Production Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Production Operator. A Production Operator carries out the activities to set up, operate, monitor and control production process plant machines and equipment, competently and safely; operation may be for a single unit, or a group of units which form a part of the manufacturing or production process; and may include marking off from engineering drawings; and/ or assembly of products and/ or components; and/ or first-line maintenance, not performed by artisans, as applicable; for production operations in the manufacturing, mining and minerals, food and beverage, chemical and energy and water sectors, as applicable. The qualifying learner will know the functioning and operating requirements for the applicable machines and equipment to achieve production targets, including health, safety and the environmental requirements and will be able to operate the plant productively. A qualified learner will be able to: • operate, monitor and control production machines and equipment; and • work safely.

Manufacturing and production are key components of the Southern African economy. The benefits of sustained production, increased generation of revenue for the economy, greater investment in South Africa by overseas investors and sustainable employment opportunities impact on the production, manufacturing, mining and minerals, chemical, energy and water and food and beverage sectors; and in the wider economy. The qualification reflects the needs of the manufacturing and production sectors, as represented by employers, employees, and training providers, for learners to develop the skills and competencies to become Production Operators. Production Operators are found in across a wide range of industries in the production and manufacturing sectors. The qualification has been developed in a generic format and the curriculum will be contextualised in the production, manufacturing, mining and minerals, chemical, energy and water and food and beverage production sectors, as applicable. As the skills and competencies have been specified generically, this qualification will be portable across a wide range of operations. This qualification will train and develop the qualifying learner with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to ensure production machines and equipment are operated productively and safely; which will improve the standard of training and assessment leading to more productive operations and improved safety; and will improve mobility of employment; most learners entering this qualification will already be employed. This is an entry level qualification and learners will qualify as Production Operators in a variety of contexts. The typical learning pathway would be Manufacturing Production Plant Operator at NQF Level 3, followed by the Occupational Certificate: Manufacturing Production Process Controller at NQF Level 4. Thereafter, progression would be to Occupational Certificate: Production Supervisor, at NQF Level 5.

Gain Access Through 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 an education institution, skills development or workplace accredited provider to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. Exemption from Modules Through RPL 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 summative assessment 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: NQF Level 1 qualification with Communication and Mathematical Literacy.

• Operate, monitor and control manufacturing production plant, equipment and machinery by applying and exercising policies, procedures, performance requirements, controls and operating standards.
• Perform work safely.