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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: 

National Certificate: Dry Lumber Processing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
21496  National Certificate: Dry Lumber Processing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Lumber Milling 
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  Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  121  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
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 
A learner acquiring this qualification will be able to carry out his/her prescribed responsibilities in a knowledgeable and skillful manner as a supervisor/manager of all the activities that take place in the dry lumber processing area in a lumber mill as prescribed in the unit standards for NQF Level 4 in this field.

He/she will be able to perform the relevant tasks in this workplace to the prescribed standards, while correctly following the prescribed work procedures, and the health and safety and environmental protection measures applicable to the dry lumber processing area for NQF Level 4.

The learner will be able to interpret and comply with the prescribed aspects of the relevant legislation impacting on his/her work situation at this level.

He/she will be able to explain the aspects of Computer Literacy and Quality Assurance that are prescribed for this level in dry lumber processing, and use the skills these offer him/her correctly where relevant.

This learner will be able to describe the influence of the structure of wood, its properties and certain production factors on its final quality.

This qualification provides the qualifying learner with legal proof of having achieved the prescribed levels of knowledge and practical competence, where up till the present time, this only existed for tertiary educated persons.

The learning programme that leads to this qualification improves the operating ability and therefor the earning ability of the qualifier, which must contribute to the social and economic development of the country.

This qualification qualifies a person who has successfully demonstrated his/her knowledge levels and competence in the skills prescribed for Wood Technology: Lumber Milling (Dry Lumber Processing) for NQF Level 4, to enroll for an NQF Level 5 Learnership and Qualification in this domain. It ensures a higher step on a structured career path for the learner. This Qualification forms part of the Learnership in Wood Technology: Lumber Milling (Dry Lumber Processing) (NQF Level 4), which, together with three other qualifications at this level, constitute the fourth tier or level of the NQF framework for the Lumber Milling Industry.

It facilitates access to and mobility within learning pathways in Lumber Milling and other Wood Technology learning pathways.

This qualification supports the National Qualifications Framework regarding access, mobility and progression, quality of learning, redress of unfair discrimination and contribution to personal development and social and economic development of the nation.

Rationale for the qualification:

NOTE: Dry Lumber Processing includes Lumber Grading, Dry Mill Conversion and Finger Jointing and Laminating. The learner has the option of at least one of these for a learnership programme, certain aspects of the other two then becoming electives. The Lumber Grading process is an evaluation process. It usually produces products of different strength and/or appearance grades. In the Dry Mill Conversion process, dried lumber is sawn to narrower and/or thinner products. These products can also be planed and /or moulded. The Finger Jointing and Laminating activity produces longer, thicker and wider products through a process of jointing and glueing. (Processing facilities).

The typical range of learners is the currently employed, unemployed and other persons, who want to enter a learning programme to obtain a National Certificate in Wood Technology: Lumber Milling (Dry Lumber Processing) at NQF Level 4, to continue building a career path in this industry.

These learners, once qualified, will be able to effectively and efficiently work as assistant operators and team leaders, on tasks they are responsible for at this level in the relevant workplace, in the dry lumber processing area.

South African lumber millers are facing an increasing demand for better quality products at more competitive prices. This is leading to an increased demand for more knowledgeable and better skilled personnel to produce such products. Historically this industry experienced various forms of protection. Lumber mill personnel at the lower levels were only exposed to unplanned, periodic, ad-hoc learning programmes, which did not establish an appropriately trained workforce. All protection has now been removed. This industry is now part of the global market, and it must be competitive in price and quality to survive. It can only achieve this through improved knowledge and skills levels. The new education and training dispensation can deliver this. Therefore a demand, which will increase in the future.

This qualification equips learners with identified competencies in knowledge and skills at NQF Level 4 and it provides a basis for further learning at NQF Level 5. The exit level outcomes, which embody these competencies in knowledge and skills are listed in paragraph 8 below. The fundamental outcomes as well as the non-industry specific core outcomes required at this level, also provide the learner with building blocks for a learning pathway outside this industry. The choice of electives allows the learner the option of continuing his/her learning in any of three other areas in the lumber milling field.

The learning programme, which leads to this qualification, produces a person who is knowledgeable about and appropriately skilled in performing the relevant tasks in the dry lumber processing area. Persons without any training or with another type of training, or persons who had undergone the ad-hoc type of training which was prevalent under the previous dispensation, will not be of the same quality for this work than a learner with this qualification.
Improved levels of knowledge and skills lead to greater ability to produce at more competitive costs and better quality, increased sales, greater profits, more personal income, which will impact favourably both on the society and the economy of the country. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It will be assumed that a learner who registers for this qualification, will have successfully mastered the following outcomes:

(Fundamental learning)
  • Communicate orally and in writing to standards equivalent to NQF Level 3 requirements.
  • Exhibit mathematical skills equivalent to NQF Level 3 requirements.

    (Core learning)
  • Demonstrate understanding of the structure of wood and how it relates to its appearance, strength and how it holds water.
  • Control basic maintenance and lubrication in this workplace.

    Grading option:
  • Control lumber grading in lumber mill.
  • Set up and operate conversion equipment for recovering thinner and narrower products in dry mill of lumber mill.
  • Set up and operate conversion equipment to recover shorter products in the dry mill of lumber mill.

    Dry Mill Conversion option:
  • Set up and operate conversion equipment for narrower and thinner products in the dry mill of lumber mill.
  • Set up and operate conversion equipment for shorter products in dry mill of lumber mill.
  • Set up and operate conversion equipment for surfacing and thicknessing products in dry mill of lumber mill.
  • Set up and operate conversion equipment to profile/mould cross-sections of products in dry mill of lumber mill.

    Finger Jointing and Laminating option:
  • Manage receipt, storage and mixing of glues for finger jointing and laminating in lumber mill.
  • Manage receipt and evaluation of lumber for finger jointing and laminating in lumber mill.
  • Produce finger-jointed lumber in lumber mill.
  • Produce laminated lumber in lumber mill.
  • Process finger-jointed and laminated lumber into products for markets of lumber mill.
  • Perform all these tasks according to the work procedures of the enterprise, and subject to the relevant safety and health prescriptions and the applicable environmental management principles.

    AND:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of the OSH Act regarding employer and employees` responsibilities.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of the LRA regarding CCMA procedures, unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of the EEA regarding affirmative action procedures, monitoring, enforcement and legal procedure.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of the SDA regarding learnerships, learner rights, employer rights, provider rights, and contracts.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of the BCEA regarding employment contract, employment criteria, and termination of employment.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of Business Principles regarding financial management basics, budgeting principles.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of Computer Literacy regarding software packages and their use.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of Environmental Management principles.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant aspects of Quality Assurance regarding quality systems, SABS specifications, and ISO 9000 principles.

    (Elective learning)
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relevant details of setting up and operating certain wet mill production facilities, and/or the control of lumber grading, and/or set up and operate dry mill conversion facilities, and/or production of finger jointed and laminated lumber.
  • Demonstrate understanding of relevant aspects of Special Mathematics for lumber milling (NSB Regulations 9 (1) (C) regarding calculations of speed/time, weight/density, fractions and percentages, linear graphs and moving averages.

    (Cross-field outcomes)
  • Solve problems and make decisions regarding the activities in the relevant workplace; lead the other workers in this workplace; carry out the production programme; collate and analyse data and report results to relevant person/s; assist in training learners in this workplace; assume full responsibility for all equipment.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part or in whole by recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is, in fact, based on unit standards. The table of unit standards will be added later. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The qualifying learner can:

    Outcome 1
    Describe and carry out his/her prescribed responsibilities in a knowledgeable and skillful manner as a manager of all the activities that take place in the Dry Lumber Processing area in a lumber mill, as prescribed in the unit standards for NQF Level 4 in this field.

    Outcome 2
    Demonstrate the level of knowledge and understanding required at NQF level 4, of the prescribed work procedures, the safety and health and environmental protection measures in Dry Lumber Processing, by describing and performing these correctly.

    Outcome 3
    Interpret, explain verbally or in writing, and comply with the prescribed aspects of legislation for NQF Level 4, that impacts on his/her work situation, relating to the Labour Relations Act, the Employment Equity Act, and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

    Outcome 4
    Demonstrate the level of knowledge and understanding required at this level, regarding computer software packages relevant to lumber milling and their use, by explaining correctly the technology involved and correctly applying these programmes.

    Outcome 5
    Demonstrate the level of knowledge and understanding required at NQF level 4, of quality control and assurance in the Dry Lumber Processing area, by correctly explaining the procedures and applying these with the prescribed level of skill.

    Outcome 6
    Demonstrate the level of knowledge and understanding required at NQF Level 4, of the application of the prescribed aspects of productivity enhancement in the Dry Lumber Processing area, by correctly explaining the procedures, and applying these with the prescribed level of skill.

    Outcome 7
    Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding required at NQF level 4, of the relevant details of the material being processed, by correctly describing the influence of the structure of wood, its properties and certain production factors on its quality.


    Every one of these exit level outcomes will be developed further in the learning programme for NQF Level 5 Lumber Milling: Dry Lumber Processing, in order to comply with the knowledge and skills levels required at that level.

    The successful achievement of all of the above exit level outcomes, is therefore a requirement for those learners who wish to continue their learning in this field at NQF Level 5.

    Any learner who does not want to complete this qualification, can exit the learning programme after achieving outcomes 1 and 2, in order to accumulate credits for example for further learning in related learning pathways in lumber milling, or for other fields related to Wood Technology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    (1)
  • The learner`s description demonstrates a knowledge of the management principles applicable to his/her area of authority, which complies with the requirements prescribed for NQF Level 4.
  • The learner`s description is given in a clear and understandable manner.
  • The learner performs the management of the various aspects that control the operation of the green timber processing area, in the prescribed manner.
  • The correct interaction of the learner with the people involved in the production activities in his/her area of authority, and his/her decision making and planning ability, ensures that the prescribed production targets of the enterprise are achieved.
  • The learner ensures that the workers in his/her area of authority, i.e. the Dry Lumber Processing area, are motivated, guided and trained in the prescribed manner in the relevant production and related activities.

    (2)
  • The learner`s description demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of the work procedures, safety and health, and environmental protection measures, which complies with the prescriptions for the NQF Level 4 in Dry Lumber Processing.
  • The learner`s description is given in a clear and understandable manner.
  • The procedures prescribed for the relevant tasks regarding the work activity, safety and health and environmental protection measures, are applied correctly.
  • The learner`s correct guidance and motivation of the workers in the performance of these activities ensures that the relevant tasks are performed as prescribed.

    (3)
  • The learner`s explanation of the prescribed aspects of the relevant legislation proves that he/she has the required level of knowledge and understanding of these aspects.
  • The prescribed aspects of the relevant legislation are interpreted and explained correctly.
  • The explanation is given in a structured and understandable manner of a standard required at this level.
  • The correct legal terminology is used in the explanation.
  • The learner in his/her work situation correctly complies where relevant, with the prescribed aspects of the relevant legislation.

    (4)
  • The required level of knowledge and understanding is proven by the correct verbal or written explanation.
  • The explanation is given in a structured and understandable manner of a standard required at this level.
  • The correct terminology is used in the explanation.
  • The relevant software programmes are operated with the prescribed level of skill.

    (5)
  • The required level of knowledge and understanding is proven by the correct verbal or written explanation.
  • The explanation is given in a structured and understandable manner of a standard required at this level.
  • The correct terminology is used in the explanation.
  • The procedures for quality control and assurance in Dry Lumber Processing are performed in the correct manner which ensures the achievement of the prescribed outcomes.

    (6)
  • The required level of knowledge and understanding is proven by the correct verbal or written explanation.
  • The explanation is given in a structured and understandable manner of a standard required at this level.
  • The correct terminology is used in the explanation.
  • The procedures for productivity enhancement in Dry Lumber Processing are performed in the correct manner which ensures the achievement of the prescribed outcomes.

    (7)
  • The required level of knowledge and understanding of wood as a raw material, is proven by the correct verbal or written explanation of the influence of the structure of wood, its properties and certain production factors, on its quality.
  • The details regarding the influence of the structure of wood, its properties and certain production factors on its quality, are described correctly.
  • The explanation is given in a structured and understandable manner of a standard required at this level.
  • The correct wood technological terminology is used in the explanation.


    Integrated Assessment:

    The unit standards on which this qualification is based, describe the competent performance in Dry Lumber Processing, and lay down the criteria by which competence should be judged, as well as the range of circumstances in which competence should be demonstrated.

    For each unit standard there are corresponding performance assessment criteria, which describe the evidence an assessor should use to determine a learner`s competence.

    Integrated assessment methods and tools for this qualification must allow the learner to demonstrate that he/she has acquired the prescribed knowledge of and can safely and efficiently apply the required competence in the relevant aspects of Dry Lumber Processing, as described in paragraph 6 (purpose of this qualification), and paragraph 8 (exit-level outcomes).

    These tools are written or oral tests to determine level of knowledge and on-the-job observation, to determine applied competence, as summative assessment, for all the exit level outcomes at the completion of the learning programme.

    The tools that can be used for formative assessment during and at the completion of the learning programme for each of the exit level outcomes are oral testing, on-the-job-observation, role-play situations and structured classroom discussions.

    The assessor/s can decide which method will be the most appropriate in the particular situation where the assessment is taking place.

    A portfolio of evidence of the outcomes of all these assessments for each learner must be built up for record purposes.

    This portfolio may also include, inter alia:
  • Written statements from e.g. current or previous employer, colleagues, peers, managers, i.e. persons who can supply relevant references
  • Relevant awards or certificates
  • Previous assessment records
  • Journals/logbook, records of work performance

    The currently unemployed who followed a learning programme to achieve this qualification, as well as persons seeking recognition of prior learning, can be assessed in the same way. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Information gained from visits to and from:
  • The British Columbia Institute for Technology, Vancouver Canada
  • The community college at Ashville in North Caroline, U.S.A.
  • The Forestry Training Centre at Rotorua, New Zealand
  • The Technical and Further Education (TAFE) training institute in Mt Gambier, Australia
    influenced the thinking on this and other Wood Technology qualifications.

    Qualifications from those institutions and these are not exactly the same but learning programmes and hours of learning are comparable. The inclusion of labour legislation and other non-industry specific subjects make it even more uniquely South African.

    The institutions listed above are all internationally recognized as centres of excellence in training and education in the Forestry/Wood Technology field. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The choice of elective learning components allows the learner to change to another pathway in lumber milling at the same level, or at the next higher level.

    The fundamental and non-industry specific core learning components will equip the learner with credits which will be useful in other fields of learning that the learner might wish to change to at any future stage. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All providers offering the learning to achieve this qualification must be accredited by the relevant ETQA or through a memorandum of understanding with the relevant ETQAs.

    All assessor/s must be registered with the relevant ETQAs, and must comply with the requirement for assessors as prescribed by the relevant ETQAs. In addition, the assessor/s must at least have knowledge and skills levels in this field equivalent to those required by the NQF at level 4, plus two years of practice in this field as a worker or expert consultant or provider. All moderators moderating the assessment of learners for this qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQAs. 

    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 2012. 

    NOTES 
    Note (in terms of credits for NQF Level 4):

    121 for Lumber Grading, or
    121 for Dry Mill Conversion, or
    121 for Finger Jointing and Laminating. 

    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.