Food and Beverage Packaging Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Packaging Process Operator. A Food and Beverage Packaging Operator operate multiple pieces of equipment in primary, secondary and tertiary packaging processes, operates packaging equipment and performs tasks to package food, beverage and related products by adjusting, maintaining and overseeing the equipment set up and operating parameters to ensure that quality standards and specifications are met. A qualified learner will be able to: • Receive input materials for packaging operations according to organisational requirements and specifications. • Prepare input materials for the packaging of food and related products according to organisational requirements. • Package food and related products to organisational requirements and specifications. • Controll the operation of packaging equipment and packaging of food and related products to organisational requirements and specifications.

The need for this qualification stems from the necessity to align an existing historical qualification. Currently there is one unit standard-based qualification which is SAQA ID 57694 National Certificate: Food and Beverage Packaging Operations NQF Level 3. Other than the qualification listed above that this qualification replaces, there are no similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework. There is a significant need for this qualification based on the sector skills plans for the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector, as all finished products require primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging to ensure consumer safety, effective merchandising and efficient storing and distribution. All organisations that manufacture food, household and beverage products require similar packaging. While the industry is constantly evolving there are numerous process contexts in the food and beverage industry that are automating and are experiencing significant growth, these contexts will all benefit from a qualification that reflects the latest technologies, a process required for the 21st -Century operator. Developing this qualification enhances the professionalism of a packaging operator. It demonstrates that packaging operators have undertaken a formal programme of training and assessment, and have achieved a level of knowledge, skills and work experience that is recognized by the Food and Beverage industry. This occupational qualification will improve the career opportunities of the packaging operator by providing a recognized certificate as employers are more likely to recruit and retain individuals with a formal qualification. This qualification will benefit society and the economy by enhancing citizenship, increasing social and economic productivity, providing specifically skilled and/or professional people, and transforming and redressing past inequities. Long term benefits include lateral and vertical growth opportunities for employees in food and beverage manufacturing plants and access to previously inaccessible employment opportunities at higher levels as process controllers, supervisors and production managers. The Food and Beverage industry is highly regulated, and packaging operators must adhere to strict safety and quality standards to ensure that the products they produce are safe for consumption. This qualification ensures that operators have the required knowledge and skills to maintain these high safety and quality standards. Products such as beer, wine, breakfast cereals, coffee, tea, sparkling soft drinks sweets, and chocolate require similar packaging. This qualification can provide the knowledge skills and experience for employees and potential employees across multiple fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers. Typical occupations in this area are the following: Filler Operator; Labeller; Packaging Operator; Form, Fill and Seal Packaging Operator; Palletiser Operator; Bottle washing Operator; Shrink wrapper Operator; Wrapper Operator; Washer Operator; Blow moulder operator; Palletiser Operator. It is also envisaged that learners wanting to enter employment in a food and beverage packaging plant will use this qualification, thus creating a pool of skilled operators that can advance into various other roles in the Food and Beverage Industry. This occupational qualification will improve the career opportunities of the food and beverage packaging operator. There is no professional registration needed for this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (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. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated 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 or certifying a work experience record. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • An NQF Level 2 qualification with mathematics and communication.

• Apply the fundamental theory and concepts of communication, interpersonal relations, business understanding, manufacturing, quality and food safety in the food and related products manufacturing environment.
• Understand the types of primary packaging systems and equipment in fast moving consumer manufacturing.
• Understand the types of secondary and tertiary packaging systems and equipment in fast moving consumer manufacturing.
• Operate a single stage stand-alone piece of packaging equipment in a fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing environment.