Dry Kiln Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Dry Kiln Operator. A Dry Kiln Operator operates and manages drying systems producing uniform seasoned timber under controlled conditions. A qualified learner will be able to • Plan, prepare and stack timber for kiln drying. • Transport stacked timber to various production areas. • Operate and tend kilns to dry, prepare and season timber and other wood products. • Complete and maintain production and moisture content reports. In addition, learner attributes will include problem solving, interpreting information and communication, environment, and safety awareness.

The timber industry had its own training programmes for the training of Dry Kiln Operator; however, the programmes were not standardised. Many of these training programmes do not lead to the proficiency and competencies of the trained person and fall short of the needs of the industry, nor do the certificates of attendance help to advance them in their careers. The South African Lumber Millers Association (SALMA) previously started the development of the National Certificate in Wood Technology: Lumber Milling (Lumber Drying), but the qualification was never rolled out for application. As a result, this qualification will be of benefit to the forestry industry and in a larger context, be of benefit to the general formal and informal economy. The Dry Kiln Operator qualification development is coordinated jointly between FP&MSETA and the Sawmilling SA. The qualification will draw from number of trained and practising personnel currently serving various economic subsectors. Some of these subsectors are furniture making, joinery and construction. For optimum usage of the timber in these subsectors, the timber must be dried to specific moisture contents and quality in order to encapsulate its beauty, usefulness and longevity in the sphere of its application. The benefits from trained and qualified Dry Kiln Operators will be improved quality of products that will enhance service quality, product exportation and efficiency in product development. The new Dry Kiln Operator qualification will open the door to learners with a NQF Level 2 qualification or a Grade 10 school-leaving certificate with Mathematics to enter the field of timber drying: whether in the sawmilling, carpentry, furniture or general timber industry. There are about 100 sawmills and several small operators that could use at least one qualified Dry Kiln Operator on their staff. Equally important will be the impact of trained personnel (Dry Kiln Operator) for large joinery and solid wood furniture manufacturing companies. A learner completing this qualification will have the opportunity to articulate horizontally into Wood Processing Machine operations and other related subsectors, such as carpentry. Vertically, the qualified incumbent can train and serve as a Saw Doctor or Sawmill Manager.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Gain Access Through 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. Exemption from Modules Through RPL 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 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: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematics.

• Plan, prepare and transport stacked timber to various production sites for kiln drying.
• Operate kilns to dry as well as preparing and seasoning timber and other wood products to industry standards and production specifications.
• Complete and maintain production and moisture content reports to ascertain that timber product are dried to specifications.