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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Tissue Conversion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
59017  National Certificate: Tissue Conversion 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Pulp and Paper 
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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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 0695/12  2012-07-01  2015-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30   2019-06-30  

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
105019  Occupational Certificate: Tissue Converter Machine Operator  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification is used as an introduction to machine operations and maintaining production integrity in a tissue conversion operation. This competence provides the foundation needed to take responsibility for a significant process in the pulp and paper industry. It also provides the basis upon which further related learning and career development can take place.

Through the employment of competent operating personnel, employers have confidence that this critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out.

Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through efficient production, and career development and personal job satisfaction of operating personnel are facilitated through the learning process used to achieve the competency specified.

Qualifying learners will:

Have an understanding of the various process operations that are used in tissue conversion.
  • Monitor, control and maintain machine operations in tissue converting.
  • Control raw material loading in a tissue converting operation.
  • Monitor and control product quality.
  • Maintain quality, safety and productivity within the manufacturing environment.
  • Have competence in mathematical literacy, science, reading, writing and speaking relevant to the pulp and paper industry.
  • Be able to progress to higher qualifications in tissue conversion.

    Rationale:

    This qualification is the first in a learning pathway for learners working in the tissue conversion industry who need to progress beyond NQF Level 1 (ABET) and for learners who are entering the pulp and paper industry. The qualification reflects the workplace-based common or non-specific needs that a learner requires in the tissue conversion industry, before progressing to learning at a higher level. Learning at a higher level enables the learner to follow a career in any one of the diverse process operations within the pulp and paper industry, such as woodyard operations, chemical recovery, pulp manufacturing and paper, board or tissue manufacturing. The needs, as verified by various industry forums, are expressed by employers and employees, for both now and the future. This qualification provides the learner with accessibility to employment and enables the learner to work in various machine operating jobs in the pulp and paper industry.

    While the learning specified within this qualification is contextualised to the tissue conversion industry, the qualification has been constructed in such a way that the learner will be able, with some further learning, to adapt the skills and knowledge to other manufacturing industries. The qualification therefore supports the principle of portability within the manufacturing industry as a whole in South Africa and thus provides added value to the qualifying learner (increased employability) and to society and the economy (the creation of a pool of learners with manufacturing skills). 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in Literacy and Mathematical Literacy at ABET Level 4/NQF Level 1.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. A learner wishing to be assessed towards this qualification may arrange to do so without attending any further training or education. The assessor and the learner will jointly decide on the most appropriate method to be taken.

    Access to the qualification:

    Access to the qualification is open. Access for learners with disabilities is dependant on the:
  • Type and severity of the disability.
  • Nature of the operational processes and requirements of the equipment. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    In the compulsory Fundamental Component of the qualification, a learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the 20 credits in the field of Communication, 16 credits in the field of Mathematical Literacy, 18 in various Life Skills and 5 credits in Science.

    The unit standards in the compulsory Core Component of the qualification reflect the skills and competencies needed for building expertise in the finishing and converting field. In the Core Component, the learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the total of 44 credits.

    The Elective Component of the qualification enables the learner to pursue skills in a wide range of engineering areas, use of lifting equipment and basic computer skills together with at least one relevant packaging Unit Standard. The learner must demonstrate his/her competence in a minimum of 17 credits selected from the Elective component. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Qualifying learners can:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of tissue conversion.

    2. Monitor and control product parameters and quality in a manufacturing environment.

    3. Keep the work area safe and productive.

    4. Perform routine maintenance functions of tissue conversion equipment.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Each critical cross-field outcome was considered in terms of its applicability to each other of the specific outcomes for each unit standard. Where it was found to be applicable, the nature of the skills being developed was specified by the working group and captured in the standard.

    Critical cross-field outcomes are assessed per unit standard and are part of all exit level outcomes.

    Critical cross-field outcomes have been addressed by the exit level outcomes as follows:

    While performing integrated conversion functions, qualifying learners can:

    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Identify relevant production information: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3.
  • Respond appropriately to plant information/take corrective action: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.

    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Working in a coordinated production team: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1.
  • Working in a team to maintain quality, safety, productivity and plant integrity: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 3, 4.
  • Coordinating one's work with that of others in the direct surrounding area, suppliers of raw materials and receivers of finished products: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.

    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Planning and implementing one's own start-up and shutdown activities: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1.
  • Planning and implementing one's own routine operational functions: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Planning and implementing corrective action to maintain product quality: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.

    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Monitoring operational parameters: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 4.
  • Collating and sorting product quality data: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 4.
  • Monitoring and interpreting product quality data and data obtained from product analysis: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 4.
  • Managing records, reports and stock: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.

    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Recording and interpretation of instrument readings: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Preparing and presenting reports: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.

    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Working according to health and safety regulations: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Controlling technologically advanced production equipment according to operating procedures: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Working and interpreting technologically advanced instrumentation and computer systems: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Monitoring and controlling quality assurance practices: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 4.
  • Adjusting equipment and machinery while taking cognisance of the downstream impact: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.

    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Maintaining and applying safety practices in the production environment: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Maintaining and applying quality practices in the production environment: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Performing core operating functions: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3, 4.
  • Performing specialised computer functions: Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 3, 4. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describing tissue converting operations.
  • Describing pulp converting operations.
  • Describing utility requirements of tissue conversion.
  • Listing the properties and uses of raw materials.
  • Selecting raw materials.
  • Loading raw materials.
  • Threading raw materials.
  • Maintaining the flow of raw material supplies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Define the terms Quality, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Management and consequences of not maintaining quality standards.
  • Explain the processes used to ensure effective Quality Control.
  • Understand the role and purpose of collecting information and monitoring product parameters in a manufacturing environment.
  • Organise, summarise and plot product parameter information collected by measurements, checks and tests and the use of statistical process control methods.
  • Assess product suitability by means of obtained data.
  • Take corrective actions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the purpose of safety equipment and procedures.
  • Identify and explain the purpose of demarcated areas, emergency stops, exits and first aid stations.
  • Use personal protective equipment.
  • Perform housekeeping duties in work area.
  • Identify and respond to unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions, incidents or acts that may occur.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Monitor the condition of equipment.
  • Perform routine maintenance.
  • Check completed work.
  • Store tools and equipment.
  • Report on equipment condition and maintenance activities.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate is able to achieve all the exit level outcomes of this qualification.

    The identification and solving of problems, team work, organising oneself, the using of applied science, the implication of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems must be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies assessment methods and tools to determine the whole person development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    Applicable assessment tool(s) to establish the foundational, reflective and embedded knowledge to problem solving and application of the world as a set of related systems within the manufacturing and maintenance field.

    A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner.

    Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Unit standards in the qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An extensive international comparability comparison was made including Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Scotland, Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, Germany and relevant African countries.

    The Australian and New Zealand qualifications registered on the NZQF and the AQF were seen as the best benchmarking partners. A comparison of the qualifications was undertaken and the best practice points were used in the generation of the South African qualification's unit standards, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 2 to NQF Level 4. As in the South African pulp and paper qualifications, separate qualifications are used to address pulp and paper production and tissue conversion. However, a Level 1 qualification consisting of safety, communication, mathematics, hand tools and quality unit standards is included in the Australian range.

    The main points of comparison are:

    The New Zealand "National Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing (Tissue Converting) (Level 2)" allows the learner to choose elective unit standards in domains that are comparable to what is required for the local qualification, e.g. safety, quality and mechanical skills. The New Zealand Unit Standards offer a number of packaging options and a choice of machine specific Units Standards, whereas in the proposed South African qualification offers similar packaging electives, but all the Finishing and Converting Unit Standards are compulsory.

    The new Australian "Certificate II in Pulp and Paper Manufacture (Finishing and Converting)" contains certain elements that acted as reference points for this qualification, although the scope of the training is more general to a manufacturing environment, with a single Finishing and Converting Machine Sysytem Operation specialisation area. The elective component of this qualification has a high IT focus, with a limited mechanical skills element.

    African countries with manufacturing facilities (including SADC countries) were searched for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries. Similar to international companies, the majority of training is provided by equipment suppliers with three to five day short training courses. The only finishing facility in the SADC outside South Africa is in Swaziland learners from this facility will be trained according to the South African qualification.

    Despite the fact that the pulp and paper industry is very well-developed in all the countries in the extreme northern areas of the world, most operators are still trained on the job with some short courses offered by equipment suppliers.

    In the USA staff is mostly trained on the specific machines they operate at the time of establishing a new mill. TAPPI (a technical association for the pulp, paper and converting industry) offers a wide range of short, technical courses for operating staff. A number of pulp and paper related university degrees are also offered in the USA.

    Canada has the largest pulp operations in the world, but because the national education system is not regulated, there are no formal national qualifications registered. As is the international trend, most operator training is done on the job. However, a privately offered "Pulp and Paper Operations Certificate" offers a seven month (post school) training course in general pulp and paper mill operations for entry level machine and utility operators. As in the USA, pulp and paper related degrees are offered by local universities.

    The Scandinavian pulp and paper industry (including Sweden, Norway and Finland) follows the same trend. Most training is done on the job, with no vocational training leading to a qualification. As in the USA there are a variety of pulp and paper degrees on offer at universities in all three these countries.

    Three year Paper Technology Diplomas are offered by several German Universities. Although these diplomas have a strong workplace emphasis, they are comparable to South African diplomas rather than vocational training qualifications. Subject content are similar to that contained in the technical part of the South African qualification, namely: industry background, machine operations and components, maintenance functions, computer skills with a technical project to complete the diploma.

    There are no comparable qualifications registered by the British NVQ or the Scottish SVQ.

    A comparison with similar international qualifications indicates that the focus of these qualifications is the same. Both local and international qualifications have a variety of business and soft skill electives supporting their core, with a wide scope of finishing and converting Unit Standards to complete the qualifications. The South African qualification includes options to address the training needs of associated diaper and femcare product manufacturers within this qualification.

    The Tissue Conversion Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The compulsory technical content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners and will increase transportability of the qualification considerably. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This introductory NQF Level 2 qualification allows a vertical progression to the NQF Level 3 Tissue Conversion Qualification and will enable the qualifying learner to progress to a supervisory role through the FET Certificate: Tissue Conversion at NQF Level 4. This qualification is suitable preparation for a wide range of technically oriented supervisory careers.

    The generic expertise obtained through this qualification will also enable qualifying learners to progress horizontally to obtain other pulp and paper qualifications on NQF Level 2 as well as a wide range of other manufacturing qualifications within, amongst others, the engineering, construction, chemical and pulp and paper industries.

    Horizontal articulation within the processing and related industries can occur with the following registered NQF Level 2 qualifications:
  • Continuous Processes: Chemical Operations.
  • ID 24253: National Certificate: Batch Mixing.
  • ID 21494: National Certificate: Dry Lumber Processing.
  • ID 21490: National Certificate: Lumber Drying.
  • ID 58515: National Certificate: Chemical Operations.
  • New draft National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations.

    Vertical articulation within the processing and related industries can occur with the following registered NQF Level 3 qualifications:
  • National Certificate: Process Plant Operation.
  • ID 58537: National Certificate: Chemical Operations.
  • New draft National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 2 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an assessor with at least 3 years experience in finishing or conversion operations will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by SAQA.
  • Have a recognised technical qualification in pulp and paper such as the NTC in Pulp and Paper (N2) or an equivalent qualification.
  • Have worked in the pulp and paper industry and be a subject matter expert in the area of pulp and paper making processes. 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  244076  Apply elementary statistical process control principles  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  13217  Collect and use information  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  246606  Demonstrate an understanding of quality principles used in the manufacturing of pulp and paper hygiene products  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  246596  Demonstrate an understanding of tissue conversion  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  13220  Keep the work area safe and productive  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  246479  Monitor and control product parameters in a manufacturing environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  13221  Perform routine maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  246605  Select, load and maintain raw material supplies for tissue conversion  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  119463  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    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 
    Fundamental  13202  Apply study and learning techniques  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  120402  Demonstrate an understanding of introductory principles of chemistry and physics  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  12465  Develop a learning plan and a portfolio for assessment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  119454  Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9268  Manage basic personal finance  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  12463  Understand and deal with HIV/AIDS  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  119460  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  9839  Apply and maintain safety in an electrical environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  117867  Managing files in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  116932  Operate a personal computer system  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  244365  Lift and move material and equipment by means of a forklift  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  246600  Operate a bagging system  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  246593  Operate a bundler system  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  116235  Operate a pendant controlled overhead crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  246604  Operate a wrapper system  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  13214  Operate and monitor a drilling machine to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  13205  Operate and monitor a lathe to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  13204  Operate and monitor a milling machine to produce simple components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
    Elective  119753  Perform basic welding/joining of metals  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12215  Read, interpret and produce basic engineering drawings  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  246592  Run a baler machine for baling tissue products  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  246591  Run a packaging machine to package pulp and paper products  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  119744  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12476  Select, use and care for engineering measuring equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12481  Sling loads  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  113877  Understand fundamentals of electricity  Level 2  NQF Level 02 


    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.