Surface Coatings Processor

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Surface Coatings Processor. Surface Coatings Processors manufacture surface coatings and allied products that conform to required specifications in a safe and cost-effective manner. A qualified learner will be able to: • Produce surface coatings mixes taking chemical and physical properties of substances into account ensuring product conformance to specifications. • Operate and maintain technology to achieve process optimisation and efficiency and compliance with safety regulations. • Conduct quality control of the product through sampling, testing, analysis of results and problem solving.

Advances in science and engineering both solve problems and generate new opportunities. Each technological breakthrough creates a demand for new materials, processes and technology needed to exploit it. Materials science and engineering generally, and surface coatings specifically, play a key role in commercialising laboratory breakthroughs. They enable what was previously impossible or impractical, for example by using surface coating to make light metals withstand highly corrosive and high temperature environments. Coatings also accelerate the development and adoption of new technologies. For example: pandemics such as COVID19 demanded the development of antiviral coatings for light alloys that could reduce disease transmission via metal surfaces. Surface coatings enable a much broader range of additively manufactured light metal components, enabling the approach to accelerate the production of complex parts for applications in industries such as medical, dental and aerospace. This motivates the need for suitably qualified Surface Coatings Processors to provide in the growing demand created by advances in technology. The qualification will enable new entrants to open small surface coatings manufacturing businesses. Learners can venture into different surface coatings and related products careers. More employment opportunities can be created including employee development and empowerment. In addition, society will benefit from advanced surface coatings technology in terms of clean surfaces, protection against disease and unnecessary wear and tear of assets. The use of surface coatings to finish surfaces and objects is widespread in manufacturing. Applied as thin films, these coatings provide protection, durability, and/or decoration to part surfaces. They prevent corrosion. It can not only stand up to the processing material, but also prevent standard corrosion that may occur simply because of the material the machine is made from. They keep surfaces clean. These key products are provided to and used in various industries ranging from automobiles, sea faring vessels, construction, whether steel or concrete, manufacturing of engineering tools and equipment used in mining, earth moving machines, forestry and agriculture, space communication systems, and the list can go on. It is thus imperative that the surface coatings industry has enough qualified technicians to provide in the national demand for surface coatings and this qualification would contribute immensely to this initiative thus contributing to the national economic wellbeing of the country. Typical learners targeted for this occupational qualification includes school leavers, unemployed youth and employees in the surface coatings industry without formal recognition for surface coatings competencies. No registration by a professional body or licensing is needed for the Surface Coatings Processors to operate. Typical occupations the qualifying leaner will operate in includes Surface Coatings Process Technician, Surface Coatings Operator and Quality Controller, Chemical Technician or Surface Coatings Plant Technicians (small enterprises).

Recognition of Prior Learning (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 education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • 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 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: • An NQF Level 2 qualification.

• Demonstrate understanding of the chemical and physical properties of surface coatings substances.
• Demonstrate the ability to manufacture surface coatings and/or related products to specification.
• Apply procedures and techniques to operate and maintain technology to achieve process optimisation and efficiency and compliance with safety regulations.
• Apply operational requirements to maintain health, safety and quality assurance practices in a surface coatings manufacturing environment.
• Apply processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation to interpret quality control of the product through sampling, testing, analysis of results and problem solving.