← Back to Qualifications

Occupational Qualification · E39

Discretionary Grant · Open

Engineering Patternmaker

QCTO Aligned Audit-ReadyMERSETA
NQF Level
NQF Level 4
Credits
541
Duration
—
SAQA ID
119643
Request Quote

Official QCTO Registry Profile

Source: SAQA / QCTO registry
SAQA ID
119643
Min Credits
541
Registered
2022-08-04
Re-registration
2025-12-31
Field
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
Sub-field
Manufacturing and Assembly

Sample Asset Preview

Curriculum Alignment MatrixCRN ZA-SDP-2026-089
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 1
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 2
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 3
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 4
Curriculum Alignment Matrix — page 5
Page 1 of 5

Overview & Scope

Programme Profile

Target Designation
Certified Engineering Patternmaker Practitioner
Competency Focus
Master specialised practical applications, safety criteria, and regulatory mandates required of a qualified Engineering Patternmaker.
Academic Weight
Full national recognition at NQF Level 4 yielding 541 credits upon successful PoE verification.
Work Opportunities
Deployment across As a qualified engineering patternmaker, you can find employment opportunities in Manufacturing, Engineering, Automotive. Your skills will be in demand across both public and private sectors, and you may also choose to work as an independent contractor or start your own business in this field. operations under MERSETA scope.
Audit Objective
Bridges operational skills deficits under the governing MERSETA quality matrix.
Value Proposition
Measurable, legally compliant skills that optimise productivity, satisfy Workplace Skills Plans (WSP), and unlock B-BBEE scorecard weight.
Introduction▾

Designed as a Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 4 worth 541 credits, the Engineering Patternmaker equips you with both theoretical understanding and hands-on capabilities. You will learn to perform complex tasks, solve real-world problems, and adapt to the demands of a dynamic work environment. This qualification is your stepping stone to becoming a confident, capable professional.

Purpose▾

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to qualify as an Engineering Patternmaker. Engineering Patternmaker construct full size engineering patterns from specific construction material such as timber, polymer (resin) or metal to produce metal castings, vacuum form tooling and tooling as a positive or negative shape for specific products used in various manufacturing industries. A qualified learner will be able to: • Inspect, plan, and prepare pattern equipment and materials for the operations of a patternmaking manufacturing process. • Manufacture patternmaking pattern equipment. • Problem-solve, adjust, and maintain patternmaking production processes.

Entry Requirements▾

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 work experience accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Be exempted 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. Be awarded credits for, or towards the qualification or part qualification. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved work experience s must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and work experience s must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 2 with Mathematics and Science.

SAQA Rationale▾

This is a reviewed qualification replacing Occupational Certificate: Engineering Patternmaker, SAQA ID: 93623. A shortage of Engineering Patternmaking skills and capacity within the industry was identified as one of the major gaps within the Foundry Industry and listed on the critical skills list of the MERSETA. The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are people who would like to gain access to employment opportunities in Engineering Patternmaking. This qualification resides as one of several in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments and makes allowance for any feeder occupation within this context to gain access to the Engineering Patternmaker qualification. The Engineering Patternmaker qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to other aspects such as working with metal patterns, wooden patterns, and resin patterns. One of the main benefits of this qualification is that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised as a qualified artisan with well-structured, relevant, and current competencies and have access to skilled employment opportunities within the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments. Society will be served by qualified Engineering Patternmakers that not only undertake work with improved skills but who are also contributing to the competitiveness of South Africa's manufacturing sector. The overall benefits for the economy would include efficient and effective Engineering Patternmaking competencies available to be utilised for economic growth purposes.

Learning Assumed to be in Place & RPL▾

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 work experience accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Be exempted 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. Be awarded credits for, or towards the qualification or part qualification. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved work experience s must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and work experience s must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 2 with Mathematics and Science.

Exit Level Outcomes▾
  • Use acquired knowledge to inspect, plan and prepare pattern equipment and materials.
  • Manufacture the patternmaking patterns equipment.
  • Demonstrate the problem-solving, adjusting and maintaining patternmaking of the production process.
  • Use acquired knowledge to inspect, plan and prepare pattern equipment and materials.

Learning Material Included

  • Learner Guide (Theory and Knowledge Modules)
  • Facilitator Guide
  • Workplace Logbook
  • Formative and Summative Assessment
  • Assessor Guide & Marking Memorandum
  • SETA / QCTO Alignment Matrix
  • Administrative & Onboarding Pack
  • Implementation Plan

Moderator-Ready Curriculum Breakdown

29 modules · 541 credits

Theory, regulatory and safety knowledge. Each row carries the registered module code, NQF level and credit weight used for formative assessment rubric mapping.

  • 652204-001-00-KM-015 cr

    Applied Mathematics and Sciences

    NQF Level 4

  • 652204-001-00-KM-0222 cr

    Metallurgy and Melting Processes

    NQF Level 4

  • 652204-001-00-KM-0310 cr

    Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation

    NQF Level 3

  • 652204-001-00-KM-045 cr

    Environment and Energy Efficiency

    NQF Level 4

  • 652204-001-00-KM-0512 cr

    Tools, Equipment, Materials and Workplace Practice

    NQF Level 4

  • 652204-001-00-KM-064 cr

    Sand Technology and Sand Casting

    NQF Level 4

  • 652204-001-00-KM-0715 cr

    Casting and Die Casting

    NQF Level 4

  • 652204-001-00-KM-086 cr

    Pattern Assembly

    NQF Level 4

  • 652204-001-00-KM-0911 cr

    Design and Cutter Technology

    NQF Level 4

  • 652204-001-00-KM-105 cr

    Information Technology for Patternmakers

    NQF Level 2

  • 652204-001-00-KM-1115 cr

    Introduction to Engineering Technology and Drawings

    NQF Level 2

  • 652204-001-00-KM-1210 cr

    Workplace Fundamentals

    NQF Level 3

Sub-total credits120
QCTO & MERSETA AlignedSAQA 119643

Qualification 119643 · Curriculum Architecture

Occupational Certificate: Engineering Patternmaker · NQF Level 4 (541 Credits)

Filter View
§ 01

Three Curriculum Pillars

120
Credits

Knowledge Modules

Classroom & E-Learning

KM-01 to KM-12 · 12 modules
  • Facilitated lectures & self-study
  • Written question banks
  • Formative comprehension checks
239
Credits

Practical Skill Modules

Simulated Line Tasks

PM-01 to PM-10 · 10 modules
  • Simulated line tasks
  • Observation rubrics
  • Structured task sheets
182
Credits

Work Experience Modules

On-the-Job Production

WM-01 to WM-07 · 7 modules
  • On-the-job rotation
  • Mentor logbooks
  • Workplace sign-offs
§ 02

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

Learner Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
Owner · Candidate
▾
1
Admin & Registration

ID, learner contract, induction pack, POPIA consent.

2
Knowledge Evidence

Written assessments & question banks — KM-01 to KM-07.

3
Practical Evidence

Task sheets, observation rubrics, assessor photos.

4
Workplace Evidence

Logbooks, mentor sign-offs, supervisor letters.

Assessor Master File
Owner · Registered Assessor
▾
5
Assessment Reports

Judgements, learner feedback, remediation agreements, appeals log.

Internal Moderation & Quality File
Owner · Moderator / SDP
▾
6
Moderation Evidence

10% sampling matrix, HACCP/LOTO compliance sheets, SDP sign-off.

§ 03

Final Accreditation Gateway

Step 1
Statement of Results

Issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider once internal moderation is signed off.

Step 2
EISA Readiness Declaration

Provider submits declaration + PoE to the Assessment Quality Partner (AQP).

Step 3
National Qualification Certificate

QCTO awards the SAQA-registered certificate on successful EISA outcome.

Learner Certified · Uploaded to National Learner Records Database (NLRD)

Audit & Compliance

Evidence & Audit Pipeline

From portfolio assembly to external sign-off — the exact route your evidence travels.

  1. Step 1

    PoE Assembly

    Learner evidence, formative records and logbook entries filed against the alignment matrix.

  2. Step 2

    Internal Assessment

    Registered assessor judges each KM/PM/WM outcome using the supplied instruments.

  3. Step 3

    Internal Moderation

    Sampling and verification of assessor decisions, with remediation loop before submission.

  4. Step 4

    External Moderation

    SETA/QCTO desktop audit and certification upload against registered credits.

Broken Standard vs i2Graduates Standard

The measurable delta between improvised material and an audit-ready suite.

Broken Standard

i2Graduates Standard

Curriculum Mapping

Photocopied guides with mismatched outcomes

12 KM + 10 PM + 7 WM modules mapped to NQF Level 4

Assessment Bank

Missing formative and summative assessments

Pre-validated assessment bank per module

Alignment Evidence

No alignment matrix — audit fails

MERSETA alignment matrix included

Facilitation

Facilitators improvise Engineering Patternmaker delivery

Facilitator scripts + learner activities per credit

Portfolio of Evidence

PoE gaps flagged in moderation

PoE templates that survive external moderation

View on SAQA

Pricing & Delivery Tiers

Base licence from R70 000

Digital Master Suite

Editable master files, licensed to your SDP

  • Learner Guide, Facilitator Guide & Assessment Suite
  • Workplace logbook + alignment matrix (editable)
  • Instant digital delivery under institutional licence
  • Free minor corrections for 12 months
Request Quote
Most selected

Turnkey Print & Bound Package

Printed, bound and couriered per learner

  • Everything in the Digital Master Suite
  • Full-colour print, wire-bound learner packs
  • Per-learner PoE folders and dividers
  • Nationwide courier with tracked delivery
Request Quote

Full Enterprise Accreditation Bundle

Assets plus accreditation support end-to-end

  • Everything in the Print & Bound Package
  • Bespoke QMS build mapped to your scope
  • Moderation dry-run + written remediation report
  • Brand & metadata integration across the suite
Request Quote

Complementary Services

Optional add-ons that harden your accreditation scope before an external audit.

Bespoke QMS Build

We author your Quality Management System — policies, procedures, records, matrices — mapped to your accreditation scope. From R18,500.

Request Quote

Moderation Consultation

External moderation dry-run on your PoE + delivery pack. Written report with fixes before your real audit. From R4,900.

Book Moderation Session

The i2Graduates Quality Guarantee

Every page of this bundle is checked for sequence and structural accuracy — no missing pages, no shortcuts. You get pre-validated assessment instruments ready to survive rigorous compliance moderation, wrapped in a curriculum your facilitators will enjoy teaching.