Occupational Diploma: Electrical Engineering Technician (Automation)

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Electrical Engineering Technician (Automation).

Electrical Engineering Technician (Automation) conduct research, design, plan and direct the construction, operation and maintenance of electrical systems, assemblies, components and equipment in accordance with relevant standards.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Conduct research on electrical engineering processes, systems and equipment.
• Design and preparing blueprints of electrical circuitry and installations.
• Conduct maintenance, servicing and commissions electrical equipment.
• Manage related engineering operations and activities.

Rationale

Electrical engineering technician being an occupation listed in the 2020 List of Occupations in High Demand: A Technical Report, produced for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as part of its Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) research programme is one of the needed occupations currently and into the future to support economic reconstruction and recovery in South Africa.

The National N Diploma (SAQA ID 67031), a qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework under the Occupational Qualifications Sub Framework (OQSF) is part of the instructional offerings under Report 191 NATED N4 - N6 engineering studies. The need to develop this Advanced Occupational Certificate: Electrical Engineering Technician qualification is informed by the fact that the National N Diploma, a pre-2009 qualifications should be reconstructed/realigned to meet qualification registration requirements as informed

by South African Qualifications Authority and Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework policy prescripts.

There are many similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework under Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). These cover broader scope of electrical engineering at various NQF levels as opposed to the Occupational Diploma: Electrical Engineering Technician (Automation) which is specific to technicians specialising with automation.

This qualification will benefit society by providing highly sought after skills and competencies in this occupation which is in high demand. This qualification will contribute to the economic reconstruction and recovery of South Africa by capacitating leaners with competencies that are critical in electrical engineering technicians.

The skills acquired from this occupation will lead to a reduction of unemployment particularly amongst youth. Learners graduating from this qualification may also venture into starting their own businesses as a result of competencies acquired in this qualification.

The sector will benefit from this qualification through the availability of well-trained electrical engineering technicians who would be capable of delivering services required today and into the future. Learners who qualify from this qualification would be able to perform a variety of tasks related to duties and functions of electrical engineering technicians in the industry.

The economy will benefit from well trained technicians who would be able to deliver services that are in demand and will also contribute to improving the level of services informed by new advancements in the ever-changing environment. New ways of service delivery will emerge as the economy grow and develops thus resulting in increases in quality services and production which will benefit the economy.

Typical learners are school matriculants, TVET & CET graduates including those practicing in this occupation without formal education.

Different stakeholders both from public and private sector were consulted during the development of this qualification.

Successful learners will operate in various occupations in the electrical engineering space. Typical areas where these competencies reside includes but not limited to manufacturing, automotive, mining, food industry, and health services. Typical focus areas include maintenance, design and manufacturing of electrical equipment and systems.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access to Training/Exemption

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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/part qualification/skills programme. 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 programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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 programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme 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.

For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence.

Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and partqualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics and Physical Science.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 311301-001-00-KM-01, Occupational Health and Safety Legislation, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-02, Business Communication and Customer Services, NQF Level 5, 7 credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-03, Project Management, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-04, Digital Tools, NQF Level 5, 7 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-05, Resource and Procurement Management, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-06, Research, NQF Level 6, 2 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-07, Engineering Mathematics I, NQF Level 5, 14 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-08, Engineering Mathematics II, NQF Level 5, 9 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-09, Engineering Mathematics III, NQF Level 6, 12 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-10, Ready for Work Standards, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-11, Computer Aided Drafting, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-12, Design, NQF Level 6, 21 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-13, Principles of Electricity, NQF Level 6, 6 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-14, Electrotechnics I, NQF Level 6, 13 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-15, Electrotechnics II, NQF Level 6, 25 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-16, Analog Electronics, NQF Level 6, 21 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-17, Digital Electronics, NQF Level 6, 20 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-18, Automation and Control Devices, NQF Level 6, 30 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-19, PLC Programming (Service and Maintenance), Leve 5, 5 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-20, Hydraulics, NQF Level 6,19 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-21, Pneumatics, Level 6,19 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-22, Electrical Power Systems, NQF Level 6, 10 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-23, Renewable Energy, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.
• 311301-001-00-KM-24, Maintenance and Repairs, NQF Level 5, 11 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 281

Practical Skill Modules

• 311401-001-00-PM-01, Analogue Electronics Components and Circuits, NQF Level 6, 5 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-PM-02, Automation and Control Devices, NQF Level 6, 17 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-PM-03, Hydraulic Components, Equipment and Processes, NQF Level 6, 7 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-PM-04, Pneumatic Components and Equipment, NQF Level 6, 7 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-PM-05, Application of Principles of Electricity, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-PM-06, Renewable Energy Components, Circuits and Principles, NQF Level 6, 2 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-PM-07, Servicing and Maintenance, NQF Level 6, 7 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 60

Work Experience Modules

• 311401-001-00-WM-01, Researching Electrical Engineering Processes, Systems and Equipment, NQF Level 6, 7 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-WM-02, Designing and Preparing Blueprints of Electrical Circuitry and Installations, NQF Level 6, 27 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-WM-03, Maintaining, Servicing and Commissioning Electrical Equipment, NQF Level 4, 33 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-WM-04, Managing Related Electrical Engineering Operations, NQF Level 5, 17 Credits.
• 311401-001-00-WM-05, Preparation and Compilation of Blueprints of Electrical Circuitry and Installations, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 90

1. Solve problems through research by applying key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of electrical engineering.
2. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures and techniques to interpret, design and prepare blueprints of electrical circuitry and installations within a defined and new context.
3. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures and techniques to conduct maintenance, service and commission electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment and systems to ensure functionality of electrical equipment and systems.
4. Manage related engineering operations and activities in accordance with ethical and professional standards applying key terms, concepts, principles and rules.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Solve problems through research by applying key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of electrical engineering.

• Outline the research process.
• Explain the research terms and concepts.
• Outline and explain the research methods and principles.
• Identify and assess/analyse electrical engineering processes, systems and equipment problems.
• Collect, sort and analyse data.
• Make and present recommendations.
• Complete relevant documentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures and techniques to interpret, design and prepare blueprints of electrical circuitry and installations within a defined and new context.

• Identify Process, equipment or design problem.
• Collect and analyse data.
• Prescribe components of a new design solution.
• Identify and prescribe specifications of a design solution.
• Provide design costing specifications.
• Develop design concept and solution.
• Complete relevant documents.
• Identify and compile to safety and legal requirements.
• Identify and explain relevant codes and standards.
• Compile electrical installation blueprints.
• Identify and explain principles and theories relevant installation and circuitry.
• Modify and interpret technical drawings.
• Implement design solution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures and techniques to conduct maintenance, service and commission electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment and

systems to ensure functionality of electrical equipment and systems.

• Identify and use relevant computer aided drafting application.
• Demonstrate knowledge of electrical and electronic components.
• Demonstrate functioning and care of electrical and electronic components.
• Identify, construct and evaluate types of electrical circuits.
• Understand electrical and electronic laws and principles.
• Properly use maintain electrical, electronic and other related equipment and tools.
• Maintain automation and control devices.
• Programme PLC.
• Identify and correct PLC programme is tested for functionality, errors.
• Carry out troubleshooting of malfunctioning systems and equipment.
• Assess hydraulic and pneumatics components, equipment and systems.
• Understand and adhere to hydraulic and pneumatics principles.
• Maintain housekeeping.
• Understand electrical generation, distributions and protection.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Manage related engineering operations and activities in accordance with ethical and professional standards applying key terms, concepts, principles and rules.

• Present and communicate engineering operations and activities reliably using appropriate means.
• Complete documents.
• Identify and use relevant computer applications.
• Plan, manage and monitor project/operational funds.
• Manage project and/or operational resources.
• Assess, procure resources, and monitor usage operational and/or project needs.
• Adhere to management principles and professional ethics.
• Understand employment legislative framework.
• Maintain occupational health and safety.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessment

The Skills Development Providers 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 integrated External Summative Assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment

An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace.