Materials Recycler (Paper and Packaging Collector)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Paper and Packaging Collector. A Paper and Packaging Collector establishes micro, small and medium sized business operations through the salvaging of materials from industrial commercial and private establishments and re-selling the materials. The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learner with the necessary knowledge and skills in respect of paper recycling as well as introductory business management to potential entrepreneurs so that they can venture into the business environment as Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs). The focus is in promoting a culture of recycling and job creation by providing learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to: • Start their own small business. • Create efficiency in the collection, recycling and disposal of waste paper. • Ensure best practice in recycling. • Ensure that good quality paper is recovered. The qualification will also assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training for those who have been operating as a collector for a long time and for new entrants to effectively participate in the business of paper and packaging collector. Learners who are assessed as competent against this qualification will be competent to act as business owners (small business), manage and organise resources, plan and market their businesses, sort, collect and distribute recyclable material on Recycling projects focused on Materials collections of paper, plastic, metal cans, plastic bottles and glass in the packaging industry. Learners will be able to manage small recycling businesses i.e. understand, direct and coordinate pre-project planning; understand general contract documentation; implement administrative systems and be able to co-ordinate, direct and guide activities in their SMME subcontracts in a safe and cost-effective manner. A qualified learner will be able to: • Collect, sort and transport recyclable materials. • Establish a micro business for the effective collection and sale of recyclable materials. • Build a small business employing other collectors.

Recycling generally is viewed within government as an opportunity for job creation. The paper sector recognised that to accelerate job creation, small businesses, run by entrepreneurs had to be created so that those businesses could create jobs. The Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (PRASA) Entrepreneurship Course was initiated to encourage collectors of recycling materials to improve their status from that of collector to entrepreneur running his or her own micro or small business. This qualification represents a specific context of management, i.e. Paper and Packaging Collector, in this case the larger part of the life cycle of recycling and packaging industry. The qualification contributes to the development of a professional community of Paper and Packaging Collector in the Paper and Packaging Industry. The contribution to The National Skills Development Strategy is the key developmental interface between learners and new competencies to be achieved. Its contribution to socio-economic transformation is that learners would be able to undergo RPL-assessment and thereby receive recognition for previous learning and experience. The employability and career prospects of learners can therefore be enhanced by this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (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. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 1 qualification.

• Earn a living from collecting and selling recyclable materials.
• Co-ordinate a re-cycling collection operation making use of a few operators working in collaboration to improve the efficiency of revenue generation.
• Build a small business through capitalizing on the potential opportunities offered by collecting and re-selling recyclable materials.