SAQA ID: 59099 Operate a Windows System NQF Level 02 Credits 00
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Purpose:
This qualification addresses competencies related to the occupation of an Agricultural Equipment Mechanical Artisan and is the first level of learning in the Further Education and Training band of the career. The qualification is structured to address mechanical workshop competencies related to servicing of agricultural equipment and mechanical repairs of agricultural equipment.
The unit standards in the compulsory core component of the qualification reflect the skills and competencies needed to progress in an Agricultural Equipment Mechanical Artisan career. The unit standards focus on a range of mechanical systems and components common to agricultural equipment. Qualifying learners will be competent to remove, dismantle and install complex components common to agricultural equipment and overhaul minor components which are less complex. The scope of the unit standards recognises the need for specific learning and assessment related to different mechanical systems and components. Variations in technical complexity, mechanical working principles and methods and techniques that apply to the mechanical maintenance and repair of the systems are embedded in this approach. Differentiation between removal, dismantling and installation of complex systems and overhauling of minor components enhances the employability of qualifying learners and address the needs of industry for enhanced workplace efficiencies. The approach ensures that learners at NQF Level 2 are able to perform meaningful activities at this level in comparison to an approach where learners would be strippers and fitters of components only.
The elective component of the qualification enables the learner to select a number of unit standards related to higher level document and information management on a personal computer, unit standards with a specific focus on engineering related competencies and learning related to the application of business principles. The selection of the elective unit standards will be influenced by the needs of the workplace or the career path selected by the learner. Computer technology is commonly used in many mechanical workshops and could be a natural selection by many whereas specific workplaces require technicians to be competent in minor body repairs and spray painting or the production of simple components on a lathe. The competency to apply basic business principles is introduced as a first learning component for learners wanting to establish themselves as entrepreneurs. The learner is required to select at least 20 credits from the elective unit standards included. This means that a learner will not be able to select the basket of unit standards related to the utilisation of a personal computer only. If selected, at least one additional elective unit standard will have to be selected by the learner.
This qualification seeks to address both needs and thereby enhancing the employability of the qualifying learner.
Through the establishment of a career path and the employment of competent employees who are able to perform the range of mechanical duties entrenched in this qualification, employers and in turn the field and sub-field have confidence that agricultural equipment will be efficiently and safely serviced, repaired and maintained.
Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through this career path and the associated qualifications, including this qualification. Career development, personal recognition and job satisfaction are facilitated through the learning process associated with this qualification and the qualifications that establishes this career path.
Rationale:
This qualification is part of a career path of an Agricultural Equipment Mechanical Artisan and the first level of learning in the Further Education and Training band of the career path that reflects the workplace-based needs of the agricultural equipment industry as expressed by employers and employees, both now and for the future. The agricultural equipment industry is well established in South Africa. Success in this industry is largely dependant upon the availability of competent Agricultural Equipment Mechanical Artisans, developed in accordance with a defined career path. The range of competencies and complexities associated with the Agricultural Equipment Mechanical Artisan career path can only be effectively achieved through structured progressive learning over a period of time. This qualification progressively develops the mechanical workshop competencies of learners and achieves specific focused outcomes that will enhance the employability of persons in the agricultural equipment mechanical industry.
A current scarcity is experienced by the agricultural equipment mechanical industry in these skills. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the South Africa agricultural sector meet the challenges of increased efficiencies and productivity levels.
The learners are expected to benefit by enhanced career opportunities and earning potential that will also benefit the local community and the economy.
