Elementary occupational Certificate

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Flat Glass Forming Operator. Flat Glass Forming Operators operate machinery and equipment involved in the production of Flat Glass, cut and shape glass to desired specifications, and inspect the quality of the final product. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform glass forming operational checks. • Operate spout. • Operate bath. • Control annealing. • Deal with health and safety risks, use basic technology, and communicate effectively. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: problem solving, technical orientation, effective communication skills and efficiency.

There is a significant demand for a formal qualification tailored to the nuances of Flat Glass forming. As modern buildings architecture, automotive, and interior design witness a surge in the use of Flat Glass products, it's imperative to have a workforce equipped with the requisite expertise in Flat Glass formation. This qualification responds to glass industry needs by instituting a structured learning pathway, which ensures that operators are competently trained, guaranteeing high production standards, safety, and quality. There is a pressing requirement for a standardised qualification addressing the skills and knowledge related to Flat Glass forming. As industries evolve and reliance on sustainable packaging solutions like glass increases, a specialised workforce equipped with the right expertise becomes crucial. This qualification aims to fulfil the industry's demand by offering structured learning pathways, thereby ensuring that the workers are adequately trained, promoting efficiency, safety and quality in production. The qualification reflects the common knowledge, practical and workplace-based specific needs that learners require in Flat Glass forming production before progressing to learning at a higher level. The glass industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependent upon the efficient production and manufacturing of glass products. Achievement of this objective is largely dependent upon the competence of the people who operate glass forming equipment, recognised by this qualification. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively. Competence in glass forming production requires appropriate general and glass specific knowledge as well as the practical application of the knowledge. Expertise in operating production equipment and controlling the forming process are further requirements for competence. The knowledge, practical and workplace expertise can form a basis for further learning, particularly in the production/operational, engineering, and supervisory aspects of glass production and similar industries in the chemical and other manufacturing sectors. The following are glass forming/manufacturing and related qualifications registered on the NQF: • Occupational Certificate: Container Glass Forming Operator, NQF Level 2, 108 Credits. • Occupational Certificate: Chemical Manufacturing Technician (Glass Manufacturing), NQF Level 5, 234 Credits. • Occupational Certificate: Glass Cutter and Edgework Operator, NQF Level 2, 29 Credits. • Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming Specialist, NQF Level 04, 64 Credits. • Occupational Certificate: Glass Handler, NQF Level 2, 29 Credits. • Occupational Certificate: Glass Manufacturing Feederman, NQF Level 4, 48 Credits. • Occupational Certificate: Glass Manufacturing Process Technician, NQF Level 3, 64 Credits. • Occupational Certificate: Glass Process Operator, NQF Level 3, 180 Credits. These qualifications as developed through industry lead process, cover separate set of skills related to glass forming/manufacturing and handling than the Elementary Occupational Certificate: Flat Glass Forming Operator, . It is therefore affirmed that a similar qualification specifically for Flat Glass Forming Operators is not registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The benefits to the sector, society, and economy are that the qualification augments the Flat Glass forming sector by instituting standardised practices and enhancing the competency of its workforce. This will result in optimum productivity, minimal production discrepancies, and a consistently high product quality. Flat glass is integral to sustainable urban development, energy conservation, and innovative automotive and interior design. Proper training ensures the production of efficient and sustainable Flat Glass products that meet modern-day requirements. Skilled operators will optimize production processes, leading to reduced wastage and cost-effective production. The potential to boost exports of superior Flat Glass products and the creation of specialised job roles will invigorate economic progress. Typical learners are individuals who are keen on entering the glass forming sector. This includes school leavers, those seeking a career shift, or operating personnel working in a glass forming production environment who aim to formalise and certify their skills. This qualification will enable qualified learners to competently operate machinery and equipment involved in the production of Flat Glass, cut and shape glass to desired specifications, and inspect the quality of the final product. Consultation with stakeholders within the glass forming industry was made during the development of this qualification.

RPL for Access to Training/Exemption: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for exemption from modules: For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): • Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. • A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. • Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: • An NQF Level 1 qualification.

• Apply basic health and safety principles and concepts through on operational procedures, inspections and maintaining documentation within a managed environment.
• Safely perform spout operations.
• Safely perform bath operations.
• Safely perform annealing operations.
• Apply basic technology to effectively communicate and maintain healthy and safe work environment.