Industrial Thermoprocessing Gas Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Industrial Thermoprocessing Gas Technician. Industrial Thermoprocessing Gas Technicians install, construct, inspect, maintain, repair and commission industrial Thermoprocessing gas installations which comply with safety and other legal requirements. (Thermoprocessing is applicable to natural-, bio- or liquefied petroleum gas contexts). A qualified learner will be able to: • Construct and install thermoprocessing gas systems as per scope of work in a domestic, commercial and industrial environment. • Commission industrial thermoprocessing gas systems and conduct a handover session with the end-user on completion of the installation. • Inspect industrial thermoprocessing gas systems to detect defects and potential risks and maintain or modify the systems to achieve operational safety and optimum performance and reliability, including fault finding.

The South African gas industry is highly regulated and legislation requires gas installers to have formally recognised qualifications. It is a growing industry with an increasing demand for gas systems in domestic, commercial and industrial settings and offers a green alternative to fossil generated energy. South Africa experiences a rising energy demand and deals with a range of challenges and opportunities in the sustainable provision of energy. As Government sought accelerated growth to address the current energy crisis facing the country, it launched its ambitious gas-to-power programme. This initiative is supported by National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), South African Gas Association (SAGA), DTI and Department: Energy. The gas-to-power landscape in South Africa has moved even further forward with the recent initiative for the development of a 600MW gas-fired power plant. Current government focus includes the strengthening of regional co-operation and cross border infrastructure being vital to the success of the long-term development of gas to power. Within this context, the development and registration of the National Certificate: Industrial Thermoprocessing Gas Technician becomes a national imperative which will serve the economy and society. This qualification has been designed to meet the training needs expressed by the industrial natural, bio- or liquefied petroleum (Thermoprocessing) gas industry and will contribute towards the development of competence in the installation and maintenance of natural and biogas equipment and systems in domestic, commercial and industrial contexts. A person qualifying as an Industrial Thermoprocessing Gas Technician can be classified as a craftsman and will be equipped to follow an independent career in industrial natural, bio- or liquefied petroleum (Thermoprocessing) installations and maintenance. Many learners for this qualification are likely to be learner-installers in small independent gas companies and it is foreseen that the learners will eventually be able to independently run their own industrial natural, bio- or liquefied petroleum (Thermoprocessing) installation and maintenance operations. This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the industrial natural, bio- or liquefied petroleum gas installation industry by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the gas field. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and will contribute to progression and economic growth within the gas installation and maintenance fraternity. Typical learners who may enrol for this qualification have completed or been successfully RPL'ed for the Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner, NQF Level 4. Through the employment of competent installation personnel, employers and, in turn, the field and sub-field, will have confidence that this critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out. The qualification, the Occupational Certificate: Gas Practitioner (including its part qualifications) is registered on the NQF. This Qualification with its part qualifications prepares Gas Practitioners to operate within the compressed gas context. The Occupational Certificate: Gas Practitioner is designed to meet the training needs expressed by the gas industry for the following gas categories: flammable gases, food and beverage gases, inert gases, medical gases, oxidant gases and speciality gases and Thermoprocessing Gas Technicians operate only in the natural gas environment. Furthermore, the Thermoprocessing Gas Technician has 261 credits, thus justifying being a standalone qualification. Having said this, no similar qualification already registered on the NQF has been noted. Qualifying learners will be registered (licenced) with the relevant body based on achievement of the exit level outcomes of this qualification and relevant years of work experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access 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. RPL for Credits 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: Occupational Certificate: Commercial Natural Gas Practitioner, NQF Level 4.

• Compile a bill of materials for a legally compliant industrial thermoprocessing gas system.
• Assemble and construct an industrial thermoprocessing gas system based on volume, pressure and integrity according to gas system demand which is legal and code compliant.
• Commission and conduct a final sign-off of a legally and code compliant industrial thermoprocessing gas system.
• Conduct fault finding and take remedial action on an industrial thermoprocessing gas system to maintain safe working condition of the system.
• Comply with safety and quality industry codes and legal aspects when installing an industrial thermoprocessing gas system and working with industrial thermoprocessing gas.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the underpinning theory of gas and industrial thermoprocessing gas systems.