Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Collector and Sorter

The purpose of this part qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Collector and Sorter. A WEEE Collector and Sorter collects, assesses, sorts, containerises, stores, and prepares all types of WEEE for safe transport to WEEE recycling centres or facilities. A qualified learner will be able to: • Collect, record, assess, sort, containerise, store and prepare WEEE for transport. Typical graduate attributes include an appreciation of the significant level of responsibility involved in collecting, assessing, sorting, containerising, and preparing WEEE for transport. The massive challenges posed by the accumulation of WEEE and the level of pollution of the environment require people who, through their chosen occupation, will alleviate such problems experienced by society.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Collector and Sorter qualification is the first stage in the process to become a WEEE Entrepreneur. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) which is listed by the South African the government into eight (8) distinct categories and classified as hazardous (unless depolluted) comprises of, inter alia, computers, monitors, printers, white appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, electric stoves etc.) cell phones, televisions, video machines, microwave machines, toasters etc. Recent estimates suggest that at least 415,000 tons of WEEE are generated per annum in South Africa. However, of that, only about 35,000 tons of WEEE finds its way to formally registered recyclers where it is recycled in a legally compliant manner. Research confirmed that a large portion of WEEE generated in South Africa is stored and stockpiled in national and provincial government departments, business entities and households and asset disposal release strategies are currently developed by government to unlock some of these volumes safely now. Collecting, sorting, storing, containerising, and preparing WEEE for transport is very critical to the success of the WEEE Manual Dismantler and WEEE Entrepreneur. Currently, collection and sorting is happening both in informal and formal ways. Well-established recycling companies have the capacity to collect WEEE by observing all the necessary protocols, but the informal collector lacks most of the appropriate training and guidelines. However, both require formal sound and comprehensive training based on a formal qualification that will ensure the acquisition of the relevant knowledge and skills so that collecting WEEE ensures the safety of people and the environment. As the WEEE sector grows exponentially, the WEEE Collector and Sorter will be in demand and will need to be trained to perform their tasks compliantly and safe. There are two registered qualifications in the waste recycling space - the Occupational Certificate: Collaborative Recycler at NQF Level 2, the Occupational Certificate: Materials Recycler (Paper and Packaging Collector) at NQF Level 3 but the focus of these two qualifications is solely on the paper and packaging sector and not on WEEE. In essence, with the size of WEEE generated annually in the country, the need for a WEEE Collector and Sorter will become significant. This qualification is expected to enjoy substantial uptake. And as the WEEE sector grows, the economy will grow and so will the need for skilled employees. The economic and social impact of the WEEE Collector and Sorter on the WEEE sector will be substantial. Typical learners include school leavers, those collecting and dismantling WEEE in an informal environment already, and those currently in employment without formal recognition of their competencies. WEEE Collectors and Sorters can be employed in WEEE recycling companies as WEEE Collectors and Sorters or can become self-employed.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to Training/Exemption: Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) or Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence. Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: • An NQF Level 1 qualification.

Collect, assess, sort, containerise, store and prepare WEEE for transport.