Air Quality Analyst

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Air Quality Analyst. An Air Quality Analyst plans, develops, implements and coordinates air quality management strategies and promotes policies for the protection of human health and the environment from air pollution. A qualified learner will be able to: • Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate air quality management policies, regulations and strategies for the control of air pollution. • Analyse and execute air quality authorisation functions in accordance with the regulatory framework. • Establish and maintain systems for the collection and management of air quality information.

Air pollution and air quality management is pivoted on the Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution of South Africa. To give effect to this right, it is necessary to ensure that levels of air pollution in the republic are not harmful to human health or well-being. The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEMAQA), 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) provides an objectives-based approach to the management of air quality at different governance and operational levels and is the legislative means to ensuring that the rights to clean air are upheld. The NEMAQA framework prescribes government's roles and responsibilities across all spheres. These roles include: • Policy and Regulations Development and Implementation. • Air Pollution Strategies Development and Implementation. • Environmental Impact Management. • Air Pollution Authorisation, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement. • Air Pollution Information Management (ambient monitoring, emission inventory). The implementation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act requires specialised administration and technical capacity for government officials to fulfil their functions, roles and responsibilities, and to fully deliver on their mandate. The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act implementation also requires specialised technical knowledge in understanding legislation, air pollution control and management, strategy development and implementation, as well as enhanced knowledge in atmospheric science. Over the years, the government has undertaken a number of capacity development programmes in order to support officials in this regard. However, the training programs are ad hoc, neither accredited nor recognised in career-pathing programmes. On the other hand, environmental qualifications offered at tertiary institutions are not focused on providing the required knowledge, work experience, or practical skills that cover the scope necessary for government officials. As a result, air quality management expertise is scarce, and where skilled personnel working in government are mostly absorbed by the private sector. There is therefore an urgent need to build sector capacity in air quality specialists; air quality control officers; atmospheric emission licensing officers; compliance monitoring and enforcement officers; strengthening capacity within mandated agencies; training regulators to understand air quality and related legislation, procedures and report writing. Upon completion of this qualification, the skills levels of environmental practitioners and policymakers will be enhanced in air quality management improving the skills base of the sector, especially in local government, reducing high vacancy rates, in particular, within the public sector; and improving service delivery toward protecting the human health and the environment. The Air Quality Analyst would be able to progress to an Environmental Manager or Air Pollution and Waste Manager. The key economic benefits from this occupational qualification would be to improve the quality of service delivery in air quality management, ensuring adequate protection of the health of the poor and most vulnerable people, and effectively lessening the burden on the health care system, as well as encouraging more investment from the private sector and foreign investors in cleaner production initiatives. Learners will be able to find employment as Environmental Officers such as Air Quality Policy Analysts and Planner, Air Quality Authorisation and Management, Air Quality Monitoring and Information Management and Air Quality Officers, ultimately, managing people and other related processes. Typical learners to the qualification are those holding any NQF Level 6 in Environmental Management or related. This occupational qualification offers learners air quality management knowledge and skills. The qualification will address the capacity gaps in air quality management practitioners and policymakers. It is also intended for the youth who do not have direct access to universities and other occupational opportunities due to various social and historical factors and will accelerate entry into the labour market and reduce unemployment. This qualification was developed in collaboration with both statutory and non-statutory bodies.

RPL for access to a qualification Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. RPL for exemption of modules Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: An Environmental or Natural Science qualification at NQF Level 6.

• Demonstrate ability to manage air quality policies, regulations and strategies.
• Execute air quality authorisation functions.
• Manage air quality information management system.