Plastics Manufacturing Machine Setter

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to manufacture plastic products by enabling the learner to plan, prepare, set-up and maintain optimum machine outputs in various types of volume manufacturing processes. A qualified learner will be able to: • Remove and install mould, die and forming device and auxiliary equipment according to procedure. • Manufacture plastic products. • Conduct operational maintenance and coordinate major maintenance on machines, equipment and tools in accordance to the specifications. • Conduct trials on new mould, die and forming device and materials to determine process parameters.

This qualification is envisaged to provide learners with a foundation for further learning to be able to supervise a production line/environment. The plastics manufacturing industry is characterised by sophisticated manufacturing processes operating in a competitive and challenging environment. The manufactured products have to respond to a wide variety of exacting customer and consumer requirements. In addition, the industry has to respond to competition from imports, export markets, on-going development of new products as the result of changing customer needs, and environmental issues. This means that people working in the industry require a range of skills and knowledge to help them respond to the quality requirements and on-going change. This is the first qualification in a career path involving plastic manufacturing processes. The qualification reflects the skills, knowledge and understanding required to participate effectively in the plastic manufacturing industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations. This qualification will enable growth of the sector which will impact positively on society and the economy at large. For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification can be used in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); a process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education or training. For the new entrant or for someone from another field, this qualification provides the learning outcomes (the skills, knowledge and values credits), required to effectively participate in a structured workplace. This qualification recognises the skills, knowledge and values acquired by learners to initiate and maintain plastics manufacturing processes by: • Setting-up manufacturing equipment and processes to manufacture quality products. • Solving common problems to produce quality products to meet customer needs. • Interacting with others to achieve manufacturing objectives. This qualification also will provide learners with a foundation to be able to supervise a production line/environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the integrated assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by a statement of results. RPL for entry requirements to access the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science.

• Plan and prepare for manufacturing process.
• Plan and prepare raw materials for manufacture.
• Install mould, die or forming device safely.
• Safely set-up, programme, start-up, optimise and shut-down the machine and auxiliary equipment.
• Remove mould, die or forming device safely.
• Conduct operational maintenance on machines and auxiliary equipment.