Quality Controller

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Quality Controller. A Quality Controller conducts quality verification and/or validation of raw materials, work-in-progress and finished products/services to ensure compliance with legislation, standards (national and/or international), standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols and customer requirements. A qualified learner will be able to: • Conduct input, process and output quality inspections for product/service conformity to specifications and standards. • Conduct validation of product/service input, in various stages of the process and final product/service, to ensure conformance to customer specification, GMP, SANS codes and national and international standards. • Identify and investigate causes of non-conformance (process deviation and non-conforming product), identify risks to product and recommend corrective action to address non-conformance.

Globally and in all economic sectors, companies and customers focus on quality. Customers expect high-quality products and services. The consistent focus on quality results in the reduction of waste and costs and continual monitoring of resources, processes and procedures ensures the quality of products and/or services. Therefore, the rationale of quality control is to reduce costs, waste and the likelihood of liability claims emanating from field recalls, which may lead to lawsuits. This qualification aims to provide learners, education and training providers and employers with the standards and competencies required to effectively participate in quality control activities in various sectors, processes and services. Typical learners to enrol for this qualification include those with workplace experience. This qualification can be used in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without formal education or training. The qualification describes the learning outcomes (the skills, knowledge and competencies) required to effectively perform the duties of a quality controller in the workplaces of various industries and service sectors. This qualification guides education and training providers to develop learning programmes. It guides employers to identify skills gaps and develop programmes for closing those skills gaps. Knowledge and skills include the verification of conformance and identification of non-conforming products and services to ensure that products and processes meet and maintain quality standards, customer, safety and legal requirements and all other quality-related requirements of both national and international standards. This qualification is intended to cover the requirements of small, medium and large enterprises where adjustments to processes and services are subject to quality control. Traditionally, Quality Controllers check, inspect, test, verify, validate, assess and/or give feedback on the status of processes, services and/or products without providing clear direction on appropriate adjustments and/or corrective actions to be taken. Knowledge of appropriate actions allows the Quality Controller to constructively contribute to correct the process/product. This qualification will enable learners to participate effectively in the quality control activities of various sectors. It is a stepping stone in the career path of quality assurance. Competent learners can assume employment as quality controllers and progress towards quality assurers, technical quality specialists and quality managers and find occupations in quality systems and processes in various sectors, such as services, hospitality, health, manufacturing, construction, information technology, etc. The following industry associations or professional bodies were consulted to provide feedback and comment on the qualification: • South African Quality Institute (SAQI). • Southern African Society for Quality (SASQ). • South African Welding Education (SAWE).

Recognition of Prior Learning (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 results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematical Literacy Or • Occupational Certificate: Quality Inspector, NQF Level 3 with 2 years' assessed industry experience.

• Continuously and rigorously performs quality control activities during input, process procedures and output products/services, ensuring conformance with specifications, prevention of non-conformance and improvement of procedures and product/service.
• Gather, analyse and evaluate relevant in-process information, using statistical methods and trends to make recommendations for improvement.
• Formulate recommendations and remedies to address deviations and implement necessary corrective action.
• Understand, use and apply policies and procedures to maintain safety, legal compliance, quality and the environment.