Falsework Foreman

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Falsework Foreman. A Falsework Foreman coordinates, inspects, and supervises the erection, modification and dismantling of falsework structures during a construction process. A falsework foreman typically works in the construction and engineering sectors, particularly on large-scale projects that involve temporary structures to support construction activities. In addition, learner attributes (including problem solving, decision making, ethics, interpreting information and communication) will be integrated in the learning process. Learners will have to prove competence of the above knowledge, skills, attitudes, responsibilities, and tasks imbedded in the exit level outcomes. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare for falsework erection activities. • Construct and maintain falsework structures. • Inspect the integrity of falsework structures. • Supervise and coordinate falsework construction operations. A competent Falsework Foreman will exhibit key attributes, amongst others, the following: • Effective communication. • Stakeholder relations and management. • Conflict resolutions. • Negotiation. • Acts and regulations. • Research skills. • Analytical and decision-making skills. • Report writing skills. • Basic auditing and assessment skills. • Calm and focused. • Accurate and precise. • Organised and efficient. • Ethical and professional.

The need for this National Occupational Certificate: Falsework Foreman stems from the fact that there are currently no registered qualifications aimed at falsework (including formwork and support work) construction. Falsework consists of a temporary structure used in construction to support a permanent structure (such as buildings and bridges) until it has gained sufficient strength to support itself. Currently, there are no SANS (South African National Standards) for Falsework and the British and EN (European Nations) Standards have mainly been adopted in industry to ensure minimum standards in the quality of work. The qualified learner who has completed the National Occupational Certificate: Falsework Foreman may operate in any of a range of occupations in different industries, such as: Construction workers, builders, machine operators, maintenance workers, painters, cleaners, mine workers, and facilitators/trainers who have to train others. This qualification is structured to allow first-time entrants into building/construction and many other industries and caters to several job advancement opportunities as the person progresses through the various exit points. Professional registration with the relevant professional body is a requirement for this occupation and the learning process. The National Occupational Certificate: Falsework Foreman will benefit a variety of industries, by providing employers with competent and certified Falsework Foremen with knowledge and skills thereby contributing to safer workplaces. The well-being of the South African economy is reliant on the creation of work opportunities in the building, construction, and infrastructure sectors. Key skills to drive these industries are in short supply, and this qualification opens the door for the inclusion of previously disadvantaged persons so that they can contribute to the growth of the economy and at the same time, build lifelong careers that will improve their lives. Qualified false workers will enhance safe working conditions on construction sites and decrease the number of incidents at height. The quality of falsework structures also directly impacts the quality and safety of the structure being supported. Construction-related accidents contribute not only to human loss and injury but also to economic losses. This qualification will thus benefit the sector, society, and the economy. Typical learners likely to be attracted to this qualification are those who have been working in the construction industry wanting to further specialise or new entrants to the industry with an interest in falsework. This qualification will contribute to the development of the learner within the construction industry by providing them with the skills, knowledge, insights and competence to supervise teams constructing and maintaining falsework in national, provincial or local construction projects. In addition, this qualification also includes two part-qualifications: • Falsework Erector, NQF Level 4. • Falsework Inspector, NQF Level 4. The part qualification provides career progression opportunities for new entrants. Learners wishing to follow such a route (first completing the Part Qualification: Falsework Erector, NQF Level 4) will be granted recognition for modules already completed through Credit Accumulation and Transfer. The typical learners who could enrol for the Falsework Foreman qualification include employees in various industries as part of the organisational legal requirements. The diagonal articulation possibilities could not be accomplished for this qualification. Furthermore, prospective youth and local community members with an interest in Falsework will also form part of the typical learners. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: • Representatives from relevant industries, including manufacturing, mining, construction, retail, and cleaning and hiring. • Regulators - Department of Employment and Labour. The Professional Body. • Subject matter experts in the Work at height industry. • Educators and trainers with experience in facilitating, assessment and moderation of Falsework. List typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate include: • Construction workers. • Builders. • Machine operators. • Maintenance workers. • Painters. • Cleaners. • Mine workers. • Facilitators/trainers who have to train others. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: • Representatives from relevant industries, including manufacturing, mining, construction, retail, and cleaning and hiring. • Regulators, the Professional Body. • Subject matter experts in the Work at height industry. • Educators and trainers with experience in facilitating, assessment and moderation of Falsework. The list of typical professions in which the qualifying learner will operate includes: • Construction Foreman - Oversees the construction site and manages the team responsible for building temporary structures such as support scaffolding, shoring, and formwork. • Site Supervisor - Manages day-to-day operations on a construction site, including the installation and maintenance of falsework systems. • Civil Engineering Technician - Assists engineers with the construction of temporary structures required for large civil projects, such as bridges and tunnels. • Project Manager - Coordinates and manages various aspects of construction projects, including temporary works like falsework, to ensure project milestones are met. • Structural Steel Erector - Works with temporary support structures, often including falsework, during the installation of structural steel components. • Construction Safety Officer - Ensures that temporary structures like falsework are constructed and maintained in a manner that meets safety regulations and standards. • Formwork Carpenter - Specializes in building and setting up formwork systems, which are essential components of falsework. • Shoring Specialist - Focuses on designing and implementing shoring systems to support excavations or structures under construction, which often involves falsework elements. • Concrete Finisher - Works on the final stages of concrete work, often using falsework to support and shape concrete during curing. These roles all involve some interaction with falsework systems, either in their design, implementation, or oversight, and require a good understanding of temporary support structures and their role in construction projects.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, 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. • 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. • For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, 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. • For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, 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 3 qualification.

Exit Level Outcomes: 1. Conduct preparatory activities for the erection of falsework within a managed environment. 2. Construct and maintain safe falsework structures applying essential knowledge, methods, procedures, and techniques. 3. Evaluate the integrity of Falsework applying essential methods, procedures, and techniques, to gather relevant information and address shortcomings. 4. Coordinate falsework operations, communicating and present information reliably and accurately.