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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: |
Higher Occupational Certificate: Power Plant Electrical Network Controller |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
121156 | Higher Occupational Certificate: Power Plant Electrical Network Controller | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Development Quality Partner - EWSETA | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
- | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Higher Occupational Cert | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Engineering and Related Design | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 198 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | Regular-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Registered | EXCO 0820/23 | 2023-11-14 | 2028-11-14 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2029-11-14 | 2032-11-14 |
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 |
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Power Plant Electrical Network Controller.
A Power Plant Electrical Network Controller operates, controls, supervises and coordinates the power supply in a power generating plant by ensuring that the continuous supply of radial and integrated electrical networks is maintained. A qualified learner will be able to: Typical graduate attributes include proficiency, efficiency, and effectiveness in controlling electrical networks and ensuring continuous supply of power to the national grid. Another significant attribute would be an appreciation of the significant level of responsibility carried by the Electrical Network Controller and the stresses associated with the occupation, bearing in mind that power plants are national key points. Additionally, the Power Plant Electrical Network Controller needs to operate maturely, demonstrating problem-solving skills. Rationale: The currently registered FETC: Electrical Network Control (SAQA ID 48978) sought to empower many who were involved in electrical network control at power plants around the country. Learners who obtained the qualification were recognised on a national level for operating and controlling of radial and integrated power generating and transmission systems. Power Plant Electrical Network Controllers play a crucial role in ensuring the continuous supply of power to the country. Without these network controllers the continuity of power supply will be severely impacted and so will the South African economy. The generation of power is and will always be a national priority and the importance of training network controllers in line with the needs of power stations and latest technologies cannot be overstated. These Power Plant Electrical Network Controllers require for training at a national level so that the country's power stations can supply power without interruption. The competencies required to perform as Power Plant Electrical Network Controllers necessitate the development of a qualification that encompasses all the requisite theory, practical and work exposure. The training must address the power generation sector's employment requirements and enhance professional competence on a national level. The training also needs to build the capacity of Electrical Network Controllers to work under very demanding, stressful and constrained circumstances and to cope with dynamic, inherently dangerous and changing circumstances. They need the skills and competencies to operate react with confidence when stabilising the network in transient and difficult conditions. This qualification therefore sets the standards for Electrical Network Controllers in power generation and transmission phases. No other national qualification that provides the requisite technical skills for these electrical controllers exists. The skills and competencies of this qualification cannot be acquired through other formal or informal training offerings. The legacy qualification which was pegged at NQF Level 4 previously has now been realigned to a NQF Level 5 qualification. The complexity and level of responsibility of the Electrical Network Controller's occupation needed to be recognised at NQF Level 5 and ought to be brought in line with the trajectory on which other qualifications with the power generation sector are pegged. The person completing this Occupational Certificate: Power Plant Electrical Network Controller will also have several options within the power generation field in terms of a learning pathway. A trained Power Plant Electrical Network Controllers will ultimately benefit as an individual in terms of a career in power generation and will enhance the capacity of the sector especially considering the country's current and foreseeable power generation challenges. A capacitated electrical network controller will use their skills to ensure continuous supply of power and thus benefit society and the country's economy. The qualification will ensure professionalism, proficiency, and excellence in the control of integrated electrical networks. Typical learners will be those already employed in power generation environment and who have the drive to assume the responsibilities of Power Plant Electrical Network Controllers, and others who wish to pursue a career in the power generation environment. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill Modules and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules: Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 82 Practical Skill Modules: Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 68 Work Experience Modules: Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 48 |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Operate, sustain operability of and monitor electrical apparatus on radial and integrated networks.
2. Control electrical networks from a control centre. 3. Perform phasing and/or synchronising on high voltage integrated systems. 4. Maintain continuity of supply of electricity to the national grid and for local reticulation. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Operate, sustain operability of and monitor electrical apparatus on radial and integrated networks. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Control electrical networks from a control centre. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Perform phasing and/or synchronising on high voltage integrated systems. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Maintain continuity of supply of electricity to the national grid and for local reticulation. Integrated Assessment Formative Assessment: The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment. Integrated Assessment Formative Assessment: The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment. Summative Assessment: An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The assessment will be conducted through using an integrated assessment model consisting of written and practical tasks at a centralised accredited assessment centre, by assessors registered with the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) within a period of 1 day. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
An international comparability study is undertaken to identify qualifications similar to this qualification in terms of scope, cognitive levels and content of the curricula. In essence, the purpose of this exercise is to compare the Power Plant Electrical Network Controller qualification against qualifications in two other countries, namely, New Zealand and India.
An analysis of the qualifications or training programmes in these countries show a significant level of similarities in many respects between this qualification and those in countries identified for comparing purposes. New Zealand The New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Power Technician) (Level 5) with optional strands in Communications Systems, Generation, Metering, Transmission, and Distribution is a Level 5 qualification that carries 135 - 190 credits, depending on the strand the learner chooses. The Generation Strand is relevant to this qualification. This qualification is suitable for people who are currently employed in the electricity supply industry. They may be changing their career path from elsewhere in the electricity supply industry. This qualification is designed to provide the electricity supply industry with Power Technician graduates who have sufficient technical and theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experience to work safely to industry practices. The optional strands recognise specialist skills and knowledge specific to specialised roles and contexts within the power technician sector of the electricity supply industry. Qualified learners of this qualification will be able to: This qualification is offered by Transpower New Zealand Limited, one of three training institutions. Similarities: The South African Power Plant Electrical Network Controller qualification compares quite favourably with the New Zealand qualification outlined above. There is extensive overlap between the two major core courses which carry 135 credits. Differences: The New Zealand qualification has many elective strands - like the elective streams of the legacy qualifications. The South African qualification, however, remains focussed on the core and includes a significant workplace experience component. India The Post Diploma Course in Thermal Power Plant (O&M) is a practical-oriented course, imparted with on-job practice at power plants. The qualification is offered by the Central Board of Irrigation & Power (CBIP), based in New Delhi. The duration of the course would be 52 weeks, having two semesters and comprising classroom sessions as well as on-the-job training. The students must attend the on-job practice sessions in power plants, substations etc. At the end of the course, two weeks Simulator Training will be arranged in the simulator having latest state-of-the-art technology. Some of the modules offered during the course which are shared by the South African qualification are listed below. The duration of the module is given in brackets, in weeks. First Semester Second Semester Similarities: The South African Power Plant Electrical Network Controller qualification compares quite favourably with the qualification outlined above. There is extensive overlap in the major modules like Power Plant Familiarization, Power Plant Operation, Rotational On-Job Training (Operation), Control and Instrumentation and Power Plant Performance, Efficiency & Monitoring, and Protections on the plant. Differences: The Indian qualification has some modules like Power Plant Chemistry, Metallurgy, NDT & Welding, Maintenance Planning & Cost Control and Maintenance Practice & Inspection that are not part of the South African qualification. Conclusion Both the above-mentioned qualifications compare relatively well with the South African qualification. ARTICULATION OPTIONS This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical, horizontal, and diagonal articulation. Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
NOTES |
Qualifying for External Assessment:
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable. Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements: Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers: Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The curriculum title and code are Power Plant Electrical Network Controller (311302-001-00-00). Encompassed Trades: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP): LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION None |
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. |
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. |