Occupational Certificate: Feed Mill Operator

Purpose

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Feed Mill Operator.

A Feed Mill Operator attends to the safe and efficient operation of equipment, various production activities and achievement of product standards at the various stages in the production of mixed feeds. Typical graduate attributes for a Feed Mill Operator includes: attention to detail and quality, self-discipline, results driven, team work and ability to work without close supervision.

A qualified learner will be able to

• conduct intake, storage and reclaim operations in a feed mill.
• conduct mixed feed production operations in a feed mill.
• conduct mixed feed processing operations in a feed mill.

Rationale

The Feed Mill Operator part-qualification has been designed to address an industry need for qualified persons employed as Feed Mill Operators. The part-qualification will enhance the ability of the South African animal feed industry to improve its competitiveness in a highly competitive global market.

This part-qualification opens up a career path in the feed milling industry starting at operator level and promotes labour mobility opportunities within mixed feed production facilities thereby achieving increased efficiencies and the production of quality, safe feed 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 did not complete the entire formal basic education with an NQF Level 3 qualification or persons who have been working as operators in mixed feed production related positions and have the desire to formalise their skills and knowledge. The career path leads toward operational management positions in the management structures of agricultural businesses.

The Feed Mill Operator part-qualification is not a duplication or proliferation of another recognised qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

There are no formal requirements of professional registration, membership or licencing for learners employed in Feed Mill Operator positions.

The qualification was developed in collaboration with the feed millers' industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the RPL Policy of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. 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.
• 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 results.

Entry Requirements

• NQF Level 3 qualification.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 313909-001-01-KM-01; Introduction to the Feed Milling Work Environment; NQF Level 3; 4 Credits.
• 313909-001-01-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.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 26

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.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 20

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.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 24

1. Demonstrate the conduct of intake, storage and reclaim of materials in a feed mill.
2. Illustrate the conduct of mixed feed production processes in a feed mill.
3. Show the conduct mixed feed processing operations in a feed mill.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Control the operation of equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• Material warehousing operations are conducted in accordance with standard warehousing practices.
• Production data is captured and reports completed as specified for traceability and record keeping requirements.
• Health and safety protection measures for the specific work area are adhered to as specified in standard workplace procedures.
• Quality standards of material delivered are monitored, acted upon and reported in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
• Material unloading, transfer and routing activities are conducted in accordance with product demands and workplace standards.
• Stock levels are monitored and reported in accordance with workplace standards.
• Material is released and routed to the allocated bins without cross contamination risks.
• Stock rotation requirements are met as directed by first in first out principles.
• Pest control measures are monitored in accordance with workplace standards.
• Biosecurity standards are met by following standard biosecurity control protocols specified by the workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Capture the production data and complete reports as specified for traceability and record-keeping requirements.
• The operation of mixed feed production equipment is controlled in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• Proportioning, addition and mixing procedures are applied to ensure that batch production standards are met in accordance with product quality and formulation specifications.
• Particle reduction standards are monitored, adjusted and reported in accordance with standard workplace procedures.
• Health and safety protection measures for the specific work area are adhered to as specified in standard workplace procedures.
• Feed safety standards and cross contamination prevention measures are applied 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.
• The operation of feed processing equipment is controlled in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• Quality standards are monitored, processes adjusted and reported for compliance with standards specified for batches of product.
• Feed safety standards and cross contamination prevention measures are applied in accordance with industry standards.
• Health and safety protection measures for the specific work area are adhered to as specified in standard workplace procedures.

Integrated Assessmeent

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 leads to entrance into the External Integrated Summative Assessment.

Integrated Assessment 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.