SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
23277	National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining
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		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	151	Level 2	NQF Level 02	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	2007-05-15	2008-06-25
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-06-25		2011-06-25

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
59689	National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering	Level 2	NQF Level 02	130	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to work effectively in various industries making use of engineering fitting and machining skills and to meet the challenges of such an environment.

The primary skills that are recognised in this qualification are the ability to machine simple components using a variety of machining methods and the ability to apply basic mechanical assembly, maintenance and repair fundamentals to recognise and respond to equipment component defects. These capabilities require an understanding of basic machining theory, machinery functioning and maintenance, engineering materials and tools and concepts of measurement, and basic engineering drawings. Hand skills play a large role in this qualification.

Qualified learners will also understand:

the basics of how a business functions

their role in the business, i.e. in engineering and related activities

how they are affected by legislation, regulations, agreements and policies related to their particular work environment.

With this understanding learners will be able to participate in workplace activities.

Rationale for the qualification:

The field of engineering machining is characterized by work-to-order, low volume manufacture of components using different machining methods for use in a variety of industries including the automotive, metal, appliance manufacturing, plastic, tyre and rubber industries. People working in the engineering machining field require specialized technical skills and knowledge, as well as highly developed hand skills in order to adapt to and meet the requirements of the constantly changing products that must be manufactured.

This is the first qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in the field of engineering machining. This qualification focuses on developing skills and knowledge necessary to begin such a career.

It also provides learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace with an opportunity to obtain credits through an RPL process.

The qualification also forms the basis for further learning in field of engineering and machining where the learner will be able to specialize in engineering machining or tooling manufacture.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

This qualification assumes learners have a General Education and Training Certificate at NQF level 1, or alternatively, an ABET level 4 qualification.

If the learner does not already have such a qualification, learning in preparation for this qualification would also have to include:

Literacy and numeracy

Basic concepts of science and technology

Recognition of prior learning:

This qualification may be obtained through RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed of the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not too onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification is composed of Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components:

Fundamental: 36 credits

Core: 109 credits

Elective: the learner must select a minimum of 6 credits
Total: a minimum of 151 credits

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit level outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of machining methods and an ability to produce simple components that meet quality and output requirements, working safely and in an environmentally aware manner.

2. Identify engineering materials used in the machining process and describe their characteristics and applications.

3. Demonstrate an ability to read, interpret and produce basic engineering drawings.

4. Demonstrate a familiarity with routine maintenance procedures and operations for machinery.

5. Recognise and respond to routine problems related to the machining process.

6. Communicate with peers and members of supervisory/management levels by demonstrating the ability to summarise information and express opinions on given information in spoken or written form.

7. 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:

1.1 Output and quality requirements are met.
1.2 Safe working practices are adhered to.
1.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the theoretical principles of machining, the various machining methods and the functioning of machinery.

2.1 Engineering materials are identified and their physical properties described.
2.2 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing using engineering materials.

3.1 Components to be machined are identified and requirements interpreted from engineering drawing.
3.2 Engineering drawing produced meets job requirements.
3.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to engineering drawing concepts and material lists.

4.1 Process agents are applied consistently and systematically.
4.2 Pre-operational checks are performed and identified problems reported to appropriate personnel.
4.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to routine maintenance on machinery.

5.1 Various options are considered before a solution is chosen.
5.2 Lessons learnt in previous performances are used.
5.3 Responses are appropriate to the nature of the problem.
5.4 Problems are accurately reported to relevant personnel in a timely manner.
5.5 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to routine problems encountered while working.

6.1 Communication is effective, regular and ongoing.
6.2 Information is clear and accurate and conveyed in a timely manner.
6.3 Relationships with peers and supervisory/management levels are established and functioning.

7.1 Options are explained.
7.2 Preparation requirements are explained.
7.3 Learning plan is developed.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.

Some assessment aspects will demand practical demonstration while others may not. In some case inference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.

Since this is a foundational qualification, it is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

As a starting point, the series of qualifications in the field of mechanical engineering covering machining, fitting, fitting and machining, and tooling manufacture specialisations, 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 that also include fundamentals and generic core standards. It was further difficult to undertake such comparisons given that the New Zealand and Australian qualifications, although they are in the same field of mechanical engineering and cover the same areas of specialisation (thus containing a large degree of similar content) are conceptualized as three year qualifications without exit level outcomes at the intermediate levels (NQF levels 2 and 3). This notwithstanding, the technical content of this series of qualifications for mechanical engineering (with the various specialisations) of which the highest qualification is at level 4 does correspond with the equivalent level of qualification in mechanical engineering (with the various specialisations) in Australia and New Zealand.

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

Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA.

Any institution or learning provider offering learning towards the achievement of this qualification should be accredited as a provider with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA.

Moderation of assessment should be overseen by the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines provided for in this qualification as well as the agreed ETQA procedures.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:

1. Appropriate qualification in the field of mechanical engineering (machining) - with a minimum of 3 years' experience working in the field. 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 the 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 relevant ETQA.

NOTES

This qualification has been replaced by qualification 59689, which is "National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering", Level 2, 130 credits.

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	12465	Develop a learning plan and a portfolio for assessment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Core	12466	Explain the individual`s role within business	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	12477	Identify engineering materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests used in engineering	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	13220	Keep the work area safe and productive	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Core	9881	Mark off basic regular engineering shapes	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Core	13214	Operate and monitor a drilling machine to produce simple components	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Core	13205	Operate and monitor a lathe to produce simple components	Level 2	NQF Level 02	12
Core	13204	Operate and monitor a milling machine to produce simple components	Level 2	NQF Level 02	12
Core	13215	Operate and monitor a surface grinding machine to produce simple components	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Core	9880	Perform basic welding/joining of metals	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Core	13221	Perform routine maintenance	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Core	12215	Read, interpret and produce basic engineering drawings	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Core	12216	Select, use and care for engineering hand tools	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Core	12476	Select, use and care for engineering measuring equipment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	12219	Select, use and care for engineering power tools	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Core	12463	Understand and deal with HIV/AIDS	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	8963	Access and use information from texts	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	9009	Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	12461	Communicate at work	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	7480	Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	9008	Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	8962	Maintain and adapt oral communication	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	7469	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Fundamental	9007	Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	8964	Write for a defined context	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Elective	9268	Manage basic personal finance	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Elective	13236	Manufacture basic tooling	Level 2	NQF Level 02	24
Elective	7547	Operate a personal computer system	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Elective	12484	Perform basic fire fighting	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	12483	Perform basic first aid	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Elective	7548	Use personal computer operating system	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3

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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