Rubber Production Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Rubber Production Machine Operator. A Rubber Production Machine Operator operates and monitors the mixing, extruding, calendaring, assembly, curing and final inspection rubber production manufacturing machines, tools and equipment to produce specific rubber products. A qualified learner will be able to: • Operate and monitor machines which knead, mix and blend rubber and rubber compounds for further processing. • Operate and monitor machines which extrude compounded rubber to produce components. • Operate and monitor machines which calendar or produce sheets of rubber or rubberised fabric and/or steel using manufacturing processes such as rolling, cutting, splicing and bead making. • Operate and monitor machines to assemble components and materials to produce rubber products. • Operate and monitor machines to shape and vulcanise rubber using various curing techniques. • Operate and monitor machines to inspect, test and finish final rubber products.

This is an entry-level qualification within the rubber production manufacturing and assembly sub-field. The need arose within the rubber production industry to revisit the current, related qualifications that: • Minimises duplication given that the rubber production stages and processes are generic and cuts across each role holder and area of specialisation within the rubber production process. • Reflects the value chain of the rubber production process which allows for choice and the completion of recognised part-qualifications, recognising that the Rubber Production Machine Operator may not have the opportunity to work in each stage of the rubber production process. • Is actually required in the workplace where such qualifications are fit for purpose and employment thereby promoting access to employment and access to education, training and development. This entry-level qualification provides a developmental pathway for the full range of rubber production related qualifications. Further career development would be based on the learner embarking on the NQF levels of learning in rubber production and other non-rubber production qualifications based on the learner's aspirations. Options could include: • Entrepreneurial activities (starting own business). • General or technical management. • Quality management including compliance. This qualification recognises skills, knowledge and values relevant to a workplace and requires workplace experience. It is designed for learners who engage actively in rubber production machine operation activities. It is suitable for learners who: • Have attended courses and then applied the knowledge gained to activities in the workplace, or • Are already workers and have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses, or • Are participating in skills programmes and have the appropriate work experience, or • Are part of a learnership programme which integrates structured learning and work experience, or • Acquired their learning through any combination of the above. This qualification will benefit society and the economy by producing skilled employees. A skilled workforce will promote safety and efficiency in the operation of rubber production machines, tools and equipment. The qualification also emphasises the learner's role in conserving resources, in behaving responsibly towards the environment in general, and in observing all legal requirements. It will also assist the industry to meet equity targets and will contribute to the establishment of small and medium sized enterprises. This qualification will help achieve the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework as it will contribute to the full development of the learner and provide recognition for skills and knowledge achieved, thereby forming the basis for further advancement in the occupation. It will also provide a basis for further mobility and transportability across other sectors of the economy as it recognises skills and knowledge that are applicable to various other sectors.

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 result or 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: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 1 qualification.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workplace safety, health, environment, quality and housekeeping practices.
• Demonstrate an understanding on the rubber production processes, machines, tools and equipment.
• Demonstrate an understanding on the handling and storing of materials, components and products.
• Operate and monitor rubber production machines.