Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Advisor (Pump System Optimisation)

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Energy Advisor (Pump System Optimisation Specialist). A learner will acquire skills necessary to develop, manage and advise on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of pump systems within industrial facilities to improve pump system performance.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Conduct assessment and analyse the performance of the pump and system.
• Advise on and manage system optimisation and efficiency enhancement of the pump system performance, processes, and practices.
• Manage energy performance qualification, monitoring, and reporting.
• Capacitate and maintain productive stakeholder relationships and negotiate commitment for pump system optimisation.

Qualifying learner attributes are

• Strategical.
• Problem solving.
• Creativity.
• Methodical.
• Technicality.
• Analytical and procedural.

Rationale

The need for the qualification is because South African energy sector faces unique challenges that necessitate specialised skills in Pump system optimisation. These challenges include inefficient energy use, high energy costs, and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental degradation and economic inefficiency. The Energy Advisor (Pump System Optimisation Specialist) qualification addresses these issues by equipping professionals with the skills needed to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Pump systems, which are integral to various industrial processes.

This qualification is critical for supporting South Africa's transition towards more sustainable energy practices. Given the country's industrial landscape, where Pump systems play a pivotal role in sectors such as manufacturing, power generation, and mining, optimising these systems can lead to significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved operational efficiency. Specialists in Pump system optimisation will be at the forefront of implementing technologies and practices that reduce energy consumption and costs, contributing to the environmental and economic goals of the nation.

Moreover, this qualification supports South Africa's commitments under international agreements on climate change by promoting the adoption of cleaner, more efficient energy technologies. It aligns with global and national strategies aimed at enhancing industrial energy efficiency, thereby supporting sustainable development and green job creation in the energy sector.

Currently there are no other similar occupational qualifications for this specific specialisation area registered on the NQF. There are a number of energy related qualifications on the NQF, but they are in the HEQSF at either a lower or higher NQF Level and they are provider specific qualifications such as: 73761 Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Energy Studies, NQF Level 08, University of Johannesburg. This qualification is more general in energy studies and not in energy advising with specific focus on Pump systems. The current higher education qualification is also specifically focussed on sharing of principles and theory. The Occupational Qualification is more focussed on actual practice, how it should be done in an energy efficient manner.

This qualification benefits the energy and industrial sectors by providing a pool of specialists skilled in optimising Pump systems, leading to more efficient use of energy, reduced operational costs, and enhanced competitiveness of South African industries. By improving the efficiency of Pump systems, this qualification contributes to environmental sustainability by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimising the environmental impact of industrial activities. It also promotes energy conservation awareness among industries and society. Optimising Pump systems can lead to substantial energy cost savings for industries, which, in turn, can lower product costs and stimulate economic growth. This qualification fosters innovation in Pump system optimisation, driving technological advancements and creating new opportunities in the green economy.

The typical learners who are professionals and practitioners for this qualification are with a background in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, seeking to specialise in energy management. They are likely to have experience in the energy sector and are seeking to enhance their expertise to take on more specialised roles. These areas include but are not limited to Energy Management Experts, Energy Engineer and Energy Auditor.

Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the energy advising and management environment participated in the development of the qualification.

Typical occupations related to this qualification include: Energy Management Experts, Energy Engineer, and Energy Auditor.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access

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

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills 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 of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills 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 awarding credits

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills 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, part-qualification or skills 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 7 qualification or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental or any other related fields.

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

Knowledge Modules

• 214105-004-00-KM-01, International and Local Commitment to Climate Change Mitigation and Reduction Of Greenhouse Gas (GhG) Emissions, NQF Level 7, 5 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-KM-02, Pump System Fundamentals, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-KM-03, Pump System Scoping and Modelling, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-KM-04, Pump System Optimisation Assessments, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-KM-05, Scientific and Engineering Principles of Secondary Energy Applications in Pump Systems, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-KM-06, Scientific and Engineering Principles of Renewable Energy In Pump Systems,

NQF Level 8, 8 Credits.

• 214105-004-00-KM-07, Implementation Qualification Management, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 68

Practical Skill Modules

• 214105-004-00-PM-01, Develop a Pump System Optimisation Strategy and Plan and Scope and Prepare for the Assessment, NQF Level 8, 10 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-PM-02, Direct A Pump System Assessment Process, Develop Pump System Opportunities, and Analyse Savings Opportunities, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-PM-03, Prepare and Present Energy Performance Findings and Advise on Best Practises and Technological Requirements for Pump System Optimisation, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-PM-04, Assess and Track Performance Of the Pump System, NQF Level 7, 13 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-PM-05, Participate in Stakeholder Forums and Provide Information to Capacitate Stakeholders Regarding System Optimisation, NQF Level 8, 4 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-PM-06, Compile and Communicate Report Findings, NQF Level 8, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 61

Work Experience Modules

• 214105-004-00-WM-01, Pump System Assessment Planning and Preparation Processes, NQF Level 8,

5 Credits.

• 214105-004-00-WM-01, Pump System Assessment and Analysis Processes, NQF Level 8, 19 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-WM-02, Pump System Qualification Management Processes, NQF Level 8, 12 Credits.
• 214105-004-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures for Stakeholder Engagement, NQF Level 8, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40

1. Assess and analyse the performance of the pump system applying relevant processes and methodologies.
2. Analyse pump system performance, optimisation, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
3. Analyse energy performance qualification, monitoring, and reporting on gathered information and data synthesized to solve energy performance related problems.
4. Synthesise data on pump system to present and communicate occupational ideas and texts effectively, to offer creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Assess and analyse the performance of the pump system applying relevant processes and methodologies.

• Develop a pump system plan and strategy to conduct a pump system assessment.
• Establish the processes and equipment required for the execution of the pump system assessment.
• Analyse data to determine pump system efficiency.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Analyse pump system performance, optimisation, and efficiency enhancement processes, and practices to develop creative responses to problems and issues.

• Identify and analyse pump system energy saving opportunities.
• Evaluate pump system energy performance, prepare, and present findings.
• Determine and quantify the financial impact of energy saving opportunities for the pump system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Analyse energy performance qualification, monitoring, and reporting on gathered information and data synthesized to solve energy performance related problems.

• Assess and track the performance of the pump system against the baseline and indicators
• Track post-retrofit performance of the pump system to determine effectiveness.
• Determine savings and produce a performance tracking report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Synthesise data on pump system to present and communicate occupational ideas and texts effectively, to offer creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues.

• Identify and examine international pump system performance optimisation methods.
• Develop a sound business case in favour of pump system optimisation implementation.
• Summarise findings for presentation on opportunities for pump system optimisation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessments conducted internally

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.

Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills 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, part-qualification or skills 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 and part-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.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment

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.