Higher Certificate in Human Resource Practices

Purpose

The Purpose of this qualification is to educate and qualify learners to take up entry level positions in human resource and payroll administration related jobs. The qualification aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to administer and conduct various human resource functions including payroll administration, against the background of labour legislation and statutory requirements.

The qualification requires learners to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical human resource and payroll administration skills and the application of these skills. The core focus of the qualification is on human resource management and payroll administration which is taught in the modules: Human Resource Practice 1A and 1B, Pastel Payroll and Payroll Administration.

Supporting modules are required to provide the background against which human resource and payroll administration are applied in business. These modules include, inter alia, Business Management and Office Administration. Business Communication and Introduction to Personal Computing will further prepare the learner to meet the generally accepted requirements of employees in modern business practice. Industrial Relations and Labour Law will provide the background against which the core focus of the programme is applied in the workplace.

The WIL (Workplace Integrated Learning) component of the programme requires the linking of all the key elements logically and demonstrated competence thereof in a simulated case study project, to refine the application of skills learned across the programme as a whole.

The curriculum contributes to the achievement of the intended outcomes by introducing basic concepts that provide the foundation and the application of theoretical skills to a broad range of practical contexts.

Rationale

Qualifying learners will be prepared to take up positions in any modern business or office environment or industry in a variety of entry level jobs related to human resources and payroll administration. This qualification will also prepare learners to pursue further studies in human resource practices. This qualification seeks to enable school leavers who do not qualify for entry into Diploma or Degree studies the opportunity to enrol for higher education studies.

The practical nature of this qualification will enhance employment prospects and will benefit employers seeking to employ knowledgeable and productive employees at the outset. In addition to an essential human resources and payroll administration skills set, the qualification provides fundamental business knowledge that learners will need to contextualise the work they will do as human resource or payroll administrators to enter the workplace.

Career opportunities include, but are not limited to

• Human Resource Officer.
• Human Resource Administrator.
• Payroll Administrator.
• Human Resource Assistant.

It is assumed that the learner would be competent in the language of instruction (English) at NQF Level 4 and the theoretical knowledge and understanding accomplished at that level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The learners who do not meet the minimum requirements can gain access to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning and credits will be granted where competency in a specific module is established by an assessor.

Access to the Qualification

The access to this qualification is granted to applicants who are in possession of

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to a Higher Certificate.

Or

• A National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 (NCV L4) granting access to a Higher Certificate.
• Learners who have attained the age of 23 and have three years' work experience and are competent in English can access the qualification.

This qualification comprises 11 modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits

• Human Resource Practices 1A, 8 Credits.
• Office Administration, 10 Credits.
• Business Communication, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Personal Computing, 5 Credits.
• Payroll Administration, 11 Credits.
• Human Resource Practices 1B, 8 Credits.
• Pastel Payroll, 8 Credits.
• Business Management, 11 Credits.
• Industrial Relations, 12 Credits.
• Labour Law, 12 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning Project, 25 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to present and communicate information reliably and appropriately within a given context.
2. Demonstrate applied competence in human resource practices and processes in a business.
3. Demonstrate applied competence in payroll administration practices.
4. Demonstrate the ability to function effectively and ethically as a team member in a business.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Appropriate grammar, syntax and punctuation in written and oral communication applications is utilised to adjust conventions to business purposes.
• Various communication techniques are used to plan and administer human resource activities within a business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The application of human resource practices and processes to generally accepted good labour practices and legislation are applied.
• Knowledge of relevant labour legislation and organisational policy requirements applicable to employee and labour contracts is demonstrated.
• The ability to apply human resource practices and principles in a business is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The ability to use a personal computer for business purposes is demonstrated.
• Industry standard software is used to administer the employee payroll in a business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The ability to function as part of a team is demonstrated.
• A solid understanding of ethical business conduct is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

The learner's competencies will be assessed using an integrated method of both formative and summative assessment. Assignments, examinations, projects, laboratory reports and a portfolio of evidence will be used in the assessment.