Higher Occupational Certificate: Architectural Draughtsperson

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Architectural Draughtsperson. An Architectural Draughtsperson prepares technical drawings and illustrations from sketches, measurements, and other data, and copy final drawings in support of architects, engineers, and engineering technologists. Learners will demonstrate the following key attributes: select and apply standard methods, procedures, or techniques within the field of architectural practice. They also plan and manage an implementation process within a well-defined, familiar, and supported environment. A qualified learner will be able to: • Apply computer applications for architectural draughting purposes. • Create legislative compliant architectural drawings. • Apply detailing and architectural drafting techniques and calculations.

The need for this qualification stems from the necessity to align an existing historical qualification with SAQA ID 48734 National Certificate: Architectural Technology, NQF Level 5, Credits 120. Based on sector skills plans for the Physical Planning, Design and Management sub-field, a specific need was identified to provide for greater inclusivity and access to the architectural draughtsperson profession as well as increasing the human resource base for the profession at large. The learning outcomes in this qualification provide learners with applied competence in the execution of work in the architectural industry and serves as a basis for learning towards various other qualifications at NQF Level 5. This qualification builds the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent architectural draughtsperson. Benefits to the economy include employment of previously unemployable persons who can offer skills to several employer bodies, in the physical planning, design and management environment. As a contribution to socio-economic transformation, learners will be able to undergo RPL-assessment, thereby receiving recognition for previous learning and experience. The employability and career prospects of learners holding this qualification will be enhanced. Typical learners to be attracted to this qualification include both entrants into the labour market and already employed people driven to broaden their knowledge and skills to improve their competencies to practice as an architectural draughtsperson. Successful completion of this qualification will result in the development of the learners by providing further opportunities and career progression prospects within the building and construction environment or any other sector of the economy. Professional registration is a requirement for this occupation. Qualifying learners should register as a candidate architectural draughtsperson and perform work as guided by a recognised professional body.

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 credited for 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. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics.

• Create 2D and 3D building designs selecting and applying standard computer applications.
• Prepare and create contract documentation that meets National Building Regulations (NBR) and local authority requirements.
• Develop detailing drawings and specifications by applying architectural drafting techniques and perform calculations for architectural draughting purposes.