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: 

General Education and Training Certificate: General Forestry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
50225  General Education and Training Certificate: General Forestry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FPMSETA - Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
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:

This qualification will be useful to those who assist in general forestry activities at an entry level as part of a team. This qualification recognises entry-level skills in establishing, maintaining, protecting and harvesting plantations while enhancing safety and productivity in forestry. Protection activities include clearing fire-breaks and suppressing fires as back up, not as part of a proto-team.

Recipients of this qualification are able to:
  • Communicate in a variety of ways.
  • Use numeracy in real life situations.
  • Participate in wildfire suppression.
  • Participate in harvesting trees.
  • Participate in plantation establishment.
  • Participate in general plantation maintenance.

    Recipients will also be able to participate in pine, gum or wattle-related plantation maintenance, support wildfire suppression or participate in timber extraction depending on their choice of electives.

    The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to demonstrate the competencies required to work safely and effectively in forestry operations.

    Rationale:

    The majority of the learners for this qualification are likely to be working in the forestry sub-field, but without any formal qualification. There is a critical need in the industry to identify and recognise people who are able to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe forestry operations. The qualification will give them the opportunity to balance their practical skills with the essential operations associated with efficient and safe forestry operations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners embarking on learning programmes towards this qualification are already competent at ABET-3 Communications and Mathematical Literacy.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning.

    Evidence can be presented in various ways, including international and/or local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence will be judged in accordance with the general principles of assessment.

    Access to the qualification:

    Open, bearing in mind learning assumed to be in place. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Fundamental - all 39 credits in the Fundamental Category are required.
  • Core - all 70 credits in the Core Category are required.
  • Elective - candidates must select at least 11 of the possible 20 credits in the Elective Category. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Participate in wildfire suppression.
    2. Participate in tree harvesting and timber extraction.
    3. Participate in plantation establishment.
    4. Participate in plantation maintenance.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge of and apply conservation and environmental issues.
    6. Manage self and work with others.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

    This qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes, as detailed in the Unit Standards:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral/written persuasion.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Activities contribute to the effective suppression of wildfires.
  • Basic fire fighting techniques are used in line with industry standards.
  • Support activities are carried out according to plan and given instructions.

    2.
  • Trees are harvested safely and to production schedules.
  • Timber is extracted safely and according to plan.

    3.
  • Plantations are established according to plan.
  • Pesticides and fertilisers are applied before and after planting as per given instructions.
  • Waste is cleared as per given instructions.

    4.
  • Plantations are maintained according to plan.
  • Trees are debarked and pruned as per given requirements.
  • Tools and materials are used in line with industry safety standards.

    5.
  • Conservation and environmental issues are described in terms of given definitions.
  • Community issues are identified in relation to conservation.

    6.
  • Financial issues are addressed according to basic financial principles.
  • Basic work requirements are described in line with given instructions.
  • Basic responsibilities are described in terms of company documentation.

    Integrated assessment

    The integrated assessment allows the learners the opportunity to show that they are able to utilize concepts, ideas and actions across the unit standards. This will allow learners to achieve competency that is in keeping with the purpose of the qualification.

    An integrated assessment will indicate how theoretical learning is demonstrated in a practical environment in such a way that the application of the work learnt becomes second nature.

    In conducting an assessment, the quality of the performance must also be evaluated i.e. both the performance and the thinking behind the action must be qualitative.

    The assessment should include both formative and summative options and should use various assessment tools i.e. not by observation only. It is required that a Portfolio of Assessment form part of the summative assessment, with practical outcomes being demonstrated in a simulated or real work place situation.

    A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge being maintained.

    It is recommended that the assessment tools give learners the opportunity to account for their decision-making and problem solving in line with the specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    As a result of this qualification being generic in forming the foundation for a career in forestry industry, learners should be assessed in occupational contexts and activities. The assessment should ensure that the foundational skills are portable and prepare them for further learning, whatever career path they may choose.

    Assessors should take note of the following general principles when designing and conducting assessments:
  • Focus the initial assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember that we want to declare the person competent in terms of the qualification purpose. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then the assessment should be focussed on each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that assessment is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-players are used, there should be supporting evidence to prove that the learner is able to perform in the real situation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are no international qualifications that could be found to compare to this qualification directly, although there was sufficient overlap in a New Zealand qualification and a set of UK qualifications to validate the design of this qualification. The need for a level 1 general forestry qualification appears to be unique to South Africa, with the entry qualifications in other countries being slightly higher, but with similar requirements.

    The following level 2 unit standards in New Zealand compare favourably with those in this qualification, although the emphasis in the New Zealand unit standards is on knowledge, whereas the need expressed in the South African qualification is for practical applications of that knowledge.
  • 17757 Demonstrate knowledge of commercial forestry and forest industry sectors in New Zealand.
  • 17760 Demonstrate knowledge of commercial plantation trees in New Zealand.
  • 13109 Demonstrate knowledge of factors which impair the performance of forestry workers.
  • 1241 Demonstrate knowledge of plantation forest establishment and silviculture.
  • 1227 Demonstrate knowledge of plantation forest harvesting.
  • 17761 Demonstrate knowledge of quality determining factors in commercial plantation forestry.
  • 17769 Demonstrate knowledge of the general requirements for employment in a plantation forest.
  • 13108 Describe effects of hydration and nutrition on safety, health and performance of forestry workers.

    The following units identified across a range of UK-based qualifications compare favourably with the unit standards in the General Forestry qualification:

    NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw and Related Operations.
  • Unit - F/101/7908 - Unit CS 40 - Carry Out Pruning Operations.

    NPTC Level 2 National Certificate in Horticulture.
  • Unit - F/101/9934 - Unit 32 - Harvesting, Extraction and Mensuration.

    NPTC Level 2 NVQ in Forestry.
  • Unit - T/101/4732 - H&S Unit A - Ensure Your Own Actions Reduce Risks to Health and Safety.
  • Unit - J/101/5321 - Unit T04 - Clear Sites for Tree Planting.
  • Unit - L/101/5322 - Unit T05 - Cultivate Sites for Tree Planting.
  • Unit - R/101/5323 - Unit T06 - Plant Trees.
  • Unit - Y/101/5324 - Unit T07 - Carry Out Post-Planting Protection and Maintenance.
  • Unit - D/101/5325 - Unit T08 - Control Unwanted Plant Growth Around Trees.

    In conclusion it would appear that the competences developed by this qualifications compare favourable with that offered in the countries researched. Furthermore the New Zealand qualifications in terms of knowledge component compares directly with those used for Forestry in South Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is an entry level qualification builds and acts as a springboard for people who may want to progress to other qualifications in forestry, forestry-related fields and supervision in other contexts. However, this qualification in particular can articulate well in other areas of learning such as Silviculture and Harvesting in forestry.

    Horizontal articulation possibilities:
  • National Certificate: Plant Production at NQF Level 1.

    Vertical articulation possibilities:
  • National Certificate: Plant Production at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Any institution offering learning or assessment in terms of this qualification or associated unit standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Criteria for the registration of assessors:

    Anyone assessing a learner in terms of this qualification or associated unit standards must:
  • Be registered as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.
  • Have experience or in depth knowledge of the forestry industry.
  • Hold a qualification in Forestry at NQF Level 2 or higher. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  123139  Apply fertiliser before and after planting  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Core  123134  Apply herbicides to noxious weeds  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Core  123135  Apply pesticides before or after planting  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Core  123140  Clear plantation waste by burning  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Core  117082  Contribute to the suppression of wildfires at basic fire-fighting level  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  123141  Debranch trees using an axe/hatchet  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Core  13998  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of supply and demand, and the concept: production  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  123130  Demonstrate knowledge of key elements of commercial forestry  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  123137  Describe and explain basic safety requirements in a forestry environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  123136  Describe the environmental impacts of commercial forestry  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  123132  Eradicate weeds manually in a commercial environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Core  12649  Identify community issues in relation to conservation  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Core  117079  Identify, explain and demonstrate standard safety procedures during active wildfire suppression  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Core  12509  Manage personal finances  Level 1  NQF Level 01  8 
    Core  119567  Perform basic life support and first aid procedures  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Core  12513  Plan and manage time in the workplace  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Core  123131  Plant plantation trees  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Core  12512  Practice environmental awareness  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Core  123133  Prepare planting site using hand tools  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Core  12650  Understand the nature and importance of conservation  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Core  113924  Apply basic business ethics in a work environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  8494  Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  117049  Demonstrate knowledge of basic safety in forestry operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  1 
    Core  12466  Explain the individual`s role within business  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  120086  Identify engineering tools, material and equipment and explain the purpose and function of each  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  8420  Operate in a team  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Fundamental  7464  Analyse cultural products and processes as representations of shape, space and time  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  7451  Collect, analyse, use and communicate numerical data  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  7449  Critically analyse how mathematics is used in social, political and economic relations  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  14084  Demonstrate an understanding of and use the numbering system  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Fundamental  7463  Describe and represent objects and the environment in terms of shape, space, time and motion  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Fundamental  119635  Engage in a range of speaking/signing and listening interactions for a variety of purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  119631  Explore and use a variety of strategies to learn  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Fundamental  119640  Read/view and respond to a range of text types  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  7461  Use maps to access and communicate information concerning routes, location and direction  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1 
    Fundamental  7447  Working with numbers in various contexts  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Fundamental  119636  Write/Sign for a variety of different purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6 
    Elective  123146  Debark trees with a hatchet and prepare bark bundles in a wattle operation  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  123143  Reduce coppice in gum plantations  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  123145  Select and space trees in commercial wattle forests  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
    Elective  117081  Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a cable yarder in a production situation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  117043  Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a skidding machine fitted with a winch in a production situation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  123149  Communicate using a two-way radio system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  123148  Load and refuel fixed wing aircraft for wildfire suppression  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  123138  Operate and maintain a motorised water pump  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  123142  Prune for access in Commercial Forestry and to ensure correct stem form  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 


    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. Arden School of Management (Pty) Ltd 
    2. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    3. Longata Consultant 
    4. Malitinne (Pty) Ltd 
    5. Nolwazi Dev Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    6. Ntunzela Trading Enterprise 
    7. Nurture-Nature Resources (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Optimi Workplace 
    9. Optimum Capacity (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Premier Agric (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Redefined Skills Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 
    13. South African Forestry Training College 
    14. Take Note Trading 227 cc 
    15. The Brokers Learning Centre 
    16. Thunderflex3 Pty (Ltd) 
    17. Tirhani SkillsTraining Pty Ltd 
    18. Tower City Trading 100 
    19. VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C 
    20. Yangantle Trading 


    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.