Milling Machine Operator

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Milling Machine Operator. A Milling Machine Operator operates milling machine implementing measurement, materials, and safety (MMS) requirements and conducting conventional machining operations such as facing, boring, drilling, cutting, gear cutting, slotting. A qualified learner should be able to: • Operate conventional milling machine for facing, boring, drilling, cutting, slotting.

The Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) is firmly entrenched in Government's overall policy and plans to address the key challenges of economic and industrial growth and race-based poverty, inequality and unemployment. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) incorporated the National Tooling Initiative (NTI) into the Industrial Policy Action Plan - IPAP as a key action programme for the Industrial Development. The NTI is the turnaround intervention programme aimed at the rehabilitation and growth of the Tool, Die and Mould manufacturing (TDM) Sector and has been identified by the DTI as a key programme to uplift the manufacturing industry to international standards to develop the market and showcase the niche competitive advantages and capabilities of South Africa. The aspects of Milling Machine Operator for Tooling in Manufacturing: Tools, Dies & Moulds, Jigs and Fixtures, Gauges and Metrology Equipment are core, key and critical to Manufacturing Competitiveness, as they are key Product Life Cycle Cost Drivers in terms of: • Initial Capital Investment to enable manufacturing of any new product, (Design and Manufacturing Cost of Original Tooling). • Production Cost Competitiveness (through Production Cycle Time, Reject). • Rate, Conversion Efficiency of the product to be produced. • End-product Quality standard. • Reliability of Production output and End product. • Maintenance Cost of Tooling. • Occupational health and safety. The need for revamping and updating the training capacity for the TDM sector cannot be over-emphasised and the QCTO model for provision of training received overwhelming support from the industry. In particular, the advent of this system is considered opportune to address existing problems in the industry, such as: • Improved industrial competitiveness by addressing current loss of work to Europe, China, India, and other far east countries resulting from the lack of skills availability, decline in quality standards (out-dated non-competitive technology), decline in SA TDM companies' ability to meet delivery capacity and timing requirements. • Improve the BBBEE transformation in TDM industry whereas a result of perceived distress in the sector, financial institutions and investors classify this industry sector as high risk, thus empowerment investment to date remains largely insignificant. Capacity building will address start-up SME enterprises in the sector to improve investor perception and improve chances for investment finance. • Improve the Balance of Payments through import substitution resulting from local production and manufacturing competitiveness, i.e., machine setting, tooling adjustment and tool maintenance services. The improved competitiveness will further address downstream problems like plant downtime, higher scrap rates, drop in output efficiencies, quality problems, missed supply deadlines, and increased input costs. The Milling Machine Operator is one of part-qualifications that constitute a Toolmaker. The range of typical learners that will enter this qualification are people who would like to gain access to employment in the Tool and Die Making and manufacturing industries and those with a specific interest in manufacturing and the production of tooling. This qualification resides as one of several in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments related to toolmaking and general manufacturing. It acts as feeder occupation within this context to gain access to the Toolmaker and other mechanical engineering qualification. This qualification also makes provision for people to progress to other aspects such as general manufacturing and machining, patternmaking, etc. The main benefits of this qualification for the learner are that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised with a well-structured, relevant, and current competency and have access to entrepreneurial opportunities within the mechanical engineering and manufacturing environments. Society will be served by qualified operators that not only undertake work with improved skills but are also contributing to the competitiveness of South Africa's manufacturing sector. The overall benefits for the economy would include efficient and effective competencies available to be utilised for economic growth purposes.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the part-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: The minimum entry requirement for this part-qualification is: • NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematics and Science.

1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct conventional machining operations such as facing, boring, drilling, cutting, slotting.