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: Mechanical Engineering: Machining 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
23279  National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement  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  129  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 0160/05  2007-05-15  2008-10-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2012-07-22   2015-07-22  

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
63629  Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling  Level 4  NQF Level 04  132  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 machining skills and meet the challenges of such an environment.

The primary skill that is recognised in this qualification is the ability to produce complex components to precision specifications using a variety of machining methods. This capability requires an understanding of advanced machining theory and complex engineering drawings. The learner must furthermore choose from a number of elective unit standards for various machining methods and for computer numerical controlled (CNC) programming, setting and operation. Although the CNC unit standards are elective at present, it is recommended that learners choose these standards. Hand skills play a large role in this qualification.

Qualified learners will also understand:
  • How to plan, schedule and evaluate own work
  • How to interact with team leaders and develop the capacity of team members to maintain and support quality, safety and health systems.

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

    Qualifying learners will also be able to relate what they see and experience to scientific and technological principles and concepts.


    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 a third qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in the field of engineering machining, specialising in engineering machining skills.

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

    The qualification also forms the basis for further learning in field of engineering within the higher education and training band. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification assumes learners have a national certificate in engineering machining (machining specialisation) level 3.

    If the learner does not already have such a qualification, learning in preparation for this qualification would also have to include:
  • Language and maths related to organising and controlling their environment
  • Maths and applicable scientific and technological concepts related to machining of components
  • An ability to produce components of some complexity using a variety of machining methods
  • Concepts of contributing factors in labour, business and the economy
  • Role and purpose of systems which support workplace relationships, procedures, roles and responsibilities


    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification may be obtained through a 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 workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit-level outcomes. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is composed of Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components:
  • Fundamental: 24 credits
  • Core: 59 credits
  • Elective: the learner must select a minimum of 46 credits
    Total: a minimum of 129 credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit level outcomes:

    1. Demonstrate an ability to produce complex components using a variety of machining methods and operations, meeting output requirements and working safely with due care for fellow workers and the environment.

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of quality specifications and an ability to interpret these and evaluate components machined to determine compliance.

    3. Demonstrate an ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings.

    4. Maintain and support procedures to solve a variety of problems, both familiar and unfamiliar, within an engineering machining context and operate within familiar and new situations, taking responsibility and making decisions.

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

    6. 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 Machining time limits are adhered to.
    1.3 Safe working practices are adhered to.
    1.4 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to the theoretical principles of machining and the various machining methods and their respective operations at this level.

    2.1 Quality specifications interpreted and applied to machined component and compliance determined and reported.
    2.2 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to quality specifications and the principles underpinning such specifications.

    3.1 Components and assemblies to be machined identified and requirements interpreted from engineering drawing.
    3.2 Machined components and assemblies meet drawing specifications.

    4.1 Solutions to machining problems are based on a clear analysis of information gathered through diagnostic procedures.
    4.2 Procedures are modified to respond to unfamiliar problems where appropriate.
    4.3 Can respond to questions and discuss issues related to familiar and unfamiliar problems arising in the machining of complex components.
    4.4 All actions related to problem solving are accurately recorded for future reference.

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

    6.1 Options are explained.
    6.2 Preparation requirements are explained.
    6.3 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.

    It will be necessary to 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 
    This qualification was compared to other, similar outcomes- based qualifications, certifications or skills standards in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. 

    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 63629, which is "Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling", Level 4, 132 credits.
    This qualification replaces qualification 23256, "National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining", Level 4, 179 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  13254  Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of business processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  13314  Produce complex components using lathes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
    Core  13305  Produce complex components using milling machines  Level 4  NQF Level 04  29 
    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  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  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  116389  Write a technical report  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  12429  Develop a personal financial plan  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Elective  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  13316  Grind tools and cutters used in engineering machining operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  13317  Produce complex components by performing internal and external grinding operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  13301  Produce complex engineering drawings  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  13318  Produce components by performing horizontal boring operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Elective  13319  Produce components by performing vertical boring operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  13320  Set automatic production lathes  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 
    Elective  12458  Develop the skills of a work team  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 


    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.