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: Polymer Composite Fabrication 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
36154  National Certificate: Polymer Composite Fabrication 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services 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  132  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 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 
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to work effectively in the polymer composite fabrication industry and to meet the challenges of such an environment.

This qualification recognises the skills, knowledge and values acquired by learners involved in polymer composite fabrication. The chief skill that is recognised in this qualification is the ability to combine polymer resins and reinforcement materials to create a product, using a variety of fabrication methods. This capability requires an understanding of basic composites fabrication theory; engineering tools; concepts of measurement; basic engineering drawing, properties of polymeric composite materials and methods of fabricating them. Hand skills play a role in this qualification.

This qualification requires that learners qualify in basic contact moulding techniques. Contact moulding takes place in an open mould but excludes spray processes.

Qualified learners will also understand:
  • The basics of how a business functions
  • Their role in the business, i.e. in polymer composite fabrication and related activities
  • How they are affected by legislation, regulations, agreements and policies related to their particular work environment

    With this understanding, learners will be able to participate in workplace activities.

    What learners achieve in this qualification will also serve as a basis for further learning where they will further develop their skills and knowledge to include more complex composites fabrication processes and techniques, laying out and marking off of regular and irregular shapes and developing work instructions from drawings.

    Rationale for the qualification

    This is the first qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in polymer composite fabrication processes. This qualification focuses on developing skills and knowledge necessary to begin such a career.

    The polymer composite fabrication industry operates in a competitive and challenging environment. The finished fabrications have to respond to a wide variety of exacting customer and consumer requirements. In addition, the industry has to respond to international competition, on-going development of new products as the result of changing customer needs, and environmental issues.

    The fabrication of composites requires the combination of two or more different materials to form a product. What makes composites unique is that a composite material is formed at the same time as the structure itself is being fabricated. This means that the person who is making the structure is creating the properties of the resultant composite material, and so the manufacturing processes they use have an unusually critical part to play in determining the performance of the resultant structure. Composites are not like metals, where a sheet might be made in one factory and shaped into a car roof in another. With composites it all happens at once. The products are often subjected to considerable or sometimes extreme stress when in operation and the manufacturing process needs to be consistent and accurate.

    There were previously no qualifications for general industry. There were, however, two designated trades for specialist areas in the industry: transport and aerospace. This series of qualifications will replace those trades to ensure uniformity across all industries. The general industry has low barriers to entry and invests little in developing people`s skills. This, together with the ignorance of clients, has led to widely differing standards. Many products and services are safety critical in nature and there is a need to create skills standards to alleviate this problem. The qualifications have been designed in a contextual way so that a learner is accredited for applying a generic set of skills in a specific context. This means it is not necessary to write unit standards for every variation of process or material.

    This qualification forms part of a series at different levels to create opportunities for development, a career path and greater security of employment within the polymer composite fabrication industry.

    This qualification enables learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace to obtain credits through the RPL process. This qualification also forms the basis for further development in polymer composite fabrication in particular and the plastics manufacturing industry in general. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification assumes learners have a General Education and Training Certificate at NQF Level 1, or alternatively, ABET qualifications.
    If the learner does not already have such a qualification, learning in preparation for this qualification would also have to include:
  • Communication and numeracy
  • Basic concepts of science and technology

    Recognition of prior learning

    This qualification may be obtained through RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of composite fabrication methods and an ability to produce simple components that meet quality and output requirements, working safely and in an environmentally aware manner.

    2. Identify composites materials used in the fabrication process, describe their characteristics and applications and relate them to the fabrication process and end use.

    3. Demonstrate an ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and sketches as used in polymer composite fabrication.

    4. Demonstrate an ability to select, use and care for hand tools, measuring and composite fabrication equipment and consumables.

    5. Work effectively with others, understand own role in the organisation and understand the purpose of the organisation in the economy of the country.

    6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate with peers and members of supervisory / management levels by summarising information and expressing opinions on given information in spoken form. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Output and quality requirements are met
  • Safe working practices are adhered to
  • Can respond appropriately to questions and discuss issues related to the theoretical principles of composite fabrication, the various fabrication methods and the functioning of equipment/machinery
  • Ratios of materials are calculated, measured and mixed correctly
  • Adjustments or responses are made according to an assessment of the changes in the working environment
    2.
  • Correct terminology is understood and used
  • All key materials are identified
  • Properties of the materials are described in relation to their function and purpose
  • Can respond appropriately to questions and discuss issues related to the common applications and methods of fabricating using composite materials
    3.
  • Components to be fabricated are identified
  • Material and construction requirements and the fabrication sequence is determined from the engineering drawing or sketch
  • Common symbols are understood and explained
  • Can respond appropriately to questions and discuss issues related to engineering drawing concepts and material lists for polymer composite fabrication
    4.
  • Equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer`s specifications
  • Tools and equipment appropriate to the purpose are chosen
  • Can respond appropriately to questions and discuss issues related to the use and maintenance of equipment
    5.
  • Received information or decisions are acted on
  • Relevant information is reported or passed on
  • Work activities and efforts do not disrupt or spoil work group efforts
  • Can respond appropriately to questions and discuss issues at the level of the qualification related to own role and the purpose of the organisation
    6.
  • Communication is effective, regular and ongoing
  • Information is clear and accurate and conveyed in a timely manner
  • Relationships with peers and supervisory / management levels are established and functioning

    Integrated Assessment

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and values achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance.

    Some assessment aspects will demand practical demonstration while others may not. In some cases inference will be necessary to determine competence, depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.
    Assessors will collect evidence of the learner`s competence by:
  • Observing the learner at work (both in primary activities as well as other interactions) or by relevant simulations
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding
  • Looking at records and reports

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

    Since this is a foundational qualification, it is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for further learning. The assessment should also ensure that the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This series of qualifications (NQF level 2 - 4) was compared to:
    1. The Certificate in Polymer Processing from the Casey Institute of Technical and Further Education in Australia, which consists of 14 modules making up 432 hours. These modules cover only the technical areas that this series of qualifications covers from Level 2 to Level 4.
    2. National Certificate in Composites (Level 4) registered on the National Qualifications Framework in New Zealand. This qualification covers a range of specific skill sets related to composites as well as generic engineering skills. The qualification also allows for 33 credits to be selected from anywhere on the New Zealand NQF

    A comparison is made difficult because:

    1. In both the Australian and New Zealand cases, neither the fundamental learning elements nor some of the generic core elements are specified.
    2. In both the Australian and New Zealand cases, the learning required crosses several levels.
    3. The Certificate in Polymer Processing does not require time to be spent producing portfolios.
    4. While both qualifications require the learner to master a wider range of polymer composites techniques than the South African qualifications do, they do not specify the level of complexity that has to be achieved. The applied competence in the South African qualifications focuses on achieving a specific level of competence required by a person working in a real-world fabrication context in which a degree of specialisation, experience and problem-solving ability is required. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context to another, within the composite fabrication environment. Learners may need to receive structured top learning when moving to a thermoplastics or Industrial rubber environment. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA
  • Any institution or learning provider offering learning towards the achievement of this qualification should be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA
  • Moderation of assessment should be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines provided for in this qualification as well as the agreed ETQA guidelines 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:
    1. Appropriate qualification in the field of polymer composite fabrication at NQF level 3 and a minimum of 2 years` experience in a polymer composite fabrication environment. The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning. Until there is a sufficient body of competent people, interim arrangements may have to be adopted.

    1. Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices
    2. Good inter-personal skills and the ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interests of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and language of the learner
    3. Registration as an assessor with the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA
    4. Any other criteria required by the MERS ETQA or any other relevant ETQA 

  • 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  110285  Demould a polymer composite product  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  12466  Explain the individual`s role within business  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  110281  Fabricate a polymer composite product  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  110289  Identify and work with material as required for polymer composite fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  13220  Keep the work area safe and productive  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  13258  Participate in work group activities  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  110279  Prepare mould for polymer composite fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  9882  Read and interpret basic engineering drawings  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  12216  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  12476  Select, use and care for engineering measuring equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8963  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  12461  Communicate at work  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  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9268  Manage basic personal finance  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  12444  Measure, estimate and calculate physical quantities and explore, describe and represent geometrical relationships in 2-dimensions in different life or workplace contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  12463  Understand and deal with HIV/AIDS  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  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  110288  Apply gel coat in patterns  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  110290  Assemble moulded components and attach fittings  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  13222  Deal with safety, health and environmental emergencies in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12484  Perform basic fire fighting  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  110278  Prepare damaged polymer composite product for repairs  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12481  Sling loads  Level 2  NQF Level 02 


    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.