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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: 

Occupational Certificate: Nurseryperson (Nursery Supervisor) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93622  Occupational Certificate: Nurseryperson (Nursery Supervisor) 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - AgriSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Horticulture 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  85  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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:
The purpose of this qualification is to ensure that qualified learners will be able to:
  • Encourage team effectiveness through supervision, NQF Level 3.
  • Supervise propagation and growing-on activities to achieve the production targets of the ornamental plants of the nursery, NQF Level 3.
  • Achieve stable processes by organising raw materials and workers to achieve quantity and quality ornamental plants, NQF Level 3.

    Rationale:
    South Africa has a vibrant horticultural industry and numerous local events for the consumer, as well as the trade, are arranged. These range from talks on specific subjects to international conferences and exhibitions where South African experts are available to present papers and answer questions. These events also attract overseas horticultural experts, suppliers and gardening enthusiasts.

    This confirms the importance of horticultural aspects in the daily lives of South Africans and the positive economic effect that the sales of horticultural products and services have, being available to both the local and international markets.

    In the context of the above, it is therefore vital that the South African workforce be up-skilled to become more knowledgeable, efficient and productive to ensure the "horticultural firmament" continues shining brightly and to grow the potential of designers, installers and growers in the various sectors of the horticultural industry.

    The skills gained through this qualification will ensure that quality ornamental plants are produced and marketed to consumers.

    The qualification will facilitate job creation and self employment opportunities, while furthering the aims of economic empowerment in South Africa.

    In addition, the qualification provides the opportunity for the learner at level 3 to become conversant with the application of supervisory principles in the industry.

    One of the reasons why the above was targeted as one of the first qualifications to be developed in the primary agricultural sector was because Supervision (as part of Management) has been identified as a Scarce and Critical skill in the AgriSETA sector skills plan and as such this project is in support of the national priorities of the AgriSETA.

    This qualification provides learners with a comprehensive base of portable skills that will enable them to progress within all spheres of the horticultural industry. For those already employed in the industry, this qualification will offer learners the opportunity to hone their skills and receive recognition for their competencies.

    For those wishing to enter the industry, whether unemployed or as an Entrepreneur, this qualification offers a solid foundation in all aspects of the horticultural industry. This qualification represents a vital step in the development of a career and learning pathway of individuals, both from a vocational point of view, as well as from a learning point of view. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the integrated assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by a statement of results.

    RPL for entry requirements to access the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • A minimum of two years experience as nursery worker.
    Or
  • A minimum of two years experience as nursery team leader.
  • Literacy and numeracy equivalent to ABET 3. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Ornamental Plant Production Principles and Cultivation Practices, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Basic Nursery Production Processes and Systems, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Supervision, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • Ornamental Plant Production infrastructure, equipment and technology, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 26 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Maintain team motivation, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Organise and coordinate the implementation of the weekly production plan to achieve young plant production targets of the nursery, NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Coordinate production processes within the workflow of the nursery by organising the availability of raw material, workers, equipment and space to achieve targets within the quickest time, highest quality and least wastage, NQF Level 3, 7 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 19 Credits.

    This qualification also requires the following compulsory Work Experience Modules:
    Context 1: Production Nurseries:
  • Consistent application of production techniques and nursery processes, NQF Level 3, 13 Credits.
  • Production processes to achieve quantity and quality targets, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • Efficient movement of plants through the various growth stages in the nursery, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Control process flow and process consistency and management of ornamental plants in the various stages of cultivating ornamental plants.
    2. Maintain machinery, equipment and tools in the nursery and monitor the correct use thereof.
    3. Monitor and enhance team performance in the production of ornamental horticultural plants.
    4. Control and monitor the growing and environmental conditions of ornamental plants in a nursery.
    5. Achieve quality and quantity targets and productivity in a nursery.
    6. Communicate with team members, management through recording, reporting, giving instructions and applying social awareness on workplace information related to the production of ornamental plants. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A process flow chart is understood and possible bottlenecks are identified.
  • The flow of activities in the production process is described in terms of enhancing process consistency.
  • Resource availability is estimated and planned according to the process flow and targets.
  • Resource allocation is estimated and planned according to the process flow and targets.
  • The principles of planning, monitoring, controlling, organising are explained according to the process flow and process consistency.
  • Evaluation of activities within the process flow is identified in order to enhance stable process flow of plant material.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The role of maintenance schedules in relation to process flow consistency and break downs is explained.
  • Equipment and asset checklists are compiled.
  • Inspection checklists are compiled.
  • The importance of the calibration and correct use, correct cleaning and storage and regular inspection of equipment is explained.
  • The reason for and role of inventory monitoring and control are explained and methods are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The role of skills in team performance is explained and skills gaps are identified.
  • The role of coaching in team performance is explained and various methods of coaching as relevant to a specific situation are identified.
  • Leadership is defined and methods and application situations are identified and explained.
  • Team work is defined and the role in relation to team performance is explained.
  • Disciplinary action taken is reported on.
  • The importance of performance assessment of the work team is explained and the best method of performance assessment related to a specific situation is identified.
  • Disciplinary processes and methods are explained.
  • Methods to promote team work are listed.
  • Methods of receiving positive and negative feedback are explained and the role of feedback in team performance is explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Readings such as humidity and temperature are correctly interpreted.
  • Adjustments to settings to controls are identified to remain within parameters according to the requirements of the plants.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The importance of realistic work allocation and realistic production targets are explained.
  • Time management methods applicable to the nursery environment are identified.
  • Quality plant material and poor quality plant material is recognised and possible reasons are listed.
  • Factors influencing process quality are listed according to nursery standards.
  • The contribution of quality of process activities to achieving targets is listed.
  • Methods to increase productivity are listed and the advantages are discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The importance of communication in the workplace is described with examples of good and poor communication and the motivation thereof.
  • Methods of communicating with management, the purpose thereof and the type of information relevant to management are identified.
  • Workplace information on production and targets is analysed and interpreted.
  • A report on quality and quantity achieved is compiled from fictitious raw production data and deviations are identified by comparing the report to the weekly plan. Reasons for these deviations are given and adjustments are suggested.
  • The importance of consistent and frequent record keeping is explained.
  • The importance of the recording of daily resource use is explained.
  • Social awareness is demonstrated when communicating with team members.

    Integrated 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 external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a written assessment by registered assessors (or assessor team) with at least 3 years experience in a production nursery at an approved site. The assessor should have a horticultural qualification at NQF Level 5 or above as well as an assessor qualification recognised on the NQF. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The United Kingdom was chosen because of its long history in horticulture. In fact, the UK is overall seen as the origin of the modern horticultural foundational practice with strong ties with South Africa with its huge biodiversity. However, cognisance should be taken of the huge climatic differences.

    The qualification which could be regarded as comparable are the NPTC Level 3 Advanced National Certificate in Horticulture; NPTC Level 3 Advanced National Diploma in Horticulture; BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Horticulture and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Horticulture.

    Comparable areas are:
  • Apply supervisory skills to monitor and control the activities of a team.
  • Supervise the production and the flow of ornamental horticultural plants through the various growth stages in the nursery.
  • Identify the major soil types and their uses in plant propagation and landscaping.
  • Utilise manual irrigation systems to provide the correct application of water to plants.
  • Produce ornamental plants from stem cuttings.
  • Apply pest control practices in plant production and landscaping.
  • Utilise the principles and practices of providing plant care and nutrition for ornamental plants and landscapes.
  • Recognition of common ornamental plants and their uses. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    No feeder qualifications currently exists on this qualification sub-framework.
    No qualifications for vertical progression currently exists on this sub-framework.
    Horizontal progression will be possible to the national occupational award Nursery Person (Garden Centre Supervisor) and the national occupational award Landscape Gardener (Landscaping Supervisor) as soon as they are registered. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. 

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

    NOTES 
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.
    Foundational learning competence is a pre-requisite for the awarding of this qualification. 

    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.