Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as a Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operator. A Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operator performs routine operations and maintenance tasks on plastics manufacturing equipment. A qualified learner will be able to: • Monitor the conversion process. • Perform basic maintenance on tooling and manufacturing equipment. • Perform routine maintenance on manufacturing equipment. • Perform routine operations. • Perform tool, die and forming device changeover operations. • Perform loading, lifting and safe handling of dies and overhead crane.

There is a substantial demand for Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operators across various manufacturing sectors. Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operators are responsible for monitoring and reporting on efficient running of the machine to ensure that quality plastics products are manufactured. The availability of an occupational certificate will ensure training of learners who wish to qualify as Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operators. There are currently similar qualifications registered on the National Qualification Framework (NQF), however, these qualifications differ from the Occupational Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operator in terms of sector, content, products, application and the NQF levels. This qualification is designed in such a way that it provides learners with generic knowledge and skills that can be applied in a variety of plastics manufacturing processes such as injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, thermoforming, to name but a few. Competent learners will be able to move from one manufacturing context such as pharmaceutical companies, automotive components manufactures and other packing companies within different sectors. The plastics manufacturing sector is rapidly changing from a technology point of view as well as the sustainability perspective. The sector will thus benefit from operators that will perform their tasks in a resource efficient manner and to adapt to new technology. This qualification will enable an operator to be adaptable and agile in an everchanging environment. The availability of qualified Plastics Manufacturing Machine Operators will benefit societies by ensuring that recycling of plastics products is effectively and efficiently carried out and contributes towards sustaining communities. The qualified learners are potential entrepreneurs to formalise the informal recycling activities, thus formal employment expansion leading to economic growth. Qualified learners can participate effectively in the various manufacturing sectors, whether in small, medium and large enterprises. The qualification is aimed at new entrants as well as learners who have been working within the plastics manufacturing industry. Upon completion of this qualification, learners can advance their careers by taking higher level responsibilities as team leader and supervisory positions and higher qualifications such as Plastics Manufacturing Machine Setters. There is no required registration with a professional body as no professional body exists for this occupation.

• 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 1 qualification.

• Monitor the conversion process.
• Perform basic maintenance on tooling and equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance on manufacturing equipment.
• Perform routine operations.
• Perform tool, die and forming device changeover operations.
• Perform loading, lifting and safe handling of dies and overhead crane.