Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer

Purpose

The qualification shall enable Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officers to install, maintain, and repair wireless telecommunication equipment and systems. Qualified learners can establish own business and create employment for others.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Install and configure wireless equipment and related devices.
• Troubleshoot and repair wireless equipment faults and network connectivity issues.
• Maintain and conduct regular equipment inspections and upgrades.
• Work with and support team and clients using effective communication techniques.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes

• Sense of Urgency.
• Adaptability.
• Effective.
• Team Player.
• Critical Thinking.
• Practically Orientated.
• Customer-focused.
• Innovative.
• Technology inclined.
• Safety minded.

Rationale

The Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer has been designed to meet the growing need in South-Africa for an entry level Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer qualification focused on installing, maintaining, and repairing wireless telecommunication equipment and networks. The qualification addresses the specific competencies required by the following wireless telecommunications equipment focus and sub-sectors:

• Cellular & Mobile.
• Broadcasting & Media.
• Satellite communications.
• Data Centres.
• Radar.

In addition to the specific competencies required by the above-mentioned focus areas the qualification also focuses on technical officers' ability to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices through a combination of wireless and fixed infrastructure to form client and industry defined network topologies.

People with this qualification work in a variety of industries, which includes telecommunications, broadcasting, transportation, and mining.

There is no similar qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

With the growing demand for wireless communication services, qualified technical officers are in high demand. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer will enhance employability in the telecommunications industry. The qualification was developed to enhance entrepreneurial skillsets which has the added benefit that learners are equipped to start their own wireless telecommunication services businesses, contributing to economic development.

The qualification was developed to cater for a wide range of wireless technologies and a focus on connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the network topology. These integrated skillsets will benefit the sector and society as it ensures technical officers are competent to deploy wireless networks, reducing operational costs and improving service delivery.

The South African geographical landscape makes the deployment and maintenance of physical communications networks very difficult and expensive. Wireless networks offer better connectivity even in remote or underserved areas, bridging the digital divide in society and promoting the potential for economic growth by providing access to information, education, and healthcare services, improving the overall quality of life. Secure and well-maintained wireless networks improve the overall security of communication systems, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring safe transactions.

The qualification provides for development of datacentres skills sets. Wireless networks linked to datacentres provide industry and the economy with the ability to collect, analyse and utilise the information communicated via wireless network topologies to inform management decisions, update maintenance schedules, and monitor safety and security statuses on land, at sea and in the air.

Typical learners include people who are already working within the telecommunications environment and those who wish to enter the field.

Representatives working in all spheres of the wireless telecommunications industry were consulted in the review of the qualification.

The qualification was developed in collaboration with the relevant industry professional body to ensure the relevant technical competencies are covered in the qualification. Upon completion, candidates may be required to be registered by the professional body for professional recognition.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

RPL for Exemption

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Credits

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment.

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 4 qualification with Communication and Mathematical Literacy.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 672207-001-00-KM-01, Electricity, Electronics and Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer's world of work, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-KM-02, Fundamentals of Wireless Telecommunications Theory, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-KM-03, Wireless Telecommunications Computer Systems and Software Applications, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-KM-04, Principles of Installing, Testing, Trouble Shooting, Repairing, and Maintaining Wireless Telecommunications Networks and Equipment, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-KM-05, Business Acumen and Communication Principles, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 73

Practical Skill Modules

• 672207-001-00-PM-01, Perform Workplace and Worksite Safety Practices in Telecommunications Industry, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-PM-02, Install, Configure, Optimise, Repair, Maintain Broadcasting and Media Wireless Telecommunications Equipment, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-PM-03, Install, Configure, Optimise, Repair, Maintain Cellular and Mobile Network Equipment and Related Devices, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-PM-04, Install, Configure, Optimise, Repair, Maintain Satellite Communications Wireless Telecommunications Equipment, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-PM-05, Install, Configure, Optimise, Repair, Maintain Radar Wireless Telecommunications Equipment, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-PM-06, Setup, Configure, Optimise, and Maintain a Wireless Telecommunications Data Centre, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-PM-07, Perform a Range of Wireless Telecommunication Technical Officer Supervisory and Administrative Functions, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 125

Work Experience Modules

• 672207-001-00-WM-01, Perform Workplace and Worksite Safety Practices in Wireless Telecommunications Industry, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-WM-02, Install, Test and Configure Wireless Telecommunications Equipment, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-WM-03, Maintain Wireless Telecommunications Equipment, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 672207-001-00-WM-04, Perform a Range of Wireless Telecommunications Technical Officer Supervisory and Administrative Functions, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 29

1. Conduct installation and configuration methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment and relevant devices.
2. Apply troubleshooting and repairing methods, procedures and protocols on wireless telecommunication equipment.
3. Apply maintenance and equipment inspections and upgrades methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment.
4. Conduct business management support functions to address business sustainability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Conduct installation and configuration methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment and relevant devices.

• Inspect and prepare wireless installation site in accordance with site and shared space regulations and wireless network safety protocols.
• Install and connect wireless telecommunication network infrastructure equipment in accordance with manufacturer installation instructions, relevant electrical regulations, and wireless network connectivity principles.
• Configure and test installed wireless telecommunication network infrastructure equipment to confirm functionality according to user requirements and manufacturer specifications.
• Connect and configure Internet of Things (IoT) devices in accordance with manufacturer installation instructions, relevant electrical regulations, and wireless network connectivity principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Apply troubleshooting and repairing methods, procedures and protocols on wireless telecommunication equipment.

• Diagnose faults in defective wireless telecommunication network infrastructure and equipment by applying relevant diagnostic and safety procedures.
• Analyse faults in defective wireless telecommunication network infrastructure and equipment as per manufacturer specifications by applying relevant fault analysis equipment and procedures.
• Repair faults as per manufacturer specifications in wireless telecommunication network infrastructure and equipment by applying relevant test equipment and systematic repair and component replace procedures and techniques.
• Test and recommission repaired wireless telecommunication network infrastructure and equipment \ as per manufacturer specifications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Apply maintenance and equipment inspections and upgrades methods, procedures and techniques on wireless telecommunication equipment.

• Inform wireless telecommunications optimisation processes and maintenance procedures by analysing information in accordance with industry best practice and standards.
• Conduct signal strength testing and coverage analysis in accordance with industry best practice and standards to identify weak signals or dead zones.
• Optimise wireless signal quality and coverage by adjusting equipment, transmission power and applying other techniques in accordance with industry best practice, standards and safety protocol.
• Maintain wireless telecommunications equipment and networks per manufacturer specifications and service level agreements.
• Monitor and support data centre operations in accordance with industry best practice standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Conduct business management support functions to address business sustainability.

• Conduct research in the field of electronic engineering to stay abreast of developments in the electronic engineering field and to inform the customisation.
• Conduct optimisation of wireless telecommunication networks according to electronic engineering principles and processes.
• Compile technical reports and other business documentation as per business communication principles.
• Initiate, oversee and complete projects within allotted time and budget parameters and as per specified requirements by applying project management and budget principles.
• Manage human resources in the wireless telecommunication network infrastructure service provision.
• Manage ll non-human resources in the wireless telecommunication network infrastructure service provision.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Summative Assessment

Integrated assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.