Refractory Mason

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Refractory Mason. A Refractory Mason builds and repairs high temperature/heat and corrosion resistant masonry structures, surfaces and vessels for industrial and commercial sites. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare the working site for repairs and new refractory installations; • Install refractory bricks and ceramic fibre; and • Install monolithic refractory materials.

This is a Trade Qualification that meets the need from industry to revise and update the existing unit standards-based qualifications and to standardise training within the refractory environment. The Refractory Mason occupation is one of the 125 listed trades. Currently, there are two historical qualifications registered towards the trade (National Certificate: Refractories Installation, NQF Level 2 and National Certificate: Refractories Masonry, NQF Level 3) that do not meet the minimum requirements to enable a learner to qualify for a Trade Test as per the Trade Test Regulations, 2014, published under the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act 97 of 1998). There is no professional or industry body associated with the occupation Refractory Mason, but various industry sectors and companies (in the metal and chemical sector as well as ESKOM) had apprenticeship schedules registered against this trade. The needs of these sectors, as well as the construction sector, are reflected in this qualification, and therefore, all these sectors would benefit from it. Prospective learners are school leavers from the technical vocational stream interested in building and construction-related work. Job opportunities would be available in a variety of sectors using high temperature/heat and corrosion resistant masonry structures. Qualified learners would benefit from increased possibilities of employment. A large number of people already working in this industry without any related formal qualification might also consider this as an opportunity to expand their scope of work and employment opportunities. A trained and qualified artisan is required for the building and maintenance of high temperature/heat and corrosion resistant masonry structures, such as furnaces, tanks, and containers. These structures are an integral part of the production process for industrial and commercial sites including steel mills, pulp and paper mills, foundries, refineries, auto plants, incinerators, glass plants, and hospitals. Qualified Refractory Masons are of critical importance for economic growth and sustainability of the manufacturing industry in South Africa and abroad. This qualification could also serve as a learning pathway for those employed as bricklayers in the construction industry to expand their field of expertise and employability and to progress to further learning opportunities and career progression into supervisory and managerial positions.

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 2 qualification with Mathematics.

• Prepare the working site.
• Install refractory bricks.
• Install ceramic fibre.
• Install monolithic materials.