SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Certificate: Wastewater Process Control

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
22672	National Certificate: Wastewater Process Control
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Civil Engineering Construction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	145	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"		SAQA 0160/05	2005-09-13	2008-06-11
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-06-11		2012-06-11

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
61709	Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision	Level 4	NQF Level 04	166	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The National Certificate in Wastewater Process Control (NQF level 4) will prepare learners to function independently and in a supervisory capacity on a wastewater treatment works. A person acquiring this qualification will be able to operate and control processes at a wastewater treatment works within the context of legislation and work policies and procedures. This qualification forms the foundation for advancement to higher level qualifications within the water sector as fundamental learning such as numeracy, literacy, computer skills and supervisory skills are included in the qualification. This qualification focuses on the full development of the learner and further mobility and transportability within the water sector. This qualification will expand the skills base of the qualifying learner and make the person more effective in his/her tasks and more employable and will open up job opportunities in related fields. This qualification will enhance productivity within the water sector and contribute towards the ecological sustainability and improvement of the water environment. The individual will have the capacity to advance and gain skills and self-respect and make a meaningful contribution to water treatment.

Rationale of the qualification:

This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of wastewater process operators working in the water sector that is expressed by employers and employees, both now and for the future. Many wastewater process operators and controllers have no formal qualification in wastewater yet they are required to perform the job. This qualification provides the learner with a career path and progression from wastewater process operations to wastewater process control within the water sector. The National Certificate In Wastewater Process Operations equips the candidate to operate as an assistant on a wastewater treatment works whereas the National Certificate In Wastewater Process Control will prepare the candidate to operate more independently and in a supervisory capacity on a wastewater treatment works. The qualification also provides the flexibility to pursue different careers within the water sector. The level of flexibility within the range of electives will allow the individual to follow a career in a range of wastewater operations.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

A knowledge, comprehension and application of language and mathematics at NQF level 3. Other learning assumed to be in place is detailed in specific unit standards from the National Certificate In Wastewater Process Operations (NQF level 2). These may also be achieved through RPL

Knowledge of the Water Cycle, Water and Wastewater Systems and Processes (NQF level2)

Knowledge of the Purpose of a Wastewater Treatment Works (NQF level 1)

Apply Personal Safety Practices In the Water Sector (NQF level 2)

Operate Inlet Works (NQF level 2)

Operate Settling Process (NQF level 2)

Handling and Disposal of Sludge (NQF level 2)

Dose Chlorine Products (NQF level 2)

Knowledge of Biological Processes (NQF level 2)

Chemical and Bacteriological Sampling Techniques and Field Tests (NQF level 2)

Recognition of prior learning:

This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Any learner wishing to be directly assessed may arrange to do so, without attending further training or education. The assessor and learner will decide together on the most appropriate assessment route to be taken.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Fundamental:
56 credits should be achieved in fundamental

Core:
75 credits should be achieved in core

Elective:
A minimum of 14 credits should be achieved

First language - 20 credits
Second language - 20 credits

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit Level Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an understanding and application of relevant legislation.
2. Operate a minimum of four unit processes at a wastewater treatment works.
3. Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of equipment of four unit processes.
4. Demonstrate communication and supervisory skills.
5. Demonstrate administrative skills required on a wastewater treatment works.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria:

1

Knowledge and comprehension regarding personal safety practices in a wastewater environment is applied according to standard operating procedures and safety requirements.

Knowledge and comprehension of the National Water Act.

Demonstrate knowledge of occupational health and safety.

Personal health, hygiene and presentation in a wastewater environment is maintained according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Good housekeeping is maintained on a wastewater treatment works in accordance with legislation and work policies and procedures.

2

Operate activated sludge process at a wastewater works.

Operate an anaerobic digester at a wastewater works.

Operate a biofilter at a wastewater treatment works.

Operate an additional unit process from the range of electives.

Apply learning skills and knowledge in their personal, workplace and educational lives.

Work with others in both learning and work-oriented situations.

3

Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the equipment used in the activated sludge process at a wastewater works.

Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the equipment used in an anaerobic digester at a wastewater works.

Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the equipment used in a biofilter at a wastewater works.

Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the equipment used for an additional unit process from the range of electives.

Apply skills relevant to a wastewater context appropriately.

4

Interaction with work colleagues and management on a wastewater works.

Daily supervision of staff within own scope of responsibility.

Supervision of staff to achieve work objectives.

Ability to handle conflict within own scope of responsibility on a wastewater treatment works.

Use technology appropriately to achieve communicative objectives.

5

Apply skills relevant to a wastewater context appropriately.

Demonstrate administrative skills required on a wastewater treatment works.

Demonstrate ability to prioritise administrative tasks to facilitate an efficient flow of documentation.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated assessment at the level of qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification. Integrated assessment should show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome.

Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will demand practical evidence while others may be more theoretical, depending on the type of outcomes to be assessed, and the nature and level of the qualification. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the demands of the qualification.

While the generic component (literacy, communication and life skills) of this qualification at NQF Level 2 can be assessed through occupational contexts and activities relating to wastewater treatment, care must be taken in both the learning programme and the assessment to ensure that these foundational skills are truly portable. The primary aim of this qualification is to ensure that learners have a sound base of general education to prepare them for further learning, whatever career path they may choose. Learners must be able to transfer generic skills such as language, computation and learning skills etc across a number of different contexts, and apply them within a number of learning areas.

A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place. Unit standards in the qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflexive competencies.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

International comparability:

The core and elective components have been developed taking into account South Africa`s unique context, but also looking at international best practice. Benchmarking was done against the SVQ from Scotland (Monitoring the Water environment: level 2, Operating process Plant: Wastewater level 2, Water Industry Operations: Sewerage Maintenance level 2, Controlling Water Operations: Process level 3) as well as Australian qualification (Certificate course in Water and Wastewater). Similarities were found in content, level and degree of complexity with the Scottish and Australian qualifications. Individual unit standard were not compared as access incurs a fee in US dollars. The fundamental components, reflecting foundational learning and generic skills and knowledge have been derived from registered, local adult education unit standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification will allow a person to articulate to a certificate or diploma in management on level 5 or 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

1. Anyone assessing a learner against these standards must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of these unit standards or will assess these unit standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:

A minimum of five years practical, relevant occupational experience.

Declared competent in all the outcomes of the of the generic assessor standard, and certificated by the ETDP SETA or by the relevant ETQA in agreement with the ETDP SETA in this regard.

Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and experience gained by the applicant must be provided (Portfolio of evidence).

Able to demonstrate competence in relation to these specified standards and qualifications, at or above, the level of the qualifications in question.

Meet any other additional requirements laid down by their constituent ETQA.

The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.
The status of registered assessors can be checked on the appropriate ETQA database or website.

NOTES

This qualification has been replaced by qualification 61709, which is "Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and wastewater treatment process control supervision", Level 4, 165 credits.

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	8015	Executing general office administration	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	12046	Operate a biofilter	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Core	7570	Produce word processing documents for business	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Core	12058	Demonstrate knowledge and operation of mechanical and electrical sytems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Core	12059	Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of hydraulics	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Core	12057	Demonstrate knowledge of wastewater related legislation	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8
Core	12056	Operate activated sludge process	Level 4	NQF Level 04	18
Core	12047	Operate an anaerobic digester	Level 4	NQF Level 04	7
Core	12061	Supervise personal safety practices on a wastewater treatment works	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	10981	Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives (individuals and teams)	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Fundamental	8968	Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8969	Interpret and use information from texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8973	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8970	Write texts for a range of communicative contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	9015	Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8974	Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	12417	Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Fundamental	8975	Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8979	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	7468	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8976	Write for a wide range of contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	7568	Demonstrate knowledge of and produce word processing documents using basic functions	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Elective	12049	Operate an aerobic digester	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Elective	12048	Operate rotating biodisc contactor	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	12068	Control maturation and oxidation ponds	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Elective	12069	Demonstrate knowledge of advanced treatment of wastewater process	Level 4	NQF Level 04	20
Elective	12070	Operate a rapid gravity filtration process	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	12066	Operate telemetric and electronic equipment and scientific instrumentation	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Elective	12067	Take investigative samples for monitoring process	Level 4	NQF Level 04	8

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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.

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