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

Occupational Certificate: Engineering Patternmaker 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93623  Occupational Certificate: Engineering Patternmaker 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
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  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  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 a learner to operate as an Engineering Patternmaker. Engineering Patternmakers construct full size engineering patterns from specific construction material such as timber, polymer (resin) or metal to produce metal castings, vacuum form tooling and tooling as a positive or negative shape for specific products used in various manufacturing industries.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Inspect, plan and prepare pattern equipment and materials for the operations of a patternmaking manufacturing process, NQF Level 3.
  • Manufacture patternmaking patterns equipment, NQF Level 4.
  • Solve problems in, adjust and maintain patternmaking production process, NQF Level 4.

    Rationale:
    A shortage of Engineering Patternmaking skills and capacity within the industry was identified as one of the major gaps within the Foundry Industry and listed on the critical skills list of the MERSETA. The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are people who would like to gain access to employment opportunities in Engineering Patternmaking.

    This qualification resides as one of several in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments and makes allowance for any feeder occupation within this context to gain access to the Engineering Patternmaker qualification. The Engineering Patternmaker qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to other aspects such as working with metal patterns, wooden patterns and resin patterns.

    The main benefits of this qualification for the learner are that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised as a qualified artisan with well-structured, relevant and current competencies and have access to skilled employment opportunities within the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments. Society will be served by qualified Engineering Patternmakers that not only undertake work with improved skills but are also contributing to the competitiveness of South Africa's manufacturing sector. The overall benefits for the economy would include efficient and effective Engineering Patternmaking competencies available to be utilised for economic growth purposes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

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

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 3 qualification equivalent to N2 knowledge areas of Engineering Mathematics, Science and Engineering Drawing. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Workplace Modules totalling 360 Credits:

    Knowledge Modules:
    NQF Level 3:
  • Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, 10 Credits.
    And
    NQF Level 4:
  • Applied Mathematics, Sciences and Drawings, 5 Credits.
  • Metallurgy and Melting Processes, 22 Credits.
  • Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics, 5 Credits.
  • Tools, Equipment, Materials and Workplace Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Sand Technology and Sand Casting, 4 Credits.
  • Casting and Die Casting, 15 Credits.
  • Pattern Assembly, 6 Credits.
  • Design and Cutter Technology, 11 Credits.

    Totalling: 90 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
    NQF Level 2:
  • Communicate safety, health, environmental, risk and quality issues regarding the operation of machinery, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 3:
  • Inspect and prepare patterns, 8 Credits.
  • Plan and prepare patternmaking equipment and materials, 8 Credits.
  • Prepare to set up patternmaking production machines, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 4:
  • Manufacture wooden patterns using tools and equipment, 60 Credits.
  • Manufacture resin patterns using tools and equipment, 30 Credits.
  • Manufacture metal patterns using tools and equipment, 64 Credits.
  • Conduct problem solving and maintenance activities during patternmaking production process, 8 Credits.

    Totalling: 194 Credits.

    The Work Experience Modules have two options available:

    Option 1: Metal patterns:
    NQF Level 3:
  • Planning and preparing processes for patternmaking equipment, consumables and production machines suitable for producing metal patterns for use in a production environment, 21 Credits.

    NQF Level 4:
  • Patternmaking manufacturing processes for producing metal patterns for use in a production environment, 25 Credits.
  • Patternmaking production problem-solving, adjustment and maintenance processes for producing metal patterns for use in a production environment, 30 Credits.

    Totalling: 76 Credits.

    Or

    Option 2: Wood and resin patterns:
    NQF Level 3:
  • Planning and preparing processes for patternmaking equipment, consumables and production machines suitable for producing wooden patterns and resin patterns for use in a production environment, 21 Credits.
    NQF Level 4:
  • Patternmaking manufacturing processes for producing wooden patterns and resin patterns in a production environment, 25 Credits.
  • Patternmaking production problem-solving, adjustment and maintenance processes for producing wooden patterns and resin patterns for use in a production environment, 30 Credits.

    Totalling: 76 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Inspect, plan and prepare equipment and materials for the operations of a patternmaking production process.
    2. Manufacture pattern equipment to specification for either metal or wood or resin.
    3. Solve problems, adjust and maintain the pattern-making production process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Standard procedures for inspection of pattern equipment with reference to design and drawing specification are used.
  • Different methods are used for determining materials, consumables and equipment requirements for specific jobs, tasks or activities during the planning and preparation of patternmaking equipment and materials.
  • Machine readiness for operations is checked in terms of the different elements of the safety and maintenance procedures and checklists during the preparation to set up patternmaking production machines.
  • Knowledge and understanding in the inspection, planning and preparing of equipment and materials for the operations of a patternmaking production process are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The wood is shaped into pattern parts form with the aid of tools, equipment and machinery and pattern parts are constructed and assembled in accordance with the properties and behaviour of materials being used for the construction of pattern parts.
  • Resin is applied to the pattern whilst considering the properties and behaviour of resin and their impact on the construction of a mould or pattern during the manufacturing of a resin pattern using tools and equipment.
  • Metal engineering pattern parts/equipment are constructed using the correct processes and procedures in accordance with specification.
  • Knowledge and understanding to manufacture pattern equipment to specification is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Communication activities are planned in accordance with type of information, type of audience, media available, formats, timeframes and standard operating procedures.
  • A process to systematically gather and record information on the nature and possible causes of equipment and process problems is implemented through visual inspections on the machines and observation during operations.
  • Knowledge and understanding in the problem-solving, adjusting and maintaining of the patternmaking production process is demonstrated.

    Integrated 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 SDA and defined in the Trade Test Regulations conducted for a maximum of 5 days. During the Trade Test period there will be an evaluation of written assignments and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment for an Engineering Patternmaker. The assessment will be conducted at an accredited Trade Test centre and an accredited assessor.

    During both the theoretical and practical assessments, the learner must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of applied mathematics, sciences and engineering drawings, basic metallurgy and melting processes, health, safety, quality and legislation, environment, energy efficiency and ethics, tools, equipment, materials and workplace practice, sand technology and sand casting, casting and die casting, pattern assembly, design and cutter technology and working with Wood, Metal or Resin. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Institute of Foundrymen (SAIF) and the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN) in conjunction with the Community of Expert Practitioners (CEP) and other industry stakeholders, including the Aluminium Federation of South Africa and the training institutions, notably the University of Johannesburg, decided to conduct a comparability review of this curriculum with the following three countries considered leaders in the field of metal casting technology and production.

    The United States of America has been one of the leaders in casting technology of both non-ferrous and ferrous metals and their alloys. There are approximately two thousand foundries in the USA and the research institutions are globally recognised for both the quality and quantity of the research projects published.

    Germany has a vibrant foundry industry of over 900 individual plants, on which their heavy engineering plant manufacturing sector as well as the highly developed rail, sea and road transportation sector is based. Germany is a leader in wind energy turbine development, and leads the world in the demanding technology required for these applications. Their training and research establishments are world-renowned.

    India became the second largest casting manufacturer in the world from 2010. Its foundry industry developed over many years and recently grew at significant levels. It produces for all the engineering sectors including automotive; agricultural implements and tractors, infrastructure projects and manufactured products. The Indian Institute of Foundrymen, is represented at the BRICS Foundry Forum, of which South Africa is also a member. Similar to other two countries, India's approach was found to be comparable.

    The analysis of the occupations provided evidence that there is a high level of commonalities between them. All occupations are regarded as trade/occupational qualifications and prescribe a set of national standards. The jobs related to the occupations require very similar knowledge and variety of similar skills sets which include: production skills; process design and development skills; skills in health and safety; skills in maintenance, installation and repair; skills in quality assurance as well as knowledge of supply chain logistics.

    Across the three countries (including South Africa) similarities were found in:
  • Occupational profile.
  • Occupational context, technical content and competencies required.
  • Tasks to perform.
  • Materials, equipment and tools used.
  • Life skills.
  • Emphasis on the practical and on-the-job training.

    Conclusion:
    The South African occupational qualification is comparable to benchmarked countries in terms of the content coverage and the delivery approaches. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities:
  • Learners entering this qualification will likely feed into the industry with an Occupational Certificate: Engineering Production Systems Worker.
  • The vertical progression for a qualified learner with this qualification is an Occupational Certificate: Manufacturing Technician (Metal Manufacturing Technician).
  • This Occupational Certificate articulates horizontally with other foundry trades and occupations with cross-cutting credits in the Knowledge Specifications. This includes, Occupational Certificates: Melter, Moulder and Toolmaker. 
    		•

    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 
    This qualification covers the following recorded trades:
  • ID: 60793, Patternmaking.
  • ID: 60865, Engineering Patternmaker.
  • ID: 60984, Engineering Patternmaker.
  • ID: 60813, Engineering Patternmaker.
  • ID: 60919, Engineering Patternmaker.
  • ID: 60887, Engineering Patternmaker.
  • ID: 60882, Engineering Patternmaker.
  • ID: 60796, Engineering Patternmaker. 
    		•

    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.