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: 

Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93626  Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  395  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to:
  • Mark off and fabricate structural steel and other metal stock.
  • Make or repair metal products and structures which may include pressure vessels and pipes.
    > Note: Products include but are not limited to: Manufacture or repaired metal structures, vessels, pipe systems, pressure vessels, heavy duty equipment, sheet metals, road tankers, oilrig stations, mechanical chassis, bins, water tanks, yachts, work boats, high speed vessels, square to rounds, cones, boilers, ducting, water tubes, shell boiler, railway trucks, chutes etc.

    A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Interpreting drawings and develop patterns and templates.
  • Select, caring for and use/operate trade related hand tools, equipment and machines.
  • Cut and weld materials and components for fabrication.
  • Fabricate components and/or structures.
  • Erect and assemble plate and pipe components and structures.

    Rationale:
    Boilermaking, in the context of this qualification, is the designing and fabrication of complex metal components. These components are usually required for initial or replacement purposes within various industry sectors, as well as for maintenance purposes. The main focus is on interpreting complex drawings, the lay out and development of complex metal components, and manipulation of metal (sheet metal, plate and pipe) to produce usable components, as per design requirements.

    This qualification is for learners who wish to further their learning and to possibly specialise in fabrication, within the context of boiler making, plating, welding, sheet metal working or auto vehicle body building. This qualification also enables the learner to develop him/herself to be able to progress to supervisory levels. It is suitable for application in various industries, such as the Mining and Minerals Industry; Chemical; Petro-Chemical; Metal, Engineering and related industries.

    The qualification also forms the basis for further learning in the field of engineering fabrication where the learner will be able to specialise in one of the Fabrication or Welding skills areas at NQF Level 5.

    Most industries rely on the design and fabrication of complex metal components. Examples of this may be the chemical industry where a wide variety of pipes of various shapes and sizes are utilised. Invariably these pipes are unique to a particular plant and need to be specifically fabricated to be fit-for-purpose. The mining and minerals industry typically has a need for designing and fabricating components that require special welding and fabrication processes to cater for the moving of men and materials. It is evident that each peculiar industry will have specific specialist requirements.

    The design of this qualification stems from the collaborative approach to achieve generic type qualifications that allow progression and access, within and between sectors. Certain components of learning within this qualification may have relevance within other engineering learning fields. This will predominantly be in the area of interpreting complex drawings, welding and the lay-out and development of complex metal components.

    The qualifying learner will be employable in a broad industry context, and will thus contribute to the economy of the relevant organisation and the country. The learner will benefit from obtaining this qualification due to the fact that industry has a need for persons with the ability to design, develop and fabricate complex industry related equipment.

    This qualification focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at the level of competence required.

    The learner may also choose to learn towards achievement in other fields, as the learning in the fundamental and core component of this qualification lends itself to lateral as well as vertical articulation. This qualification enables learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace to gain credits through the Recognition of Prior Learning process.

    The qualification will integrate three registered qualifications across NQF Levels 2, 3 and 4 to meet the requirements of a single trade qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    RPL for access to the integrated assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and conform prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by a statement of results.

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

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Introduction to Boilermaker Trade, NQF Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • Boilermaker Tools, Equipment, Machines and Materials, NQF Level 4, 10 credits.
  • Fabrication and Pipework, NQF Level 4, 23 Credits.
  • Assembling and Joining, NQF Level 4, 14 Credits.
  • Cutting and Welding, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • Boilermaker's Drawings, NQF Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 85.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Visualise structures and components and develop templates according to set tolerances and / or standards whilst applying safety measures, NQF Level 4, 18 Credits.
  • Maintain and use tools, equipment and machinery, NQF Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • Weld and gas cut components required for fabrication of a specific task such as metal pipes, construction and fabricated plate work and conduct visual and mechanical inspections for compliance with legal requirements, NQF Level 4, 28 Credits.
  • Accurately manipulate and fabricate profiles and fabricate metal sections using heating and cold bending processes whilst applying safety measures, NQF Level 4, 41 Credits.
  • Accurately erect, assemble and repair metal structures whilst applying safety measures, NQF Level 4, 28 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 130.

    This qualification also requires the following compulsory Work Experience Modules:
  • Pattern and template development processes, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • Tools, equipment and machinery maintenance and operation processes, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • Workshop or on-site cutting and welding processes, NQF Level 4, 43 Credits.
  • Fabrication, assembling and repairing of metal components and structures, NQF Level 4, 43 Credits.
  • Assembling and erecting of structures and components, NQF Level 4, 34 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 180. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop components.
    2. Develop and fabricate using interpenetrations.
    3. Mark-off and lay-out a construction.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the underpinning theory of the boilermaker competencies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Task instructions are correctly interpreted and accordingly complied with.
  • Develop components where all tolerances and angles are within the recognised manufacturing code of practice, according to specifications.
  • Correctly perform calculations required for the task.
  • Health, quality, safety and environmental protection practices are adhered to .
  • Relevant tools for the task are Identified and used correctly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Marking off equipment is identified and selected as per work requirements.
  • The methods and reasons for using calculations are explained.
  • Reason for checking material types is explained.
  • Transfer sizes onto material according to calculations from drawings or templates.
  • The purpose of using pipes with differed laterals is explained.
  • The purpose of fabrication procedures is explained.
  • Interpenetration components where all tolerances and angles of degree are developed and fabricated within the recognised manufacturing code of practice.
  • The consequences of not following fabrication procedures is explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Mark off all measurements which are within tolerances and according to specifications are explained. More than four (4) holes or four (4) measurements out of tolerance are not acceptable.
  • Complex plate, pipe and structural steel drawings are interpreted.
  • Lay out and cut templates and/or jigs from the original blue print/approved drawing.
  • Task is performed within the allocated time.
  • Task is performed with no lost or damage to tools and equipment used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Trades related calculations are performed with 100% accuracy.
  • Material to be used is identified in the process.
  • All trade related safety requirements are complied with.
  • Welding principles and techniques and joint characteristics are explained.
  • Oxy-fuel cutting and machines are identified and the components and procedures for utilisation are described.
  • Trade related tools and equipment are identified.
  • Thermal applications are explained.
  • Basic principles of development are described.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them 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 summative assessment will be a trade test as prescribed under Section 26d of the Skills Development Act and defined in the trade test regulations conducted through an evaluation of practical tasks and theoretical questions covering critical aspects ion a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by the QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by NAMB. The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days (no contexts for contextualisation specified). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is closely related to two Canadian Red-Seal recognised qualifications, namely:

    Boilermaker 2008 (Code 7262).
    Metal Fabricator (Fitter) 2008 (Code 7263).
    These two National Occupational Analyses are recognised by the federal government of Canada as the Inter-provincial Standards or national standard for the occupations of boilermaker and metal fabricator and has the copy right of the Government (İHer Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2008).

    The frameworks of these qualifications are respectively:

    Boilermaker:
    Occupational Skills:
    Task 1 Uses and maintains tools and equipment.
    Task 2 Organises work.
    Task 3 Performs routine trade activities.
    Task 4 Performs cutting and welding activities.

    Rigging and Hoisting:
    Task 5 Plans lift.
    Task 6 Rigs load.
    Task 7 Hoists load.
    Task 8 Performs post-lift activities.

    New Construction:
    Task 9 Performs fabrication.
    Task 10 Prepares for new construction.
    Task 11 Assembles and fits vessels and components.
    Task 12 Fastens components.

    Upgrading, Maintenance and Repair:
    Task 13 Services vessels and components.
    Task 14 Removes vessels and components.

    And

    Metal Fabricator (Fitter):

    Occupational Skills:
    Task 1 Maintains and uses tools and equipment.
    Task 2 Organises work.
    Task 3 Performs quality assurance.
    Task 4 Handles materials.

    Fabrication of Components:
    Task 5 Performs layout.
    Task 6 Cuts materials.
    Task 7 Forms materials.

    Assembly of Components:
    Task 8 Fits and fastens sub-components and components.
    Task 9 Performs welding activities.
    Task 10 Prepares products for finishes.

    These two qualifications were chosen because they reflect the boilermaker practices in South Africa better than any of the other qualifications considered.

    During the design of this curriculum, both the above mentioned documents were used as a main resource and input because of the clear overlap between the qualifications. However, none of these two qualifications could be excluded, because of those sections which are unique to the qualification.

    Because of a strong support that the current apprenticeship qualification is of good standard, it was likewise considered as resource during developing the qualification. The current fabrication qualifications registered on the South African NQF were also used as input.

    The component on Welding and Cutting was added to the qualification, because of an explicit need from the South African industries and specifically the mining sector.

    The work experience component of the curriculum is a unique South African feature and was added to the curriculum in accordance with the QCTO policy guidelines. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates with qualifications to be developed within the mechanical trades related to the following occupations:
  • Boilermaker supervisor.
  • Fabricator.
  • Boilermaker trainer.
  • Welder.
  • Sheet metal worker. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence or equivalent.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers to provide this qualification will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
    The curriculum title and code is: Boilermaker, 651302000.
    Trades Covered by this Qualification:

    This qualification covers the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • ID 60712: Plater and Welder.
  • ID 60766: Plater and Welder.
  • ID 60760: Plater and Welder.
  • ID 60768: Boilermaker.
  • ID 60770: Boilermaker.
  • ID 60776: Boilermaker.
  • ID 60783: Boilermaker.
  • ID 60732: Boilermaker.
  • ID 60700: Boilermaker.
  • ID 60701: Boilermaker/Welder.
  • ID 60694: Plater/Boilermaker.
  • ID 60696: Plater/Boilermaker.
  • ID 60707: Plater/Boilermaker.
  • ID 60722: Plater/Boilermaker.
  • ID 60727: Plater/Boilermaker.
  • ID 60777: Plater/Boilermaker.
  • ID 60755: Plater/Boilermaker.
  • ID 60737: Plating/Boilermaker.
  • ID 60706: Plater.
  • ID 60721: Plater.
  • ID 60726: Plater.
  • ID 60758: Plater.
  • ID 60761: Plater.
  • ID 60692: Plating.
  • ID 60769: Structural Plater.
  • ID 60775: Structural Plater.

    Part Qualifications:
    None 
    		•

    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.