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: Mechanical Fitter 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94021  Occupational Certificate: Mechanical Fitter 
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  410  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 be able to fit, maintain and repair sub-assemblies and machines.
A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply hand skills to fabricate mechanical components using engineering tools.
  • Perform engineering maintenance on mechanical components, subassemblies and machines.
  • Repair, install and commission subassemblies and machines.

    Rationale:
    The Mechanical Fitter is a recognised trade qualification which prepares the person to work effectively in various industries by making use of their skills and to meet the challenges of such an environment.

    In the field of engineering, fitting is characterised by the provision of engineering maintenance, repair and installation services and support in a variety of industries. The equipment requiring such service and support ranges from sophisticated equipment to antiquated single station machines.
    People working in the mechanical engineering field require specialised technical skills and knowledge, as well as highly developed hand skills in order to meet the mechanical engineering requirements of diverse industries.

    The primary focus of this curriculum is to develop the ability to repair and install complex mechanical assemblies and diagnose and repair equipment and machinery during production/operation.

    Qualifying learners are able to maintain and support the various policies and procedures related to the safety, health, environment and quality systems that govern their workplace. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    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 credits the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 1 with Mathematics. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Basic engineering theory, NQF Level 3, 32 Credits.
  • Fitting Theory, NQF Level 4, 38 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 70 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Fabricate simple components or work pieces using basic hand skills and hand tools, NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • Fabricate components or work pieces using power tools or machinery, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Dissemble, clean and inspect mechanical sub-assemblies, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Replace components and assemble mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Do fault finding on mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • Repair mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • Install and commission mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
  • Overhaul mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 80 Credits.

    This qualification also requires the following compulsory Work Experience Modules:
  • Fabrication processes in an engineering workshop, NQF Level 2, 20 Credits.
  • Routine mechanical component and machine maintenance processes, NQF Level 3, 40 Credits.
  • Maintenance planning and communication processes, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Repair mechanical faults on mechanical sub-assemblies and machines, NQF Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • Overhauling processes in an engineering workshop, NQF Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • Structured planning and communication processes in the workplace, NQF Level 4, 60 Credits.
  • Engineering workshop control processes, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 260 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The ability to apply hand skills to fabricate mechanical components using engineering tools.
    2. The ability to perform engineering maintenance on mechanical components, subassemblies and machines.
    3. The ability to repair, install and commission subassemblies and machines. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Tools and equipment are selected, used and cared for according to accepted standards.
  • Safe work procedures, precautions and personal protective equipment required is described and adhered to.
  • Fabrication techniques and consequences if not adhered to can be explained for specific applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Safe work procedures, precautions and personal protective equipment required is described and adhered to.
  • Original equipment manufacturer specifications can be read and used for maintenance and quality specifications of subassemblies and machines.
  • Components and machines are monitored and maintained at optimal working condition.
  • Routine maintenance on components and machines is performed to manufacturer specifications.
  • Mechanical sub-assemblies are dissembled, cleaned and inspected for mechanical soundness.
  • Components are replaced and mechanical sub-assemblies and machines are assembled.
  • Maintenance planning and communication processes are maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Safe work procedures, precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required for engineering maintenance tasks can be described.
  • Original Equipment Manufacturer specifications can be read and used for repairs and quality specifications of subassemblies and machines.
  • Fault finding on mechanical sub-assemblies and machines are performed to manufacturer specifications.
  • Mechanical sub-assemblies and machines are repaired to manufacturer specifications.
  • Mechanical sub-assemblies and machines are installed and commissioned.
  • Mechanical sub-assemblies and machines are overhauled to manufacturer specifications.

    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:
    The external summative assessment will be a trade test conducted in terms of Section 26 D of the Skills Development Act through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects of the trade and conducted in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO by an assessor registered by National Artisan Moderation Body. The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparable qualifications are associated with engineering-related trade's persons, Engineering Assistants, Maintenance Mechanics and Industrial Maintenance Mechanics.

    The South African qualification for the Mechanical Fitter trade compares well with Unit Standards-based qualifications offered in Australia and New Zealand.

    The Australian, Certificate III in Engineering (MEM30205) and Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40105) is related to the occupation listed in ANZSCO: 323000 - Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers. These qualifications provide an extensive list of elective standards which allows for a combination of learning which are similar in scope and context to the South African Mechanical Fitter trade. The same applies to the New Zealand qualification National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Maintenance Engineering Strand).

    Comparable competency based curricula and training programs developed for the training of trades persons in the United States and Canada were researched on the Internet. The scope and content of these programs are comparable to the South African Mechanical Fitter qualification. Similar to the South African qualification, these are also aligned to develop a trade's person over a number of years and therefore not defined as level 1, 2, 3 and 4 as is common in countries following outcomes based approach such as Australia and New Zealand.

    The Canadian qualifications related to mechanical fitting can be used interchangeably with the qualifications developed for the South African manufacturing and engineering industries, serving a similar purpose.

    International conference on Operation and Maintenance (Arab Countries) 2005 published an extensive evaluation of the educational requirements for industrial maintenance. This conference paper was selected for comparative purposes as it provides a broad description of trends and recommendations in the education of trades related to industrial maintenance. The evaluation relates to a number of listed occupations including a Maintenance Technician Assistant (understand basic maintenance principles and practices), Maintenance Technician Foreperson (repair and maintain machinery in a plant or factory, Maintenance Machinist (repair and maintain gears, chains, and belt drives on industrial equipment, Maintenance Technician. The scope of the Maintenance Technician has a similar scope and is comparable to the South African Mechanical Fitter trade.

    The qualifications or programs used by various countries to develop a fully qualified Mechanical Fitter trade's person are comparable in scopecontent and duration with the South African qualification. Progressions of learning through different levels are either addressed as individual qualification levels (I, II, III, and IV) or are built into a single trade-related qualification. Internationally, learners or apprentices demonstrate the ability to fault-find/diagnose, overhaul, commission engineering systems, in the final phase/level of a single apprenticeship. A similar approach is followed in the South African qualification.

    The Mechanical Fitter trade has specific relevance to the South African labour market as a long established and very common listed trade. The South African MechanicalFitter trade can be regarded as a component of Mechanical Fitter and Turner trade. The South African trade qualification compares favourably with global trends in this field of training. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates with qualifications to be developed within the mechanical trades related to the following occupations:
  • Mechanical Fitter supervisor.
  • Fabricator.
  • Mechanical Fitter trainer.
  • Automotive Machinist.
  • Metal Machinist.
  • Fitter and Turner. 

  • 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: Occupational Certificate: Mechanical Fitter, Curriculum Code 653303000.

    Trades Covered by this Qualification:
    This qualification covers the following trades recorded on the NLRD:
  • ID 61033, Fitter and Turner, Automobile Manufacturing.
  • ID 61036, Fitter and Turner, Coal.
  • ID 61037, Fitter and Turner, ESKOM.
  • ID 61040, Fitter and Turner, Explosives.
  • ID 61048, Fitter and Turner, Government.
  • ID 61109, Fitter and Turner, Carbonated soft drink.
  • ID 61068, Fitter and Turner, Mining.
  • ID 61073, Fitter and Turner, Motor.
  • ID 61084, Fitter and Turner, Aerospace.
  • ID 61087, Fitter and Turner, Tyre and Rubber.
  • ID 61134, Fitter and Turner, Sugar.
  • ID 61137, Fitter and Turner, Mining.

    Part Qualifications
    This qualification does not have part qualifications 

  • 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.
     
    1. South African Bank Note Company Pty Ltd 



    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.