Builder's Worker

The purpose of the Elementary Occupational Certificate: Builder's Worker is to prepare a learner to function as a Builder's Worker. A Builder's Worker performs routine tasks such as mixing concrete and mortar, preparing the earth for building and construction, moving and removing materials, structures and waste, and clean and store tools and equipment on building construction sites in highly structured contexts, under direct supervision. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: • Use a variety of common tools and equipment to perform building construction preparation and clean-up activities when working in a disciplined manner in a well-structured and supervised environment. • Implement good housekeeping and personal safety practices. • Perform routine building construction, maintenance and finishing activities. • Report information clearly and accurately.

The need for this qualification stems from the need to align to an existing historical qualification. Based on sector skills plans for the Construction sector, a specific need was identified by the industry to provide for Builder's Workers and General Construction Workers. The learning outcomes in this qualification provide learners with applied competence in the execution of work in the building construction industry and serve as a basis for learning towards various other qualifications in Construction at NQF Level 3. This qualification introduces basic building construction skills leading to a competent semi-skilled worker, working under supervision within the building construction environment. Currently, there are no existing qualifications for Builder's or General Construction Workers registered on the NQF. Benefits to the economy include employment opportunities for previously unemployable persons who can offer skills to a few different employer bodies, for example, construction companies and government departments where, during the construction and maintenance of physical infrastructure, such skills will be in demand. As a contribution to socio-economic transformation, learners will be able to undergo RPL-assessment, thereby receiving recognition for previous learning and experience. The employability and career prospects of learners holding this qualification will be enhanced. This qualification will thus benefit the sector, society, and the economy. Typical learners to be attracted to this qualification include both entrants into the labour market and employed individuals driven to broaden their knowledge and skills required to organise the day-to-day activities of a builder's worker to improve efficiency. In addition, people wanting to improve the performance of construction services may also be attracted to this qualification. Learners will benefit from this qualification as successful completion will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility, and transportability within the building and construction environment or other sectors of the economy. As this qualification relates to building construction in general, it allows for career progression opportunities and further studies in other building construction areas as well as areas of specialisation within this specific environment. Professional registration is not a requirement for this occupation. This qualification serves as a basis for learning towards various other qualifications in Construction at NQF Level 3. This qualification introduces basic building construction skills leading to a competent semi-skilled worker, working under supervision within the building construction environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • 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. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL. • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. 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 or certifying a work experience record. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • Any relevant NQF Level 1 qualification.

• Demonstrate the ability to perform building construction preparation and clean-up activities, using a variety of common tools and instruments safely and effectively as part of a construction team.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform routine building construction, maintenance and finishing activities safely in a disciplined manner in a well-structured and supervised environment.