saw tips.
  • Tip saw teeth with stellite or high speed steel.
  • Sharpen bandsaws.
  • Sharpen circular saws.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the alignment of bandsaw and circular rip saw centres.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the grinding of bandwheels.
  • Apply advanced calculations for saw doctoring.
  • Maintain a wood chipping machine.
  • Maintain and align frame saw centre.
  • Maintain and align bandsaw centre.
  • Maintain and align circular saw centre.
  • Grind bandwheels.

    Electives:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of environmental issues in wood manufacturing industries.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of saw milling.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of tree growth and physical characteristics of wood.

    The difference between this model and the South African one is that Saw Doctoring is a qualification on its own whereas in the South African Level 4 Qualification, Saw Doctoring is a stream on its own with emphasis on only two areas of competency. These being:
  • Design and make tooth profile templates for saws and cutters used in machines in lumber mill.
  • Maintain wide blade handsaw wheel faces on ban saws.

    A number of competencies covered in the New Zealand Level 4 Saw Doctoring, have been covered in South African Level 3 Lumber Milling (Saw Doctoring Specialisation Area).

    Saw Doctoring is a specialization area in the Further Education and Training Certificate: Lumber Milling, NQF Level 4 Certificate, with only two unit standards. National Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing (Advanced) with strands in Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Plywood Manufacturing, Sawmilling, Timber Drying, Timber Grading and Timber Treatment.

    The unit standards below are at level 4.

    Green Timber Processing:
  • Break down logs using manual or semi-automated systems and a log carriage.
  • Break down logs using automatic systems with manual over-ride and centre line log feed system.
  • Break down logs using fully automatic systems and centre line log feed system.

    Lumber Drying:
  • Kiln dry timber.
  • Explain production planning and control procedures used in a wood manufacturing operation.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of process controls used in wood manufacturing industries.
  • Audit timber grading operations.
  • Grade timber using customer specific grading rules.

    Generic Management:
  • Analyse customers' complaints and take corrective actions in wood manufacturing.

    Generic technical skills:
  • Explain production planning and control procedures used in a wood manufacturing operation.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of process controls used in wood manufacturing industries.

    Lumber dry processing:
  • Treat wood with light organic solvent preservative.
  • Pressure treat wood using waterborne preservatives.

    Timber Grading:
  • Operate a mechanical stress grading machine to grade timber.
  • Grade timber to AS 2858-2004: Structural rules.
  • Grade lumber to United States of America grading rules.
  • Audit timber grading operations.
  • Grade timber using customer specific grading rules.

    The difference between this model as opposed to South Africa is the NQF Level 4 Further Education and Training Certificate: Lumber Milling Qualification (SA):
  • Does not have 'Operation of Energy and Chemical Plant' as a competency.
  • There is very little emphasis on the technical competencies.
  • Emphasis is on the managerial skills.

    Conclusion:

    Findings have revealed that in the South African NQF Level 4 Lumber Milling Qualification, emphasis is slightly on generic management skills, whereas the two qualifications offered in New Zealand, a level 4 qualification has more technical competencies than generic management. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally to:
  • ID 48659: Further Education and Training Certificate: Grain Milling, NQF Level 4.
  • ID 58063. Further Education and Training Certificate: Pulp and Paper, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical articulation could not be established. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the relevant ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • A learner wishing to be assessed for this qualification can only be assessed through an accredited assessment provider/centre.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as in the Exit Level Outcomes described in the Qualification.
  • The Moderator for this qualification must have a similar qualification or that is at least one level higher than this qualification. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA as an assessor.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and between various ETQA's (including professional bodies).
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid reliable and non-discriminatory.
  • For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this qualification, the applicant needs:
    > To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    > To be in possession of the relevant qualification.
    > To have sufficient relevant experience.
    > To have the appropriate qualification to assess communication and mathematical literacy. 

  • 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  114978  Use a word processing package to produce business documents  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  13949  Apply technical knowledge and skill to align business unit performance to business goals  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  242668  Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHSA) (as amended) and the responsibilities of management in terms of the Act  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  14667  Describe and apply the management functions of an organization  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  114877  Formulate and implement an action plan to improve productivity within an organisational unit  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  242810  Manage Expenditure against a budget  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  246622  Participate in productivity and quality improvement programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  119462  Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  119469  Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  119471  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  119459  Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  120335  Conduct an investigation into workplace incidents  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  116714  Lead a team, plan, allocate and assess their work  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  117171  Manage time effectively to enhance productivity and enable a balanced lifestyle  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  9530  Manage work time effectively  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  13254  Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of business processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  13952  Demonstrate basic understanding of the Primary labour legislation that impacts on a business unit  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  117235  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the influence of wood structure, its properties and production factors on quality in a wood products environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
    Elective  263717  Design and make tooth profile templates for saws and cutters used in machines in Lumber Mill  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  263694  Maintain wide blade bandsaw wheel faces on bandsaws machines used in Lumber Mill  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  263680  Manage maintenance of all machines, tools and equipment used for Saw and cutter maintenance in Lumber Mill  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  264796  Manage production in the relevant workplace in lumber mill  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  263688  Optimize machine productivity in Lumber Mill  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  255514  Conduct a disciplinary hearing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 


    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.