Diploma in Building Technology

Purpose

This is a broad based vocationally-orientated qualification intended to prepare learners for supervisory and middle management level employment in the building industry and to enable them to provide technical and support services within the fields of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management. The purpose of the Diploma in Building Technology is to train technicians who have the ability to execute technical tasks and using and applying their knowledge and judgment in the identification and solving of construction related problems. This qualification is intended for technician level employment in the fields of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management.

Learners achieving this qualification will have the educational knowledge and skills to perform basic quantity surveying functions associated with tendering, pricing, measuring, payments and final accounts, as well the ability to perform basic construction management functions associated with construction activities on a building site. Qualifiers should, after initial supervision, be able to apply their skills and related techniques to systematically plan and manage well defined construction issues, while using appropriate terminology, style and structure to communicate effectively with superiors and subordinates and apply management concepts to projects and operations showing awareness of ethics, professionalism, safety and consideration of the social and natural environment.

Rationale

The Construction Management and Quantity Surveying professions contribute to the technological, socio-economic, built environment and environmental infrastructure of the country. The expertise, skill and knowledge of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying Technicians are required by local and district municipalities, national government departments, parastatal organisations, consulting firms and construction companies.

Qualifiers will typically work on infrastructure development projects, e.g. the planning and construction of schools, clinics, hospitals and industrial, commercial and housing developments.

Learners achieving this qualification will have the knowledge and skills to support construction site managers, construction supervisors, managers, building surveyors and quantity surveyors. Qualifiers will typically find employment in construction companies, quantity surveying consulting firms, Local Authority and Government departments, material and equipment manufacturers and suppliers. The vast construction and related industries in South Africa also provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to start their own businesses, possibly after gaining some post-qualification experience.

Qualifiers will have a pathway to enhance academic, professional and personal growth and participate in gainful economic activities that makes rewarding contributions to society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level.

The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the recognition of prior learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in the building industry and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through recognized methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognize achievement thereof.

Learners who already work in the building industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the ELOs listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

Entry Requirements

Learners who enrol for this qualification should have any of the following

• National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 and Level 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits

• Construction Management I, 20 Credits.
• Construction Technology I, 20 Credits.
• Quantity Surveying I, 20 Credits.
• Applied Building Science, 20 Credits.
• Site surveying, 20 Credits.
• Computer Applications, 10 Credits.
• Communication, 10 Credits.

Modules at Level 6, 240 Credits

• Work Integrated Learning: Building Practice, 60 Credits.
• Construction Management II, 20 Credits.
• Construction Technology II, 20 Credits.
• Quantity Surveying II, 20 Credits.
• Construction Management III, 20 Credits.
• Construction Technology III, 20 Credits.
• Quantity Surveying III, 20 Credits.
• Analysis of Pricing and Estimating, 20 Credits.
• Construction Accounting, 20 Credits.
• Structures and Concrete, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to measure building elements, items and components and the documenting of quantitative contract documents.
2. Price bills of quantities for tender purposes.
3. Forecast building and development cost.
4. Do a payment advice and final accounts on building project.
5. Perform the functions of a construction site (building) surveyor.
6. Perform the basic functions of a construction manager and project manager.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Compile, calculate and deliver building cost reports to comply with set standards.
• Compile quantitative contract documents to comply with set standards.
• Interpret the scope and cost of a structure or building in terms of manageability, income, quality and time of completion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Compile, calculate and deliver building cost reports to comply with set standards.
• Compile quantitative contract documents to comply with set standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Estimate and price building costs according to set standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Compile cost reports to comply with set standards.
• Do construction payments.
• Compile final accounts to comply with set standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Manage site operations to comply with set construction site (building) surveying standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Manage site operations to comply with set construction management standards.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

The following methods of assessment have been identified as the preferred measurement and assessment of learner competence in the assessment criteria:

• Portfolio of Evidence.
• Written tests.
• Practical tests.
• Oral assessment methods.
• In-situ (on-the-job) observations.
• Simulation.
• Structured classroom discussions and oral tests.
• On-the-job Observations.
• Role-play and/or Simulations.
• Verbal report backs (presentations).
• Working in teams (360 degrees evaluations).
• Scenario sketching Incident reports.

Summative Assessment

For the learner to be certified competent against the qualification, he/she must prove overall competence through the integration of the competencies expressed in this qualification.

• Knowledge tests, exams, case studies, projects, logbooks, workbooks.