Higher Occupational Certificate: Feed Miller
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
Higher Occupational Cert
Credits
170
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 - AgriSETA
Quality assurance functionary
-
Field
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation
Subfield
Secondary Agriculture
Qual class
Regular-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-01-30
Registration end
2029-01-30
Last date for enrolment
2030-01-30
Last date for achievement
2033-01-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Feed Miller.
A Feed Miller monitors and controls production processes to produce animal feeds from raw materials and ingredients in accordance with feed formulation specifications. Typical graduate attributes for a Feed Miller include: attention to detail and quality, self-discipline, results driven, teamwork, analytical and problem-solving skills.
A qualified learner will be able to
- Conduct intake, storage and reclaim of materials in a feed mill.
- Conduct mixed feed production processes in a feed mill.
- Conduct mixed feed processing operations in a feed mill.
- Direct and control the utilisation, performance and conduct of personnel.
- Plan, monitor and control the operational outputs of a feed milling unit.
Rationale
The Feed Miller qualification is designed to address the industry need for qualified persons employed as operators and first line managers (foreman, shift managers) in a feed mill. The qualification will enhance the ability of the South African animal feed industry to improve its competitiveness in highly competitive global market.
The qualification provides learning at a Feed Mill Operator level (structured as a part qualification), and progression to operational first line management level. This opens a career path and labour mobility opportunities in various mixed feed production facilities.
This qualification is essential for persons employed at operator and first line management positions who are tasked with the production of safe and quality feeds for animal consumption.
Safe feeds for safe foods are at the heart of factors that contribute to food security. This is aligned with the strategic importance of the agricultural sector as an important driver of the South African economy.
Target groups identified include those learners who didn't complete the entire formal basic education or persons who have been working as operators in mixed feed production related positions and have a desire for a formal qualification and employment.
There are no formal requirements for professional registration, membership or licencing for learners employed as Feed Miller or Operator positions. The qualification was developed in collaboration with the feed millers' industry.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL for access to a qualification
- 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.
RPL for exemption from modules
- Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from 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
- NQF Level 4 qualification.
Replacement note
This qualification replaces
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 Skill and Work Experience Modules
Knowledge Modules
- 313909-001-01-KM-01; Introduction to the Feed Milling Work Environment; NQF Level 3; 4 Credits.
- 13909-001-01-KM-02; Material Handling Equipment; NQF Level 3; 4 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-KM-03; Material Receiving, Storage and Warehousing; NQF Level 3; 4 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-KM-04; Mixed Feed Production; NQF Level 4; 6 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-KM-05; Mixed Feed Processing; NQF Level 4; 8 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-KM-06; Animal Feeds and Nutrition; NQF Level 5; 10 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-KM-07; Operational Management for Feed Millers; NQF Level 5; 20 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-KM-08; Feed Milling Process Control and Automation; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-KM-09; Feed Milling Factory Utilities; NQF Level 4; 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 68
Practical Skill Modules
- 313909-001-01-PM-01; Conduct Material Intake, Storage and Reclaim Operations; NQF Level 3; 4 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-PM-02; Attend to the Production of Mixed Feed; NQF Level 4; 6 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-PM-03; Attend to Mixed Feed Processing Operations; NQF Level 5; 10 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-PM-04; Monitor and Direct Personnel Performance and Conduct; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-PM-05; Monitor and Control Feed Milling Operations; NQF Level 5; 16 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-PM-06; Monitor and Maintain Quality Standards; NQF Level 5; 8 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 52
Work Experience Modules
- 313909-001-01-WM-01; Material Intake, Storage and Reclaim Practices and Processes; NQF Level 3; 6 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-WM-02; Mixed Feed Production Processes; NQF Level 4; 6 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-WM-03; Mixed Feed Processing Operations; NQF Level 5; 12 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-WM-04; Personnel Control and Utilisation Practices and Procedures; NQF Level 5; 6 Credits.
- 313909-001-01-WM-05; Feed Mill Operations Control Practices; NQF Level 5; 20 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct intake, storage and reclaim of materials in a feed mill.
- Demonstrate the ability to cConduct mixed feed production processes in a feed mill.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct mixed feed processing operations in a feed mill.
- Direct and control the utilisation, performance and conduct of personnel.
- Plan, monitor and control the operational outputs of a feed milling unit.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Control the operation of equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- Conduct material warehousing operations in accordance with standard warehousing practices.
- Capture production data and complete reports as specified for traceability and record keeping requirements.
- Adhere to health and safety protection measures for the specific work area as specified in standard workplace procedures.
- Monitor, act on, and report quality standards of material delivered in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
- Conduct material unloading, transfer and routing activities in accordance with product demands and workplace standards.
- Monitor and report stock levels in accordance with workplace standards.
- Release and route material to the allocated bins without cross contamination risks.
- Stock rotation requirements are met as directed by first in first out principles.
- Monitor pest control measures in accordance with workplace standards.
- Meet biosecurity standards by following standard biosecurity control protocols specified by the workplace.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Capture production data and complete reports as specified for traceability and record keeping requirements.
- Control the operation of mixed feed production equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- Apply proportioning, addition and mixing procedures to ensure that batch production standards are met in accordance with product quality and formulation specifications.
- Monitor, adjust and report particle reduction standards in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
- Adhere to health and safety protection measures for the specific work area as specified in standard workplace procedures.
- Apply feed safety standards and cross contamination prevention measures in accordance with industry standards.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Capture production data and complete reports as specified for traceability and record keeping requirements.
- Control the operation of feed processing equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
- Monitor quality standards, adjust and report processes for compliance with standards specified for batches of product.
- Apply feed safety standards and cross contamination prevention measures in accordance with industry standards.
- Adhere to health and safety protection measures for the specific work area as specified in standard workplace procedures.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Conduct labour record keeping and administration in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
- Determine labour requirements for specific production runs in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
- Monitor and direct subordinate performance in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
- Issue work instructions and monitor the execution in accordance with workplace procedures.
- Monitor and direct subordinate discipline in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Execute daily production planning and scheduling activities and align targets with production plans.
- Plan and utilise the utilisation of bin space to meet production schedules and prevent contamination.
- Plan and control production line usage for optimal plant output and prevention of cross contamination risks.
- Monitor the achievement of production targets and quality standards and initiate corrective measures.
- Set up, start up, shut down a production line in accordance with operational safety and standard control procedures.
- Control and coordinate operational processes and procedures, including but not limited to purging, cleaning, lock out, emergency stop, product change-over, shift handoverin accordance with standard workplace procedures.
- Make, initiate process adjustments to maintain equipment operation within required specifications.
- Monitor, analyse, and respond to process control instrumentation readings.
- Monitor and record the demand, supply and efficient utilisation of services and utilities.
Integrated Assessment
Integrated 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 leads to entrance into the External Integrated Summative Assessment.
Integrated Summative Assessment
The occupational qualification is assessed externally through an appropriate nationally standardised integrated 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 external assessment consists of one e-based assessment managed by the AQP at an approved assessment centre.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Grain Depot Manager, NQF Level 5.
- Occupational Certificate: Forestry Technician, NQF Level 5.
- Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare, NQF Level 5.
Vertical Articulation
There are no vertical articulation oprtions.
Diagonal Articulation
- Advanced Certificate in Operations Management, NQF Level 6.
NOTES
Qualifying for External Assessment
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable.
Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements
- None.
Criteria for the accreditation of providers
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The curriculum title and code is: Feed Miller: 313909-001-01-00.
Encompassed Trade
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD
- None.
Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
- AgriSETA .
Related Part-Qualification
- Occupational Certificate: Feed Mill Operator, NQF Level 4.
International comparability
This qualification was compared with two qualifications, one from the United States of America (USA) and the other from Switzerland, namely:
- The Diploma in Feed Milling Technology offered by the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology; and
- The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Feed Science and Management presented by Kansas State University.
Switzerland
The Swiss Institute of Feed Technology offers a course known as Diploma in Feed Milling Technology. It is widely supported internationally by the animal feed industry.
No academic entry requirements are listed for potential candidates. Language proficiency in English or German is expected as well as basic knowledge of operating a personal computer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). The target audience is listed as persons with experience in feed milling. The course is not linked to any credits, qualification framework or statutory structures.
The course is structured as two preparatory self-study blocks of 12 weeks followed by 4 weeks on site training at the institute in Switzerland.
This diploma course includes the following comparable units of learning
- Modern Process Technology - emphasis on the handling and storage of bulk materials; aspiration, proportioning and weighing; size reduction, blending and mixing, and liquid addition; conditioning, hygienizing and compacting, as well as cooling and drying of compound feeds; machine and process control systems.
- Feed Science and Animal Nutrition - Knowledge of raw materials, digestion; least-cost formulation and quality management.
Similarities
The focus on mixed feed production technology and quality management included in the diploma are similar to areas of learning included in the South African qualification.
Differences
This course includes a range of units with an engineering and laboratory focus that fall outside the scope of the South African occupational qualification. In general terms the areas of learning in feed milling technology and processes are presented at a higher level of complexity. The diploma does not include any areas of learning with a managerial focus. Entry requirements are not listed for potential candidates and the duration is shorter compared to the South African occupational qualification. The course is not linked to any credits and qualification framework.
United States of America (USA)
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Feed Science and Management is a four-year degree offered by the Kansas State University (KSU).
Entry level requirements are stated as generally applicable for university entrance in the USA. Subjects are credit bearing in terms of the bachelor degree requirements of the university. The degree is intended for those wishing to prepare for careers in the feed manufacturing and animal nutrition fields including pet food manufacturing and other allied industries. The course includes a compulsory 8-week internship at a feed mill.
The qualification includes subjects that are comparable to the South African occupational qualification such as
- Principles of Feed Milling - general overview.
- Material handling - handling of material in a feed mill.
- Feed Technology I - conveying, grinding, mixing, pelleting, and other processing techniques.
- Management applications - supervision, scheduling and planning, regulatory agencies and cost control.
- Fundamental of nutrition - basic nutrition of farm animals.
- Principles of feeding - basic nutrition principles to the feeding of beef cattle, sheep, and swine; feedstuff evaluation; nutrient requirements; ration formulation.
- Specialised electives in a range of management areas including management concepts, industrial management, personnel management, IR management, principles of finance.
Similarities
The studies focusing on principles of feed milling, material handling, feed technology and operational management (supervision, scheduling and planning, personnel management) are similar to areas of learning included in the South African qualification.
Differences
The main difference with the South African qualification is based on the wide scope of subjects of an academic nature, learner can choose from that falls within the scope of a science degree not included in the South African qualification. This includes studies in Natural Sciences (Chemistry, Microbiology, Physics, Organic chemistry), Quantitative Studies (Statistics). The duration is longer compared to the South African qualification.
Conclusion
The Higher Occupational Certificate: Feed Miller qualification compares favourably with the two international countries in terms of the specific emphasis placed on feed milling processes and technology.
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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