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: Manufacturing of Surface Coatings 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
57879  National Certificate: Manufacturing of Surface Coatings 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHIETA - Chemical Industries 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  122  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
120665  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Surface Coatings Processor  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  169  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

A learner acquiring this qualification will be able to manufacture surface coatings and allied products that conform to required specifications in a safe and cost-effective manner.

The learner will also be able to coordinate team performance and perform trouble-shooting and maintenance functions associated with the manufacturing of the products and the equipment used.

In the context of this qualification surface coatings and allied products include paints, varnishes, inks, surface preparation products, pigments, speciality chemicals, and related products.

The qualification also provides the basis for further learning in quality assurance, production, supervision, technical support and productivity. Following declaration of competence against this qualification, learners will be in a position to participate directly in controlling and troubleshooting the production processes.

Rationale:

This qualification will enable the learner to develop through learning to apply physical science, process specific technology and related skills. It will also create an awareness of the environmental impact of manufacturing.

Research conducted across the Surface Coatings Sector indicates that there is no such qualification in South Africa. This qualification will fill a priority identified by the Chemical Industries SETA Sector Skills Plan.

This qualification provides the flexibility to articulate to other manufacturing activities within the Chemical industries, for example, the household and personal care, and Speciality Chemicals manufacturing and packaging environments. It can also be useful in other manufacturing and packaging environments, for example, in the Food and Beverage Sector.

The qualification provides learners with some grounding for starting up a small manufacturing business. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are already competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

Recognition of prior learning

This qualification recognizes the knowledge, experience and expertise of operators who do not have formal qualifications aligned to this qualification. RPL assessment may be conducted for parts or all of this qualification, and shall be based on ETQA's RPL policy and guidelines.

Access to the qualification
  • Access to this qualification is open. However, it is preferable that learners have completed the National Certificate in Chemical Manufacturing Operations at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • All the fundamental unit standards totalling 38 credits are compulsory.
  • All the core unit standards totalling 70 credits are compulsory.
  • A further 14 credits must be selected from the elective components of the qualification, so that the learner completes a minimum of 122 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Produce surface coatings and/or related products to specification.
    2. Maintain health, safety and quality assurance practices in a manufacturing environment.
    3. Apply basic economic and business principles.
    4. Communicate orally and in writing in order to co-ordinate the activities of people and enhance their performance. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • The chemistry and process technology of surface coatings is described and explained with examples.
  • Surface coatings and/or related products are manufactured to specification, and within the timeframes recognized as good practice.
  • Problems encountered during the manufacturing process are identified and resolved within the scope of the job, using process chemistry and related technology.
  • Maintenance is carried out on the machinery and equipment in accordance with set specifications.

    2.
  • The importance and interactive role of safety with regard to employer, employee and applicable legislation is explained and applied in accordance with set standards.
  • The quality assurance system and quality objectives, standards and elements are explained and applied in accordance with set standards.

    3.
  • Allocated resources are used in a cost-effective way with a view to improving productivity and profitability.
  • Personal actions are justified in terms of their impact on profit and loss, and cash flow.
  • Supply and demand of products manufactured are discussed with regards to their manufacture, distribution and market/customer needs.

    4.
  • Team performance is enhanced with the use of plans and methodologies, to meet company standards.
  • Differences of opinion are mediated in a manner that reduces conflict, and focuses on the task at hand.
  • Ongoing oral communication is clear and suitable for different workplace audiences.
  • Written communication is clear and to the point, and meets organizational requirements.

    Integrated Assessment

    For formative and summative assessment, the Assessor should look for opportunities to maximise integration of the various outcomes in the qualification. The final assessment must be based on a summative assessment guide. Such a guide needs to indicate how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing (and listening to) the learner at work.
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding.
  • Looking at records, reports, logbooks, handover books, and other relevant workplace documentation.
  • Using simulation, where this is appropriate.
  • Speaking to and obtaining written evidence of competence from supervisors and managers.

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

    The assessment process should cover the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities needed in order to manufacture surface coatings products, solve operating problems, understand safety legislation and quality principles, apply basic business and economic principles, and lead and co-ordinate people and activities.

    Assessors need to ensure that the 12 principles of assessment have been met, and this includes the evaluation of evidence to verify that the learner has been performing consistently over a period of time. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Benchmarking took into account the following:
  • Countries who have a Qualifications Framework, such as the United Kingdom (NVQ and SVQ), Australia and New Zealand.
  • Countries who are reputed to be leaders in manufacturing, such the United States of America and Canada.
  • SADEC countries, which are in geographical proximity to South Africa.
  • Countries who have shown significant progress in their manufacturing practices in the last five years, such as India, China and Malaysia.

    In each of the countries considered, special attention was paid to Best Practices, and cognizance was taken of content of qualifications, entry requirements and vertical articulation options.

    The United Kingdom

    According to the Department of Trade and Industry, chemical manufacturing has one of the highest growth rates in comparison with other manufacturing industries. As in South Africa, the United Kingdom says that 88% of employers report skills gaps because of new working practices, use of new technology, stricter regulation, and the need for increased productivity.

    UK Qualifications that can be compared to the proposed National Certificate in Manufacturing of Surface Coatings, in terms of entry level and vertical articulation, are:
    .
  • Certificate in Coatings Technology (TASC Sector Body) Qualification No. 100/2058/5
  • Producing Surface Coatings, NVQ Levels 2 and 3: Scheme No. 0776, where Level 2 is targeted at Operators and concentrates on technology and operations, and Level 3 at senior operator/team leaders, with a strong leadership component.
  • Process Operations (Chemical) Levels 1 (ID Q1016461) Level 2 (ID Q1019729) and Level 3 (ID Q1016463).
  • Performing manufacturing Operations Level 1 (ID Q1025204) and Level 2 (ID 1025205).
  • Process manufacture (Chemicals) Level 2 (Q1026616) and Level 3 (Q1026617) - as above.

    Each of the abovementioned qualifications focuses on process technology, and the theory and practice of manufacturing. In the case of the Surface Coatings-specific qualifications, learners are able to select modules related to the technology used in their own work places. There is also emphasis on working in teams, and on using hand tools to perform basic maintenance and changeovers on production machinery.

    New Zealand

    The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) has registered the National Certificate in Materials Processing, Level 3 - Reference No. 1074. This qualification has a strand in paints. It is similar to the proposed qualification in terms of level, entry requirements, and competencies. The strand in paints has 14 compulsory credits and 33 elective credits, out of a total of 58 credits.

    Australia

    Surface Coatings Association Australia Inc. does not advertise courses, although seminars are held regularly and discuss new technological developments in the sub-sector. Several TAFE Colleges offer a Diploma at the equivalent of NQF Level 5.

    The United States of America

    The Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) has researched and presented a set of manufacturing skills with descriptors and performance indicators. These skills may be selected according to needs, and appear to reflect best practice in manufacturing, but do not specify Surface Coatings. The proposed qualification may be favourably compared to the list of manufacturing skills listed by the MSSC in terms of generic chemical technology, but not specifically in surface coatings.
    Other courses found advertised on United States Professional Associations are limited to seminars or post graduate studies, and do not describe outcomes.

    Canada

    Seminars and short courses are offered through the various Surface Coatings and Allied Professional Institutes, and post-graduate studies were found. However, there was no equivalent of the proposed qualification on any Canadian website.

    Europe

    As Europe is known for its Best Practices, a search across a number of countries revealed professional Surface Coatings Associations and Institutes in Denmark, Belgium, France, Hungary, Poland and Greece, amongst others. Once again, short courses and seminars lead the way at Professional Development level, and Surface Coatings specific qualifications appear to be at Post Graduate level, for example: (Post Graduate) Diploma in Industrial Chemistry - Paint Technology/Surface Finishing Specialization: Greece.

    Countries of the Southern African Development Community

    A search for qualifications in the SADC countries has revealed little useful information. Most of the certifications appear to be based on short courses and occupational competence is not described, or linked to international professional Associations.

    India and other Far East Countries

    India is a prolific advertiser of Surface Coatings and related products. The country appears to use the City and Guilds qualifications at Operator Level (see United Kingdom above). There is one Post Graduate Diploma in Paint Coatings Technology from the Institute of Cheminformatics Studies, but only one out of six modules of the aforementioned diploma is dedicated to production and manufacturing technology.

    Conclusions

    An observation is that reviewed international qualifications are more generic in nature, and do not include components of problem-solving, basic maintenance and quality control. The UK qualifications concentrate on generic chemical process technology, with some insight in surface coatings, team work, and the operation of process equipment. New Zealand's qualification is similar to the SA Certificate because of its focus on surface coatings-specific processes as well as quality control and basic maintenance. All countries reviewed mentioned that professional skills needed to be developed against best practices. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with the following Level 3 qualifications:
  • National Certificate: Manufacturing of Household and Personal Care Products (undevelopment).
  • National Certificate: Food and Beverage Packaging Operations Level 3 ID: 57694.

    Vertical articulation is possible with the following Level 4 qualifications:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Manufacturing and Assembly Operations Supervision Level 4 ID: 48915.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Practice Level 4 (undevelopment).
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Surface Coatings Technology Level 4 (undevelopment). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with an appropriate Education, Training, Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as in the exit level outcomes described in the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • To have a similar qualification at one level higher than the level of the qualification and a minimum of 12 months relevant experience. 
    		•

    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  14784  Apply sampling theory and practice in the chemical industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  243034  Demonstrate understanding of basic surface coatings technology and its applications  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  13221  Perform routine maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  8000  Apply basic business principles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Core  243013  Apply in process quality control in the manufacturing of surface coatings products  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  113852  Apply occupational health, safety and environmental principles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  243011  Disperse powders in liquids in a batch process  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  14801  Solve operating problems using process chemistry and related technology  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  242821  Identify responsibilities of a team leader in ensuring that organisational standards are met  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  13912  Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance team performance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  114952  Apply problem-solving techniques to make a decision or solve a problem in a real life context  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  14106  Demonstrate understanding of real and imaginary numbers and real number systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  116938  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based word processor to create and edit documents  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
    Elective  10252  Identify, inspect, use, maintain and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  14340  Maintain an existing information system in a business environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  12202  Package products in a manual or semi-automated packaging operation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  243021  Shift loads using lifting equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  117924  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based word processor to format documents  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  13234  Apply quality procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  12319  Perform change overs in a production or packaging environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Elective  243012  Tint and match pigmented surface coatings  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  116942  Use a GUI-based word processor to create merged documents  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  119078  Use a GUI-based word processor to enhance a document through the use of tables and columns  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  114600  Apply innovative thinking to the development of a small business  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  117927  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based database application to solve a given problem  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 


    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.