Occupational Certificate: Spout Operator

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Spout Operator.

Spout Operators operate, monitor and control the spout to operating procedures and within operating limitations, specifications, and meeting health and safety requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Perform glass forming operational checks.
• Operate spout.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: problem solving, technically orientation, effective communication and efficiency.

Rationale

The Occupational Certificate: Spout Operator is one of three-part qualifications linked to the Flat Glass Forming Operator qualification. This part-qualification focusses on the competencies related specifically to spout operations, the functioning and abnormalities of spout operations and dealing with defects related to spout operations. There exists a significant demand for a formal qualification tailored to the nuances of flat glass forming. As modern architecture, automotive, and interior design witness a surge in the use of flat glass products, it's imperative to have a workforce equipped with the requisite expertise in Flat Glass formation. This part-qualification responds to this industry need by instituting a structured learning pathway, which ensures that operators are competently trained, thereby ensuring high production standards, safety, and quality.

There is a pressing requirement for a standardised qualification addressing the skills and knowledge related to flat glass forming. As industries evolve and our reliance on sustainable packaging solutions like glass increases, a specialised workforce equipped with the right expertise becomes crucial.

This part-qualification aims to fulfil the industry's demand by offering structured learning pathways, thereby ensuring that the workers are adequately trained, promoting efficiency, safety, and quality in production. The part-qualification reflects the common knowledge, practical and workplace-based specific needs that learners require in flat glass forming production before progressing to learning at a higher level.

The glass industry is well established in South Africa and its success depend on the efficient production and manufacturing of glass products. Achievement of this objective is largely dependent upon the competence, recognised by this part-qualification, of the people who operate glass forming equipment. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively.

Competence in glass forming production requires appropriate general and glass specific knowledge as well as the practical application of the knowledge. Expertise in operating production equipment and controlling the forming process are further requirements for competence. The knowledge, practical and workplace expertise can form a basis for further learning, particularly in the production/operational, engineering, and supervisory aspects of glass production and similar industries in the chemical and other manufacturing sectors.

The following are glass forming/manufacturing and related qualifications currently registered on the NQF

• Occupational Certificate: Container Glass Forming Operator, NQF Level 2, 108 Credits.
• Occupational Certificate: Chemical Manufacturing Technician (Glass Manufacturing), NQF Level 5, 234 Credits.
• Occupational Certificate: Glass Cutter and Edgework Operator, NQF Level 2, 29 Credits.
• Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming Specialist, NQF Level 04, 64 Credits.
• Occupational Certificate: Glass Handler, NQF Level 2, 29 Credits.
• Occupational Certificate: Glass Manufacturing Feederman, NQF Level 4, 48 Credits.
• Occupational Certificate: Glass Manufacturing Process Technician, NQF Level 3, 64 Credits.
• Occupational Certificate: Glass Process Operator, NQF Level 3, 180 Credits.

These qualifications as developed through industry led process, cover separate set of skills related to glass forming/manufacturing and handling than the Occupational Certificate: Spout Operator, NQF Level 2. It is therefore affirmed that a similar qualification specifically for spout operators is not registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The benefits to the sector, society, and economy are that the part-qualification augments the flat glass forming sector by instituting standardized practices and enhancing the competency of its workforce. This will result in heightened productivity, minimal production discrepancies, and a consistently high product quality. Flat glass is integral to sustainable urban development, energy conservation, and innovative automotive and interior design. Proper training ensures the production of efficient and sustainable flat glass products that meet modern-day requirements. Skilled operators will optimize production processes, leading to reduced wastage and cost-effective production. The potential to boost exports of superior flat glass products and the creation of specialized job roles will invigorate economic progress.

Typical learners are individuals who are keen on entering the glass forming sector. This includes school leavers, those seeking a career shift, or operating personnel working in a glass forming production environment who aim to formalise and certify their skills.

This part-qualification will enable qualified learners to competently operate machinery and equipment involved in the production of flat glass, cut and shape glass to desired specifications, and inspect the quality of the final product.

Consultation with stakeholders within the glass forming industry was made during the development of this part-qualification.

RPL for Access to Training/Exemption

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 programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

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 from modules

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 Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

• 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.
• 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 and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 1 qualification.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 718102-002-01-01-KM-01, Safety and the Workplace Environment, Level 2, 4 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-KM-02, Basics Principles of Environmental Awareness and Ethic, Level 2, 2 Credits
• 718102-002-01-01-KM-03, Emotional Intelligence and Active Learning, Level 2, 3 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-KM-05, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 4 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-KM-06, Spout Operations, Machines, and Equipment, Level 2, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 17

Practical Skill Modules

• 718102-002-01-01-PM-01, Carry Out Start of Shift Activities, Level 2, 4 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-PM-02, Carry Out End of Shift Activities, Level 2, 4 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-PM-03, Identify and Handle Defects, Damage and Deviations, Level 2, 4 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-PM-04, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, Level 2, 4 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-PM-05, Apply Safety Standards and Housekeeping Practices, Level 2, 4 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-PM-06, Liaise and Communicate with others, Level 2, 2 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-PM-08, Prepare Work Area and Equipment, Level 2, 4 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-PM-09, Operate, Monitor and Control the Spout, Level 2, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 34

Work Experience Modules

• 718102-002-01-01-WM-01, Processes and Procedures to Conduct Glass Forming Operational Checks, Level 2, 10 Credits.
• 718102-002-01-01-WM-02, Spout Operations Processes and Procedures, Level 2, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 20

1. Apply basic health and safety principles and concepts through on operational procedures, inspections and maintaining documentation within a managed environment.
2. Safely perform spout operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Apply basic health and safety principles and concepts through on operational procedures, inspections and maintaining documentation within a managed environment.

• Conduct start-and end-of-shift procedures.
• Conduct visual and pre-operational inspections by applying and adhering to all safety and health measures and requirements.
• Implement housekeeping to maintain health and safety standards.
• Conduct visual inspection for end of shift and shut down activities in accordance with standard procedures and protocols.
• Maintain processes documentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Perform spout operations safely.

• Perform spout operations in the prescribed sequence, safely and in accordance with operating procedures.
• Operate spout within the original equipment manufacturer and site-specific operating parameters.
• Monitor and control spout operations.
• Identify and report spout malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements following prescribed procedures and formats.
• Handle spout operations emergency situations using operating procedures and health and safety regulations and specifications.
• Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions to meet health and safety standards.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessments

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.