Occupational Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Technician (Automation)

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mechanical Engineering Technician (Automation). Mechanical Engineering Technician manages the installation and commissioning of new equipment on a production and or a manufacturing environment and the associated production processes thus ensuring operational efficiency and improvements of existing production lines.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Develop new technology, equipment or processes to a manufacturing environment.
• Manage the usage, care and maintenance of production line resources and equipment.
• Monitor the production performance.
• Manage related engineering operations and activities.

Learners graduating from this qualification would acquire necessary competencies to function in mechanical engineering industry as technicians, eligible to perform a variety of tasks including but not limited to maintainers and designers of equipment and systems.

Rationale

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. This qualification which reached registration end date on 30 June 2023 need to be reconstructed/realigned into an occupational qualification to meet qualification registration requirements as informed by SAQA and OQSF policy prescripts.

Mechanical engineering technician is 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.

The need to develop this Occupational Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Technician (Automation) qualification arises from the above mentioned.

There are many similar qualifications registered on the NQF under Higher Education Qualifications Sub Framework (HEQSF). These cover broader scope of Mechanical 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 Mechanical engineering.

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

The sector will benefit from this qualification through the availability of well-trained Mechanical engineering technicians who would be capable of delivering services required today and into the future. Learners who qualify in 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 developments 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.

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

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.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 4 qualification with mathematics and science.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 311501-001-00-KM-01, Occupational Health and Safety legislation, Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-02, Business Communication and Customer Services, Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-03, Project Management, Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-04, Digital Tools, Level 5, 7 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-05, Resource and Procurement Management, Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-06, Research, Level 6, 2 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-07, Engineering Management, Level 6,6 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-08, Design Principles of Mechanical Systems, Level 6, 23 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-09, Engineering Mathematics I, Level 5, 14 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-10, Engineering Mathematics II, Level 5, 9 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-11, Engineering Mathematics III, Level 6, 12 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-12, Engineering and Manufacturing Systems, Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-13, Engineering Materials and Principles, Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-14, Hydraulics, Level 6, 19 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-15, Pneumatics, Level 6, 19 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-16, Maintenance Engineering Technology, Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-17, Engineering Science, Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-18, Principles of Electricity, Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-19, Introduction to Robotics, Level 5, 12 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-20, Strength of materials and structures I, Level 5, 19 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-21, Strength of Materials II, Level 6, 19 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-22, Introduction to Drawing, Level 4, 10 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-23, Ready for Work Standards, Level 4, 3 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-KM-24, Computer Aided Drafting, Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 242

Practical Skill Modules

• 311501-001-00-PM-01, Engineering Management, Level 6, 5 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-PM-02, Engineering Manufacturing, Level 5, 15 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-PM-03, Engineering Materials and Unit Principles, Level 6, 10 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-PM-04, Hydraulic Components, Equipment and Processes, Level 6, 10 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-PM-05, Pneumatics Components and Equipment, Level 6, 10 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-PM-06, Maintenance Engineering Technology, Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-PM-07, Industrial Robotics, Level 6, 25 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 85

Work Experience Modules

• 311501-001-00-WM-01 Technology, Equipment or Processes in a Manufacturing Environment, Level 6, 40 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-WM-02 Managing the Usage, Care and Maintenance of Production Line Resources and Equipment, Level 6, 24 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-WM-03 Monitoring of the Mechanical Production Equipment Performance, Level 6, 22 Credits.
• 311501-001-00-WM-04 Designing Mechanical Equipment, Level 6, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 90

1. Apply relevant techniques, concepts, and principles to develop new technology, equipment,r processes in a production environment.
2. Conduct and manage the usage, care and maintenance of production systems and equipment through the application of relevant and appropriate knowledge, principles, and processes to ensure effective and efficient operation of production systems and equipment.
3. Monitor production equipment and systems performance through the application of relevant processes, procedures, and techniques to maintain equipment and system reliability.
4. Manage related engineering operations and activities by applying relevant knowledge and principles to maintain effectiveness and efficiency.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Apply relevant techniques, concepts, and principles to develop new technology, equipment, or processes in a production environment.

• Identify process, equipment or design and or operational problem.
• Collect and analyse data.
• Prescribe components of a new design solution.
• Identify and prescribe specifications of a design solution.
• Design a design solution.
• Complete relevant document.
• Identify and compile to safety and legal requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Conduct and manage the usage, care and maintenance of production systems and equipment through the application of relevant and appropriate knowledge, principles, and processes to ensure effective and efficient operation of production systems and equipment.

• Inspect equipment and resources.
• Store, use and maintain equipment.
• Investigate system and or equipment malfunction and failures.
• Identify and adhere to compliance standards.
• Develop maintenance programme and schedule.
• Maintain housekeeping, health, and safety.
• Complete relevant documentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Monitor production equipment and systems performance through the application of relevant processes, procedures, and techniques to maintain equipment and system reliability.

• Develop maintenance programme and schedule.
• Investigate system and or equipment malfunctions and failures.
• Maintain housekeeping, health, and safety.
• Assess and analyse production system and or equipment performance.
• Complete relevant documentation.
• Maintain housekeeping, health, and safety.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 4: Manage related engineering operations and activities by applying relevant knowledge and principles to maintain effectiveness and efficiency.

• Identify, assess, and compile with operational compliance requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of management principles.
• Complete relevant documentation.

Integrated Assessment

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.

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.