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: |
Further Education and Training Certificate: CNC Production Machining |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
57885 | Further Education and Training Certificate: CNC Production Machining | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes | ||||
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 | ||
Further Ed and Training Cert | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Manufacturing and Assembly | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 162 | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 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 |
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and the range of learning required to plan, set up and improve the manufacturing process, and respond to problems in a Computerised Numeric Control (CNC) production machining environment. This is the third qualification in a series for learners who want to follow a career in the field of CNC production machining, specifically in facilities which use machining and turning centres. People working in the CNC production machining field require specialised technical skills and knowledge which combine some hand skills and an understanding of machining processes with more intensive production methods, greater control over the accuracy of dimensions and the maintenance of quality standards. The primary skills that are recognised in this qualification are the ability to interpret drawings and develop CNC machining process plans, programmes and work instructions for new components, set up and qualify all the processes and identify and rectify manufacturing problems. These capabilities require an understanding of computer numerical controlled programmes and machines, issues related to quality productivity safety, health and the environment. Qualified learners will also understand: With this understanding learners will be able to participate effectively in workplace activities. Learners can be assessed on: This qualification will ensure the development of relevant skills required by an industry sector essential for economic growth and transformation. This qualification will contribute to the social upliftment and development of employees and economic growth by allowing learners who are active in the industry to gain recognition for the skills and knowledge they have acquired without having to go through a formal apprenticeship process. Rationale: The rapid uptake of new technology in the form of computerised numeric control (CNC) systems in South Africa and the emergence of South Africa as a cost-effective supplier to international markets has created a demand for people with the skills to operate, set and programme CNC equipment. In order to meet this demand in the form of learnerships and skiils programmes, the industry needs an engineering machining qualification which focuses on the understanding and use of CNC systems and statistical process control (SPC). This qualification represents a shift away from the traditional field of engineering machining which is characterised by work-to-order, low volume manufacture of components using various machining methods. The emerging industry is characterised by greater precision, higher volumes, and higher standards of quality. This qualification spells out the skills needed to operate successfully in this new field. This qualification together with the associated qualifications in the series provides a developmental pathway for the full range of activities required for production machining. The skills and knowledge required are described in a generic manner so that the changing needs of particular worksites can be met without requiring changes to the qualification or the unit standards. This is the third in a learning pathway of four qualifications in a learning pathway for CNC production machining. The pathway begins with the National Certificate in CNC Production Machining NQF Level 2 and ends with the National Certificate in CNC Production Machining NQF Level 5. Typical learners would have achieved the National Certificate in CNC Production Machining NQF Level 3. Once qualified, they would typically be responsible for initiating and maintaining production processes. They would perform a range of tasks autonomously within the context of an overall team. This role represents a recognised position in the organisation. This qualification series recognises skills, knowledge and values relevant to a workplace and requires workplace experience. It is suitable for learners who: The outcomes of this qualification combine skills and knowledge in the technical, inter-personal and business spheres, enabling the learner to perform the operational aspects of the work, function within a team context and contribute to value-adding processes within the organisation. This qualification provides learners who have gained relevant experience in the workplace with an opportunity to obtain credits through an RPL process. The qualification also forms the basis for further learning in the field of CNC production machining where the learner will be able to manage and develop manufacturing capabilities, optimise manufacturing processes and plan and cost production. The qualification, however, retains sufficient of the general engineering machining and mechanical assembly qualifications so that learners can still articulate into such qualifications. Learner achievements will contribute to the ability of South African companies to compete for work in the global economy, thus securing jobs and employment opportunities. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
The following competencies are assumed for a learner embarking on this qualification:
In addition, learners are assumed to have the following skills at NQF Level 3 in the context of CNC production machining: > Set up and initiate manufacturing processes. > Monitor and control the flow of work. > Monitor safety, health and environmental practices. > Monitor and maintain the quality of the product. These skills form the basis for determining the credit allocation in this qualification. These skills may be acquired through the National Certificate in CNC Production Machining NQF Level 3. If a learner does not have such experience, the learning time will be increased. The allocation of credits is also based on the assumption that the learner will be working towards this qualification as part of a learning programme which integrates the unit standards. Recognition of Prior Learning: This qualification may be obtained through a process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and support should be provided to assist the learner in the process of developing a portfolio. The guidelines for integrated assessment should be used to develop the RPL assessment process. As with integrated assessment, while this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes. Access to the qualification: There is open access to this qualification. A workplace is, however, a prerequisite to obtaining the relevant work experience and evidence required for the assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.
To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 162 credits as detailed below. Fundamental Component: The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in: It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3. All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory. Core Component: The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 94 credits all of which are compulsory. Elective Component: The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 36 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 12 credits. |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Interpret drawings and develop CNC machining process plans, programmes and work instructions for new components.
2. Set up and qualify all the processes. 3. Identify and rectify manufacturing problems. 4. Work as part of the manufacturing team and coach and support manufacturing personnel and learners. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: These are embedded in the unit standards which make up the qualification and are thus also reflected in the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are supported by the Exit Level Outcomes as follows: > Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes. > Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes. > Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes. > Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes. > Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes. > Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes. > Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
1.
> Range: Layout includes choice of jigs, fixtures, cutting tools. > Range: Manufacturing layout: i.e. the manufacturing sequence as per the process plan. > Range: Processes and equipment; understanding of lean manufacturing techniques; knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes (including heat treatment) and equipment principles of metal cutting (including cutting fluids, speeds and feeds); measuring methods, equipment, tolerances, finishes and fits. > Range: Complete includes all operations and instructions. > Range: Clear means language appropriate to users and correct use of terminology; all manufacturing aids are identified and specified. > Range: Engineering drawings, symbols (fits, surface finishes), relevant standards, (e.g. ISO, BS, DIN, API, SAE, IAS); using website to access relevant standards; knowledge of configuration management. 2. > Range: Specifications include remarks, redline drawings. > Range: Demonstrate statistically that the equipment will consistently produce the right quality component; calculate control limits; update data pack. > Range: Knowledge of manufacturing statistics, statistical process control, basic metrology, basic metallurgy, quality management systems applicable to his context (e.g. ISO 9000, motor industry specific QMS, armaments industry QMS); processes related to approval of the product for manufacturing. 3. > Range: Efficient and competitive: that which is within the limits of available machinery and resources. > Range: Methods of problem solving, e.g. Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams; 8-D TOPS (8 Discipline Team Oriented Problem Solving). > Range: Purpose of various types of charts; error conditions. 4. > Range: Relevant personnel include operators, supervisors, production and quality management; in small companies includes the customer. > Range: Communication includes listening to and evaluating inputs from all sources, and using the information. Integrated assessment: The integrated assessment should be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will specify how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include: Assessment of competence for this qualification is based on experience acquired by the learner in the workplace, within the particular CNC production machining context. The assessment process should cover the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the underlying concepts and principles. The assessment process should also establish how the learning process has advanced the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. The learner may choose in which language he/she 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. While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be presented if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes. Assessors should also evaluate evidence that the learner is able to perform consistently over a period of time. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
These qualifications represent the learning progression for an occupation which focuses on the machining of precision parts and components using computer numerical control (CNC). The stages of development related to CNC machining equipment are:
Machining includes processes such as cutting, boring, turning, milling and grinding. It may also include punching and nibbling. These occupations have evolved from the traditional mechanical engineering trades such as machinist, turner and tool, jig and die maker. CNC has replaced manual operations and the focus has become the repeatable precision machining of components in a production environment, often as mass-production but not excluding small batches of product. The standards for the occupation are to a large extent determined by the market for the end-product. The arms, armaments, automotive and machine construction industries are some of the primary markets for machined products. The primary drivers for the requisite knowledge and skills in the occupation are the changing technology inherent in the machinery and the ancillary equipment such as tooling and fixtures. As technology evolves so the demands of the market place increase and practitioners' knowledge and skills sets must adapt in order to achieve effective use of the equipment. The sources of this knowledge and of the training related to it, are the equipment and tooling manufacturers and suppliers. Courses at educational institutions are in general not responsive enough for all the learning needs and can, at best, only provide a broad framework. During the development process one of the participants commented as follows, 'Looking at what other countries include in their courses is fallacious - it is more about what [knowledge and skill] is required to work with the systems and technology to produce products. In the end you [must] meet customer requirements'. Furthermore, many CNC courses are not designed for occupational development on a step-by-step basis. Generally the courses assume a general knowledge of machining or engineering and build CNC knowledge and skills specific onto this. An example can be given with a 450-hour course in Sweden. The course cuts across 3 NQF levels. Other courses are design to focus on specific pieces of equipment such as a turning centre. Training processes for the occupations outlined above are varied. The following encompass some of the options: The only way to make any meaningful comparisons was to compare occupational profiles in the following way: This approach can be supported by referring to curriculum contents and course outlines. The above occupations and the related career path are similar to descriptions found in various OECD countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), eg the United States of America: Apart from CNC-specific training, there are a number of common characteristics found in most general education and training programmes. These include: In addition to these occupation-specific requirements, general requirements such as communication, mathematical literacy, safety, health and the environment, risk assessment, team skills, computer literacy and problem solving abilities are also required. A survey of a range of occupational profiles and training courses from a variety of countries including India, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada and the United States of America reveal the following features at the level of the programmer: Other aspects of this occupation relate to: Comparison with the South African NQF Level 4 qualifications: The Exit Level Outcomes map well to the occupational profile: These processes are reflected in the choice of technical unit standards for the NQF Level 4 qualification. The link to CAD/CAM has been included in the NQF Level 5 qualification. References: > http://www.nmit.vic.edu.au/courses/manufacturing/engmech_cer3_a.html > http://www.tafe.swin.edu.au/eng/ > http://domino.swin.edu.au/__CA256F56001FE705.nsf/0/3D02C44303D6F632CA25690E000A2FB8?OpenDocument&filter=D > McLennan, W (Statistician General) 1997. Australian Standard Classification of Occupations, Second Edition Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics > http://www.skillscanada.com/en/corporate/profiles/index_cncturning.php > http://www.mcbridecareergroup.com/images/pdfs/cnc_machinist.pdf > http://www.ub.bw/departments/engineering/technology_mission.cfm > http://www.bibb.de/en/9673.htm > http://www.bibb.de/de/11988.htm > http://delhigovt.nic.in/newdelhi/dept/industries/about.asp > www.learningresources.co.ke/downloads/SHE.PDF > http://fmst.gov.ng/docs/2004MinisetrialPressBriefing.pdf > http://kaplanskolan.skelleftea.se/Skrivbord/Dokument%20KP/Site%20KP/English?templates=eduPage > http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile825/ > http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/jobfamily/engineering/toolmakermachinesetter.cfm?fd=503 > http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos286.htm > http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/356.htm > http://www.btc.ctc.edu/coursedocs/Programs/pComputerizedMachining.asp > http://www.ntma.org/eweb/StartPage.aspx > http://www.i-train.org//CourseDisplay.asp?db=I&provider=C8088 > http://www.akronmach.com/cnc2.htm Country specific searches were also made for Brazil, Korea, Japan, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context within the CNC production machining environment to another. They would have to acquire the specific knowledge related to the new context and adjust their skills and values accordingly.
Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately. Holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL and placement in learning programmes. This qualification articulates vertically with the, ID 58025: National Certificate in CNC Production Machining NQF Level 5. This qualification articulates horizontally with other engineering qualifications at this level: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
Moderators for the qualification should be qualified and accredited with an appropriate ETQA.
To assure the quality of the assessment process, the moderation should cover the following: > Assessor credentials. > The assessment instrument. > The assessment process. |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:
> 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. |
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 | 243027 | Contribute to and improve quality practices in CNC machining operations | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 8 |
Core | 13254 | Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of business processes | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 10 |
Core | 14473 | Develop and produce computer aided drawings | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Core | 13235 | Maintain the quality assurance system | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
Core | 120375 | Participate in the estimation and preparation of cost budget for a project or sub project and monitor and control actual cost against budget | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
Core | 13194 | Perform statistical process control | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 12 |
Core | 14474 | Plan and schedule workflow | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
Core | 243016 | Qualify a CNC machining process | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 10 |
Core | 10981 | Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives (individuals and teams) | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 12 |
Core | 13315 | Write simple computer numerical controlled (CNC) programmes and set and operate a CNC machine | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 24 |
Fundamental | 119472 | Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 119457 | Interpret and use information from texts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 119467 | Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 119465 | Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 12155 | Apply comprehension skills to engage written texts in a business environment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
Fundamental | 9015 | Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
Fundamental | 119462 | Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
Fundamental | 9016 | Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Fundamental | 119471 | Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
Fundamental | 7468 | Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 6 |
Fundamental | 12153 | Use the writing process to compose texts required in the business environment | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
Elective | 116292 | Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of manufacturing and assembly logistics planning | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 12 |
Elective | 114877 | Formulate and implement an action plan to improve productivity within an organisational unit | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 8 |
Elective | 119187 | Monitor maintenance of plastics manufacturing equipment, tooling and services | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Elective | 13224 | Monitor the application of safety, health and environmental protection procedures | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Elective | 119257 | Produce and maintain work activity reports | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 8 |
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. |