The combination of learning outcomes that comprise this qualification will provide the qualifying learner with vocational knowledge and skills appropriate to the context of production technology. This qualification provides learners with the range of learning and skills required to be able to perform a series of activities to support manufacturing, engineering and technology processes. Learners will acquire a range of skills in the identification of production parameters in manufacturing, engineering and technology industries and basic strategies to achieve them. This qualification is the first qualification in a pathway of three (3) qualifications for learners in the production technology environment.
Rationale:
As a result of an increased need for efficient and quality production processes in the manufacturing, engineering and technology field, the demand for production technology competencies has become more evident. This qualification contributes to the industries in manufacturing and related fields which will allow learners who achieve the qualification to contribute and function in areas such as production processes, systems and maintenance, quality and occupational health and safety. Learners who will typically embark on this qualification are individuals who have an interest in a career in production technology. The production technology competencies incorporated in this qualification can also be offered as support skills programmes to incumbents in any other manufacturing, engineering and technology field qualifications.This qualification will add value to a specific manufacturing, engineering and technology context by complementing contexts specific qualifications within these sectors. The supportive relationship between occupational qualifications and this suite of qualifications is embedded in the inclusion of production technology competencies that have previously not been included in mainstream production, manufacturing and technological qualifications in order to address these identified gaps.The qualifications available in production technology are either provider-based qualifications or national qualifications at NQF Level 5. There are no lower level qualifications that allow a learner access into this specific discipline. These qualifications have therefore been designed in such a way to firstly, facilitate the building of a pool of people that can choose a career in a production, engineering, manufacturing field and secondly, to allow any of the manufacturing and related qualifications to utilise the production technology qualifications as entry qualifications in these industries, since they would include the production technology competencies that these industries require; Thirdly, the qualifying learner will also gain access to further learning as a supervisor or in a managerial position within this specific production environment; and lastly, therefore have a learning pathway to access higher education programmes in this discipline. This qualification will facilitate the formalising, recognition and strengthening of a historically neglected discipline that will be able to contribute towards efficient, effective, healthy, safe and productive manufacturing, engineering and technology environments, through encompassing applied knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.
The qualifying learner will be able to:
- Communicate production and manufacturing related operational information to a variety of end users
- Optimise organisational structures, functions and processes in order to contribute to achieving production specifications
- Maintain a safe and healthy work environment through contributions made to production activities individually and in working groups
- Demonstrate an understanding of production technology practices, terminology and systems as applied in manufacturing, engineering and technology
- Apply quality standards and procedures in production activities
To enter this qualification you will require the following:
- Stable Internet Connection
- Printer and Scanner
- Minimum of 3 hours per week for studying
- A quiet place where you can study
- Grade 8