Higher Occupational Certificate: Architectural Draughtsperson

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Architectural Draughtsperson.

An Architectural Draughtsperson prepares technical drawings and illustrations from sketches, measurements, and other data, and copy final drawings in support of architects, engineers, and engineering technologists.

Learners will demonstrate the following key attributes: select and apply standard methods, procedures, or techniques within the field of architectural practice. They also plan and manage an implementation process within a well-defined, familiar, and supported environment.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Apply computer applications for architectural draughting purposes.
• Create legislative compliant architectural drawings.
• Apply detailing and architectural drafting techniques and calculations.

Rationale

The need for this qualification stems from the necessity to align an existing historical qualification with SAQA ID 48734 National Certificate: Architectural Technology, NQF Level 5, Credits 120. Based on sector skills plans for the Physical Planning, Design and Management sub-field, a specific need was identified to provide for greater inclusivity and access to the architectural draughtsperson profession as well as increasing the human resource base for the profession at large. The learning outcomes in this qualification provide learners with applied competence in the execution of work in the architectural industry and serves as a basis for learning towards various other qualifications at NQF Level 5. This qualification builds the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent architectural draughtsperson.

Benefits to the economy include employment of previously unemployable persons who can offer skills to several employer bodies, in the physical planning, design and management environment. 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.

Typical learners to be attracted to this qualification include both entrants into the labour market and already employed people driven to broaden their knowledge and skills to improve their competencies to practice as an architectural draughtsperson.

Successful completion of this qualification will result in the development of the learners by providing further opportunities and career progression prospects within the building and construction environment or any other sector of the economy.

Professional registration is a requirement for this occupation. Qualifying learners should register as a candidate architectural draughtsperson and perform work as guided by a recognised professional body.

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 4 qualification with Mathematics.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 311801-001-00-KM-01, Office Practice and Legal Requirements, Level 5, 6 Credit.
• 311801-001-00-KM-02, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 4, 6 Credits 6.
• 311801-001-00-KM-03, Architectural History and Theory, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-KM-04, Architectural Design, Level 6, 6 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-KM-05, Contract Documentation and Administration, Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-KM-06, Architectural Technology, Level 6, 6 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 34

Practical Skill Modules

• 311801-001-00-PM-01, Identify and Select Computer Applications and Software for an Architectural Draughting Task, Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-PM-02, Use Computer Applications to Represent 2D Designs, Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-PM-03, Use Computer Applications to Represent 3D Designs, Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-PM-04, Create All Drawings for a Double-Storey Building, Level 6, 6 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-PM-05, Prepare Compliant Contract Documentation for a Simple Double-Storey Building, Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-PM-06, Develop Detailing Drawings and Relevant Specifications, Level 5, Credits 6.
• 311801-001-00-PM-07, Perform Basic Calculations for Architectural Projects, Level 5, 6 Credits 6.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 41

Work Experience Modules

• 311801-001-00-WM-01, Processes and Procedures for Applying Computer Applications in the Execution of a Project, Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures for Creating Compliant Contract Documentation, Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 311801-001-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures for Applying Detailing and Architectural Drafting Techniques and Calculations, Level 5, 15 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 45

1. Create 2D and 3D building designs selecting and applying standard computer applications.
2. Prepare and create contract documentation that meets National Building Regulations (NBR) and local authority requirements.
3. Develop detailing drawings and specifications by applying architectural drafting techniques and perform calculations for architectural draughting purposes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO1. Create 2D and 3D building designs selecting and applying standard computer applications.

• Identify, select, and use computer applications and software (including web browsers, communication programs, architectural drawing, graphic and image editing programs, and word processing) in an architectural draughting process.
• Draw and project 2D views, elevations, and parameters to scale and construct relevant dimensions in accordance with final design requirements.
• Display 3D model in solid or surface format, and in a standard or isometric view.
• Apply graphic communication from conceptual design sketches to technologically competent instruction drawings.
• Incorporate computer technology is in presentation and communication methods for creative problem solving in the context of the built environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO2. Prepare and create contract documentation that meets National Building Regulations (NBR) and local authority requirements.

• Create contract documentation for a double-story building (including floor plans, sectional drawings, elevations, site plans) employing either a drawing board or personal computer and is compliant with all legislative and Regulatory requirements.
• Apply basic drawing and lettering techniques, basic annotation, and specifications to produce drawings and sheet layouts that comply with legislative and Regulatory requirements.
• Use lettering techniques, symbols denoting fixtures and fittings and hatching/colouring for varied material to meet specifications.
• Evaluate title block reflects information required and all specifications on layout sheets are to determine compliance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO3. Develop detailing drawings and specifications by applying architectural drafting techniques and perform calculations for architectural draughting purposes.

• Select, investigate, analyse, and apply precedents and case studies from theoretical and physical sources are in the creation of design solutions.
• Produce creative design solutions which comply with good practice relating to aesthetics, appropriate technology, planning and functionality.
• Create technological solutions reflect an understanding of the practical constraints relating to materials and methods, site constraints, legislation, and services.

Integrated Assessment Formative Assessment

The skills development provider 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 together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Assessment Summative Assessment

An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

The assessment will be conducted through a written assessment to evaluate both theory and practical skills at decentralised approved assessment sites within a period of two day. The assessment will be evaluated and moderated by assessment specialists registered with the AQP.