Melter

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner as a Melter. Melters prepare, operate, test, maintain and repair (including refractory material installations) melting equipment and system components (including water cooling systems, charge materials control and handling) for the purpose of producing quality metal castings in foundries. A qualified learner will be able to: • Plan and prepare for the operations of a melting process, at NQF Level 3. • Set up, operate, maintain and make adjustments to equipment used in a foundry melting environment, at NQF Level 3. • Manufacture molten metal for the production of metal castings, at NQF Level 4. • Solve melting operations and casting defect problems and adjust and maintain melting processes, NQF Level 4.

A shortage of Melting skills and capacity within the industry was identified as one of the major gaps within the Foundry Industry and listed on the critical skills list of the Merseta. The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are people who would like to gain access to employment opportunities in Melting, specifically working within a Foundry environment. This qualification resides as one of several in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments and makes allowance for any feeder occupation within this context to gain access to the Melter qualification. The Melter qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to other aspects, such as molten metal manufacturing casting, pouring and refractories, and furnace and related melting equipment operations and processes. The main benefits of this qualification for the learner are that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised as a qualified artisan with well-structured, relevant and current competencies and have access to skilled employment opportunities within the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments. Society will be served by qualified Melters who not only undertake work with improved skills but who also contribute to the competitiveness of South Africa's manufacturing sector. The overall benefits for the economy would include efficient and effective Melter competencies which could be utilised for economic growth purposes.

Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 3 qualification equivalent to N2 knowledge areas of Engineering Maths, Science and Engineering Drawing. 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 results 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.

• The ability to plan and prepare for the operations of a melting process.
• The ability to manufacture molten metal for the production of metal castings.
• The ability to set-up, operate, maintain and make adjustments to equipment used in a foundry melting environment.
• The ability to solve melting operations and casting defect problems and adjust and maintain the melting process.