Perishable Goods Replenisher

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Perishable Goods Replenisher. A qualified learner will be able to: • Handle, move and display perishable goods according to produce requirements and maintain cold chain standards to minimise stock shrinkage • Prevent contamination and comply with safety and hygiene requirements in the perishable goods section

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 exempted from modules through RPL. • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. 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. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 2 qualification.

Cold chain principles and compliance with food safety requirements in the perishable goods department of wholesalers and retailers are becoming increasingly crucial to customer. Efficient food cold chain logistics improve the shelf life of food. Wholesale and Retail outlets undergo regular external audits to ensure compliance with legislation and international standards, and non-compliance has a detrimental effect on the profitability and existence of such outlets. Within this context, it is critical for wholesale and retail staff, specifically the Perishable Goods Replenisher, to be well trained in cold chain principles and to acquire the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain cold chain compliance ensuring that food safety requirements are consistently met and maintained. The stakeholders in various regions within wholesale and retail industry supported and endorsed development process of this qualification. The typical learners to enrol for this qualification are Shelf Fillers in retail or wholesale and retail stores as well as other employees who worked in the sector without formal recognition of skills and competencies acquired through on the job training, as well as school leavers. This qualification presents an opportunity for the learner to acquire competencies and the ability to attend to food safety and cold chain compliance in support of customer satisfaction. The competencies will prepare the learner to gain access to Perishable Goods Department Coordinator position responsible for teams and management in a wholesale or retail outlet. Qualified learners will be employed in the wholesale and retail sector at stores, which range from distribution centres, warehouse stores, supermarkets, speciality stores, department stores, spaza shops and convenience stores. The retail industry will benefit through skilled employees who are trained to maintain cold chain, improve food safety, shelf life of food product in a wholesale or retail outlet. The industry motivated for a total credit value of 25 credits. The sector is characterised by high staff turnover that presents challenges to get Perishable Goods Replenishers work-ready in the shortest possible time. The perishable goods require adherence to strict time management therefore staff can only be released for scheduled training at suitable periods. The industry confirmed that the average learner can demonstrate competence in this period of time.

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 exempted from modules through RPL. • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. 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. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 2 qualification.

• Handle, move and display perishable goods according to produce requirements.
• Maintain cold chain requirements and food safety standards to minimise stock shrinkage.
• Comply with occupational health and safety requirements.