Elementary Occupational Certificate: Builder's Worker
Purpose:
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Elementary Occupational Cert
Credits
120
Sub-framework
OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
0
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Development Quality Partner - CETA
Quality assurance functionary
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
Field
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction
Subfield
Building Construction
Qual class
Regular-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2023-03-08
Registration end
2028-03-08
Last date for enrolment
2029-03-08
Last date for achievement
2032-03-08
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose of the Elementary Occupational Certificate: Builder's Worker is to prepare a learner to function as a Builder's Worker. A Builder's Worker performs routine tasks such as mixing concrete and mortar, preparing the earth for building and construction, moving and removing materials, structures and waste, and clean and store tools and equipment on building construction sites in highly structured contexts, under direct supervision.
On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to
- Use a variety of common tools and equipment to perform building construction preparation and clean-up activities when working in a disciplined manner in a well-structured and supervised environment.
- Implement good housekeeping and personal safety practices.
- Perform routine building construction, maintenance and finishing activities.
- Report information clearly and accurately.
Rationale
The need for this qualification stems from the need to align to an existing historical qualification. Based on sector skills plans for the Construction sector, a specific need was identified by the industry to provide for Builder's Workers and General Construction Workers. The learning outcomes in this qualification provide learners with applied competence in the execution of work in the building construction industry and serve as a basis for learning towards various other qualifications in Construction at NQF Level 3. This qualification introduces basic building construction skills leading to a competent semi-skilled worker, working under supervision within the building construction environment. Currently, there are no existing qualifications for Builder's or General Construction Workers registered on the NQF.
Benefits to the economy include employment opportunities for previously unemployable persons who can offer skills to a few different employer bodies, for example, construction companies and government departments where, during the construction and maintenance of physical infrastructure, such skills will be in demand. As a contribution to socio-economic transformation, learners will be able to undergo RPL-assessment, thereby receiving recognition for previous learning and experience. The employability and career prospects of learners holding this qualification will be enhanced. This qualification will thus benefit the sector, society, and the economy.
Typical learners to be attracted to this qualification include both entrants into the labour market and employed individuals driven to broaden their knowledge and skills required to organise the day-to-day activities of a builder's worker to improve efficiency. In addition, people wanting to improve the performance of construction services may also be attracted to this qualification. Learners will benefit from this qualification as successful completion will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility, and transportability within the building and construction environment or other sectors of the economy. As this qualification relates to building construction in general, it allows for career progression opportunities and further studies in other building construction areas as well as areas of specialisation within this specific environment.
Professional registration is not a requirement for this occupation. This qualification serves as a basis for learning towards various other qualifications in Construction at NQF Level 3. This qualification introduces basic building construction skills leading to a competent semi-skilled worker, working under supervision within the building construction environment.
Entry requirements and RPL
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 exempted from modules through RPL.
- Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF.
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.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- Any relevant NQF Level 1 qualification.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Work Experience Modules.
Knowledge Modules
- 831301-000-00-KM-01, Principles of Working in the Construction Industry, Level 2, 8 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-KM-02, Knowledge of Self and Team to Contribute to Team Performance, Level 2, 8 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-KM-03, Construction Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 6 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-KM-04, Health, Safety, and the Environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-KM-05, Scaffolding and Ladders, Level 2, 6 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 36.
Practical Skill Modules
- 831301-000-00-PM-01, Collect and Prepare Building Construction Materials, Tools, and Equipment, Level 2,
6 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-PM-02, Identify, Use, and Maintain Tools, Machines, Equipment, and Materials for Building Construction Activities, Level 1, 6 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-PM-03, Conduct Housekeeping and Waste Removal Activities, Level 2, 8 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-PM-04, Prepare and Use safety Equipment for Building Construction, Level 2, 8 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-PM-05, Batch and Mix Concrete and Mortar by Volume, Level 2, 6 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-PM-06, Perform Routine Building Construction Activities, Level 2, 8 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-PM-07, Conduct Finishing Operations in Various Trade Areas, Level 2, 8 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 50.
Work Experience Modules
- 831301-000-00-WM-01, Processes and Procedures for Construction Preparation and Clean-up Work, Level 2,
10 Credits.
- 831301-000-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures for Routine Construction and Maintenance Activities, Level 2, 24 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 34.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to perform building construction preparation and clean-up activities, using a variety of common tools and instruments safely and effectively as part of a construction team.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform routine building construction, maintenance and finishing activities safely in a disciplined manner in a well-structured and supervised environment.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Prepare for use building construction materials, tools and equipment and PPE, and , maintain and store them in accordance with standard operating practices.
- Conduct housekeeping and waste removal activities in accordance with health and safety requirements.
- Explain the reasons for following all health and safety procedures in construction in terms of preventing accidents, pollution, and other risks.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Remove and move materials and structures in accordance with basic procedures.
- Prepare the earth for building by digging trenches, filling holes and compacting soil in accordance to instructions.
- Conduct finishing activities related to different wet trades, carpentry and plumbing as per discipline specific requirements.
- Correctly erect scaffolding and ladders used to perform work at heights.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Integrated Formative Assessment
The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.
Integrated Summative Assessment
An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Garden Worker, NQF Level 2.
Vertical Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Landscape Gardener (Landscaping Supervisor), NQF Level 3.
- Occupational Certificate: Carpet Floor Finisher, NQF Level 3.
Diagonal Articulation
The level of the qualification does not allow for diagonal articulation into the HEQSF.
International comparability
The qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in New Zealand and by the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes - MiHaven Training in Australia.
New Zealand
The New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trade Skills (Level 2) (BCATS) is a 40-Credit qualification with a duration of 13 weeks or 4 months. The entry requirements are the New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction, and Allied Trades Skills (Level 1). This qualification is explicitly designed to provide learners with a progressive pathway into a wide range of trade-related occupations. Learners will develop the basic skills and knowledge in numerous aspects of the construction trade, which they can further develop relevant to various building, construction, and allied trades contexts. Learners will develop a flexible approach to learning through a range of skills and activities, allowing them to make informed choices on the relevant and appropriate subjects to their needs and purposes. The qualification is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning Limited. The qualification is approved by the Registered Master Builders Association of NZ Inc. and New Zealand Certified Builders.
Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to
- Show good work habits and perform safe work practices in a workshop.
- Safely operate selected portable power and hand tools.
- Have good work habits with carpentry hand tools.
- Implement construction methods to complete a task.
Qualification structure
The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
- Introduction to Building and Construction, 18 Credits
- Introduction to Construction Planning, 14 Credits,
- Construction Project, 8 Credits
Articulation
Successful graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Building Construction and Trade Skills (Level 2) can progress further by taking New Zealand Certificate in Construction Related Trade Skills (Level 3)
Similarities
- The New Zealand (NZ) Certificate and the South African (SA) Elementary Occupational Certificate: Builder's Worker are registered at NQF/NZQF Level 02.
- Both qualifications require learners who completed NQF/NZQF Level 1 qualification in a cognate field or equivalent qualification for entry requirements.
- Both qualifications develop the same graduate attributes and competences.
- Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules in which all aspects of the New Zealand Certificate knowledge components are also covered by the South African Elementary Occupational Certificate.
- The NZ and the SA qualifications articulate vertically into NQF/NZQF Level 3 in Building Construction or equivalent qualification.
Differences
- The New Zealand Certificate is offered over a period of four months full time study whereas the SA qualification takes a minimum of one-year full time study to complete.
- The NZ qualification has 40 credits while the SA qualification has 120 credits.
- The NZ qualification does not include a work experience component which contributes 28% of the SA qualification.
Australia
The Australian Certificate in Construction - Certificate I in Construction has a duration of 12 months and participants should have a minimum of four years' experience working in a relevant role and must hold a current Construction Induction (White) Card and/or a Statement of Attainment for the unit of competency CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry.
Purpose/Rationale
This qualification introduces learners to the construction industry, its culture, occupations, job roles and workplace expectations. The units of competency cover essential work health and safety requirements, the industrial and work organisation structure, communication skills, work planning, and basic use of tools and materials. The qualification is built around a basic construction project unit that integrates the skills and embeds the facets of employability skills in context.
The qualification is suited to vocational education and training (VET) in school programs or learners with no previous connection to the construction industry or relevant employment history. The qualification will allow learners to apply and practice skills to complement on-the-job training. Learners will learn to work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry, how to plan and organise work and how to undertake a basic construction project. The trade-qualified teachers will train learners to work safely and effectively and will assist them in planning and inspecting the work to ensure the highest standards.
Qualification Structure
To achieve this qualification, learners must complete 11 units which comprises 8 compulsory modules and 3 electives.
Compulsory Modules
- Undertake basic estimation and costing.
- Handle construction materials.
- Use construction tools and equipment.
- Work effectively and sustainably in the construction industry
- Plan and organise work.
- Undertake a basic construction project.
- Prepare to work safely in the construction industry.
- Apply WHS requirements, policies, and procedures in the construction industry.
Elective Modules (Select three modules from the following)
- Participate in sustainable work practices.
- Apply basic levelling procedures.
- Conduct workplace communication.
- Carry out measurements and calculations.
- Prepare simple construction sketches.
- Read and interpret plans and specifications.
- Undertake a basic computer design project.
Assessment Methods
Assessment includes observation, written assessment, questioning, Third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning.
Observation, where a trainer will directly observe learner's performance of activities in a real or simulated workplace, role play or exercise, or a demonstration of practical skills. This will occur both within the classroom environment and within the practical work placement hours.
Written assessments can take several forms including case studies, assignments, projects, workbooks, presentations, reports, reflective tasks, self-evaluation, and research projects.
Questioning could take the form of written question and answers, such as examinations or could also be spoken questions and answers.
Third-party feedback is information we gather from the people supervising learners throughout the work placement hours. This will be formally documented with a work placement observation workbook which is supplied to learners through the qualification.
Articulation
There are no specific job outcomes to this qualification, but the skills achieved will assist in successfully undertaking a Certificate II pre-vocational program or job outcome qualification or will facilitate entry into an Australian Apprenticeship.
Career and employment pathways from an apprenticeship may lead to occupational trade-related fields such as - Labourer, Builder, Carpenter, Painter, Gardener, Plumber etc.
Similarities
- The Australian and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full time study.
- The Australian qualification is similar to the South African Elementary Occupational Certificate: Builder's Worker in terms of approximate level and modules.
- Both qualifications share the same purpose and competences.
- Both qualifications are assessed by formative and summative assessment methods.
- All aspects of the Australian core components are also covered by the South African Elementary Occupational Certificate.
Differences
- The Australian qualification requires applicants who have a minimum of four years' experience working in a relevant role and must hold a current Construction Induction (White) Card and/or a Statement of Attainment for the unit of competency Work Safely in the Construction Industry whereas the SA qualification requires learners who completed the NQF Level 1 qualification in a cognate field or equivalent qualification.
- The Australian qualification consist of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no electives.
- The structure of the SA qualification is different from Australian qualification since the SA qualification consists of Knowledge Modules, Practical Skill Modules and Work experience Modules.
- The Australian qualification does not include a work experience component which contributes 28% of the SA qualification.
Conclusion
The international comparison has revealed that the South African qualification is more comprehensive and detailed than the New Zealand and Australian qualifications. The duration, purpose, exit level outcomes, articulation and qualification structure, the knowledge and practical components of the South African qualification compare well with the two international qualifications.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.
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