Energy Advisor (Compressed Air System

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Energy Advisor (Compressed Air System Optimisation Specialist). A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct assessment and analyse the performance of Compressed Air generation, distribution, end-use and condensate recovery. • Advise on and manage system optimisation and efficiency enhancement of Compressed Air system performance, processes, and practices. • Manage Compressed Air performance programme, monitoring, and reporting. • Capacitate and maintain productive stakeholder relationships and negotiate commitment for Compressed Air system optimisation. Qualifying learners would acquire skills necessary to develop, manage and advise on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Compressed Air generation, distribution, end-use and condensate recovery within industrial facilities to improve Compressed Air system performance. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: Strategical, problem solving, creativity, methodical, technicality, analytical and procedural.

The South African energy sector faces unique challenges that necessitate specialised skills in Compressed Air system optimisation. These challenges include inefficient energy use, high energy costs, and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental degradation and economic inefficiency. The Energy Advisor (Compressed Air System Optimisation) qualification addresses these issues by equipping professionals with the skills needed to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Compressed Air systems, which are integral to various industrial processes. This qualification is critical for supporting South Africa's transition towards more sustainable energy practices. Given the country's industrial landscape, where Compressed Air systems play a pivotal role in sectors such as manufacturing, power generation, and mining, optimising these systems can lead to significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved operational efficiency. Specialists in Compressed Air system optimisation will be at the forefront of implementing technologies and practices that reduce energy consumption and costs, contributing to the environmental and economic goals of the nation. Moreover, this qualification supports South Africa's commitments under international agreements on climate change by promoting the adoption of cleaner, more efficient energy technologies. It aligns with global and national strategies aimed at enhancing industrial energy efficiency, thereby supporting sustainable development and green job creation in the energy sector. Currently there are no other similar occupational qualifications for this specific specialisation area registered on the NQF. There are a few energy related qualifications on the NQF, but they are in the HEQSF at either a lower or higher NQF Level and they are provider specific qualifications such as: SAQA ID: 73761 Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Energy Studies, NQF Level 08, University of Johannesburg. This qualification is more general in energy studies and not in energy advising with specific focus on Compressed Air systems. The current higher education qualification is also specifically focussed on sharing of principles and theory. The Occupational Qualification is more focussed on actual practice, how it should be done in an energy efficient manner. Sector Benefit: This qualification benefits the energy and industrial sectors by providing a pool of specialists skilled in optimising Compressed Air systems, leading to more efficient use of energy, reduced operational costs, and enhanced competitiveness of South African industries. Societal Benefit: By improving the efficiency of Compressed Air systems, this qualification contributes to environmental sustainability by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimising the environmental impact of industrial activities. It also promotes energy conservation awareness among industries and society. Economic Benefit: Optimising Compressed Air systems can lead to substantial energy cost savings for industries, which, in turn, can lower product costs and stimulate economic growth. This qualification fosters innovation in Compressed Air system optimisation, driving technological advancements and creating new opportunities in the green economy. The typical learners who are professionals and practitioners for this qualification are with a background in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, seeking to specialise in energy management. They are likely to have experience in the energy sector and are seeking to enhance their expertise to take on more specialised roles. These areas include but are not limited to Energy Management Experts, Energy Engineers, and Energy Auditors. Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the energy advising and management environment participated in the development of the qualification. The typical occupations related to this qualification include: • Compressed Air System Optimisation Expert. • Compressed Air System Advisor. • Compressed Air System Manager. • Compressed Air System Engineer. • Compressed Air System Auditor. • Energy Auditors. • Energy Advisor.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to Training Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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/part qualification/skills programme. 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 to exemption from modules: For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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 credits: Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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): 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/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. 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 7 qualification or equivalent with Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental or any other related fields.

• Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills of compressed air system to analyse the needs for the compressed air generation, distribution, end-use and heat recovery performance assessment.
• Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes in Analysing and advising on compressed air system performance, optimisation measures, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices.
• Review information gathered, synthesise data, and evaluate management processes in analysing and monitoring a compressed air energy performance improvement programme.
• Synthesise case study data on compressed air system performance to obtain stakeholder commitment using appropriate tools and methodologies.