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: Mechatronics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
22772  National Certificate: Mechatronics 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  151  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0480/09  2009-11-07  2012-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2013-06-30   2016-06-30  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
67649  Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechatronics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  157  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners, education providers, training providers and employers with the standard and range of learning required to work effectively in the mechatronics environment and meet the requirements of such an environment.

The primary skills that are recognised by this qualification include the ability to:
  • Installation, test and commission three phase AC/DC machines, control and switch gear
  • Use, operate and maintain an industrial robot system
  • Install and programme variable speed control drives
  • Install, test and maintain electro-pneumatic systems
  • Install, test and maintain electro- hydraulic systems
  • Install, test and configure bus systems
  • Install and program industrial programmable logic controllers

    Hand skills and advanced theoretical and analytical skills play a large role in this qualification.

    Qualifying learners will also be able to relate what they see and experience to scientific and technological principles and concepts. They will also be able to maintain and support the various policies and procedures related to the safety, health, environment and quality systems that govern their workplace.

    What learners achieve in this qualification will also serve as a basis for further learning in the field of mechatronics within the higher education and training band.


    Rationale for the qualification:

    The manufacturing industry is characterised by technologically sophisticated automation processes using Computerised Integrated Manufacturing systems (CIM) that integrate the fields of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering and control and information technology. The field of mechatronics deals with the installation, maintenance and commissioning of such CIM systems that must conform to all safety aspects as per regulations and legislation. People working in the mechatronics field require specialised technical skills and knowledge as well as highly developed hand skills to enable them to install, maintain and commission mechatronic systems.

    This is the third qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in Mechatronics. This series reflects the skills, knowledge and understanding required to perform effectively in industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations.

    For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification represents part of the RPL process that acknowledges workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training. For the new entrant, this qualification recognises the applied competence needed by a productive person in a structured workplace

    This qualification forms the basis for further learning in the field of mechatronics within the higher education band. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification assumes learners have attained a Mechatronics NQF level 3 qualification or have the relevant experience.


    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be obtained through the process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and support provided to assist in the process of developing a portfolio. While this is primarily a work-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit level Outcomes:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to install, commission, test and maintain three phase AC/DC machines, control and switch gear, working safely and in an environmentally aware manner.

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of power electronics technology and an ability to install, test and configure manual and software driven variable speed control drives, working safely and in an environmentally aware manner.

    3. Demonstrate the understanding and ability to install and configure local area network (LAN) and related bus systems.

    4. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to install and programme industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs), working in a safe and environmentally aware manner.

    5. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to install and maintain electro-pneumatic and electro-hydraulic systems by interpreting circuit diagrams, performing the necessary tests and installing components, working safely and in an environmentally aware manner.

    6. Demonstrate an understanding and ability to programme and use an industrial robot system.

    7. Maintain and support procedures to solve a variety of problems, both familiar and unfamiliar, within a mechatronics environment and operate within familiar and new situations, taking responsibility and making decisions.

    8. Communicate and present information clearly and reliably and demonstrate the ability to analyse information to identify problems and determine trends.

    9. Demonstrate an understanding of options for further learning in this or a related field of learning and preparation requirements for such learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

    1.1 AC/DC machine installation and commissioning meets specifications
    1.2 Testing and maintenance on AC/DC machines meets specifications
    1.3 Safe working practices are adhered to
    1.4 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to AC/DC machines

    2.1 Power electronic circuits constructed and tested meet specifications and quality requirements
    2.2 Appropriate variable speed control components are selected
    2.3 Electrical and mechanical installation meets quality standards
    2.4 Software variable speed control drives correctly configured
    2.5 Safe working practices are adhered to
    2.6 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to power electronics technology and the installation, testing and configuration of variable speed control drives

    3.1 Networked subsystems meet specifications
    3.2 Bus systems installed and configured to specifications
    3.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to hardware and software

    4.1 PLC hardware, software and sensor/actuator addresses of a PLC are configured to specifications
    4.2 Advanced PLC control programmes are written to meet job specifications
    4.3 Advanced PLC circuits installation and programming meets specifications
    4.4 Programme and installations are tested and debugged according to requirements
    4.5 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to industrial PLCs.

    5.1 Installation meets specifications
    5.2 Appropriate tests are performed and results recorded
    5.3 Integrated PLC controlled circuit programming meets specifications
    5.4 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to electro-pneumatic and electro-hydraulic systems

    6.1 Robot programming meets job requirements and specifications
    6.2 Robot is used appropriately meeting quality and output requirements
    6.3 Safe working practices are adhered to
    6.4 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the use and programming of industrial robots.

    7.1 Solutions to problems are based on a clear analysis of information gathered through diagnostic procedures.
    7.2 Procedures are modified to respond to unfamiliar problems where appropriate
    7.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to familiar and unfamiliar problems arising in the mechatronics environment
    7.4 All actions related to problem solving are accurately recorded for future reference

    8.1 Conditions, evidence and incidences are reported accurately in a timely manner and discussed with peers and management
    8.2 Data gathered through diagnostic procedures is examined systematically and analysis is repeated until problem is solved.
    8.3 Records are available for scrutiny and future reference

    9.1 Options are explained
    9.2 Preparation requirements are explained.
    9.3 Learning plan is developed


    Integrated Assessment:

    The integrated assessment must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide must spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing the learner at work (in primary activities as well as in other interactions) or by relevant simulations
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding
  • Looking at records and reports

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process or preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes.

    The assessment process should cover both the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities required of mechatronics. The assessment process should also establish how the critical outcomes have been advanced by the learning process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    As a starting point, the series of qualifications in the field of mechatronics of which this qualification forms a part, was compared to other, similar outcomes-based qualifications, certifications or skills standards in New Zealand and Australia. It was found to be difficult to compare the New Zealand and Australian narrow focus qualifications with these broad-based qualifications in the specialised field of mechatronics. Therefore, extensive reference was made to training materials from Germany and the United States when constructing these qualifications to ensure the relevance of the qualification content and benchmarking with best practice world wide. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another. Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately. Equally, holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators for the qualification should be qualified and accredited with an appropriate ETQA and have a qualification in engineering.

    To assure the quality of the assessment process, the moderation should cover one of the following:
  • Assessor credentials
  • The assessment instrument
  • The assessment process

    Where assessment and moderation are taking place in sectors other than the MERSETA, assessment and moderation should be in terms of a memorandum of understanding negotiated with the MERS ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:

    1. Appropriate qualification in the field of engineering, with a minimum of four years` experience in the field of mechatronics. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning

    2. Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices

    3. Good interpersonal skills and ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interests of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and language of the learner

    4. Registration as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant
    ETQA

    5. Any other criteria required by the MERS ETQA or any other ETQA 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 67649, which is "Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechatronics", Level 4, 157 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  13118  Install and programme advanced industrial programmable logic controllers  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
    Core  13135  Install, test and configure bus systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  13334  Install, test and configure variable speed control drives  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  13115  Install, test and maintain an electro-hydraulic system  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
    Core  13116  Install, test and maintain an electro-pneumatic system  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
    Core  13154  Install, test and maintain three phase AC/DC machines and control gear  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  13235  Maintain the quality assurance system  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  13140  Programme, use and maintain an industrial robot system  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    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  9506  Communicate in an assertive manner with clients and fellow workers  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    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  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  9502  Write a technical report  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  9527  Lead a team, plan, allocate and assess their work  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  9526  Manage basic business finance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  9530  Manage work time effectively  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  13254  Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of business processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  13315  Write simple computer numerical controlled (CNC) programmes and set and operate a CNC machine  Level 4  NQF Level 04  24 


    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.
     
    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.