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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Occupational Certificate: Electroplater 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91783  Occupational Certificate: Electroplater 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  411  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an electroplater.

Electroplaters produce a product enhancing inorganic surface on a metal or other substrate using and maintaining electrical and chemical equipment and products. Electroplaters also apply corrective or repair activities through maintaining chemical solution balances and equipment for the deposition of an inorganic coating onto another metal or non-conductive surface where required.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Plan and prepare for electrolytic (including anodising) and electroless or other metal finishing processes at NQF Level 3.
  • Produce a product enhancing inorganic surface using electrolytic and electroless methods at NQF Level 4.
  • Operate, maintain and monitor plating equipment, chemical processes and laboratory measuring instruments at NQF Level 4.

    Rationale
    Without a competent electroplating sector, it will not be possible to produce the various finishes that are applied to manufactured products. Without an electroplating industry that is capable of meeting specified finish requirements, the entire manufacturing sector is compromised and rendered uncompetitive. The result is that components that could be locally manufactured are shipped offshore, costing jobs and opportunities in South Africa. The motor industry relies most heavily on electroplated components and demands that we are able to match the latest international automotive specifications. Electroplating is also vital in the following sectors: Consumer Durables, Recreational Goods, Aerospace, Machine Tools, Hydraulic Equipment, Electronics, Jewellery and Medical Sectors.

    In order to compete in all of these sectors, against highly efficient competitors, it is an absolute requirement that the electroplating industry improves in terms of competence.

    Only one occupation is required, which is that of the electroplater. However an individual who qualifies in this trade will be able to operate in many different disciplines within the trade. These can include any permutation of zinc plating of various types, copper-nickel-chrome or brass, precious metal plating, and several others as defined in the curriculum.

    The typical learner may already be employed in the industry and be seeking to formalise the held qualification against the backdrop of extensive experience, or may be a new entrant into the industry whose employer wants to provide an opportunity for meaningful advancement. The South African Government is dedicated to developing the economy, including growing the engineering industry and capacity to produce products in an increasingly competitive international environment.

    The benefits to learners who become well paid artisans and join a growing middle class of citizens are many. The growth of an economically independent middle class, able to provide a first class education for their children, is positive for both society and the economy. Some of these trainees will go on to become entrepreneurs, establishing their own companies providing electroplating services, and so growing employment opportunities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (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 result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 3 qualification equivalent to N2 knowledge areas of Engineering Maths, Science and Engineering Drawing. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • Environment Sustainability and Ethics NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Equipment, Materials and Laboratory Practice NQF Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • Applied Mathematics and Sciences NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • Metallurgy NQF Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • Degreasing and Cleaning, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • Electroplating: Metal finishing, NQF Level 4, 28 Credits.
  • Electroplating: Non-metallic finishing NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • Electro forming, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 99.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Plan electroplating and electroless processes, NQF Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • Prepare for electroplating and electroless operations, NQF Level 4, 40 Credits.
  • Select and inspect jigs or barrels and load product/component, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • Clean, pickle and/or etch workpiece/components, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • Operate barrel or rack plating processes, NQF Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • Conduct post-plating procedures, NQF Level 2, 15 Credits.
  • Inspect quality before, during and after plating process, test and take corrective action, NQF Level 3, 30 Credits.
  • Complete packing and dispatching of plated workpiece/component, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • Operate, monitor and maintain plant and equipment, NQF Level 4, 40 Credits.
  • Operate and monitor testing and measuring instruments, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • Manage water usage and operate, monitor and maintain effluent treatment plant, NQF Level 4, 40 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 242.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • Planning and preparing to operate barrel or rack plating processes to deposit single metal layers, multiple sequential metal layers, specialised alloy coatings and precious metals onto ferrous or non-ferrous substrates and non-conductive materials, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • Operate barrel or rack plating processes to deposit single metal layers, multiple sequential metal layers, specialised alloy coatings or precious metals onto ferrous or non-ferrous substrates and non-conductive materials to required specifications, NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • Processes and procedures for operational maintenance, cleaning and operating equipment and measuring instruments, NQF Level 4, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 70. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The ability to plan and prepare for electrolytic and electroless or other metal finishing processes.
    2. The ability to produce a product enhancing inorganic surface using electrolytic and electroless methods.
    3. The ability to operate, maintain and monitor plating equipment, chemical processes and laboratory measuring instruments. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Electroplating and electroless processes are planned in accordance with mass per unit, quantity and substrate material specifications of receive goods and pre/inspection results to determine possible electroplating challenges.
  • Electroplating and electroless operations are prepared in accordance with established specifications, the chemical solutions and other materials required and the job card.
  • Chemical solutions and other materials are prepared for operating barrel or rack plating processes to deposit single metal layers, multiple sequential metal layers, specialised alloy coatings, or precious metals onto ferrous or non-ferrous substrates and non-conductive materials and apply health, safety, environmental, risk and quality practices.
  • Knowledge and understanding of planning and preparing for electrolytic and electroless or other metal finishing processes is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Jigs or barrels are selected and inspected and product/component is loaded in accordance with size required for the components with specific reference to current capacity and weight of component.
  • Work piece/components are cleaned, pickled and/or etched using the appropriate type of electro-cleaning process for the specific types of metal.
  • Barrel or rack plating processes are operated in accordance with health, safety and environmental practices before, during and after plating processes and operations.
  • Post-plating procedures are conducted using the applicable post treatment process.
  • Quality is inspected before, during and after plating process, tests are undertaken and corrective action is taken to address signs of unsatisfactory deposition.
  • Packing and dispatching of plated workpiece/component are completed using the correct standard operating procedures and in accordance with best practice and customer requirements.
  • Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated to produce a product enhancing inorganic surface using electrolytic and electroless methods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Plant and equipment are operated, monitor and maintained according to standard operating procedures for pump/filtration, DI and RO units, rectifiers and bus bar connections, plating jigs and plating barrels, heating and cooling, polishing and abrasion, ventilation and extraction, agitation mechanisms and automatic dosing.
  • Testing and measuring instruments and chemical processes are operated and monitored to produce accurate and repeatable measurements.
  • water usage is managed and effluent treatment plant are operated, monitored and maintained are correctly in order to control the rinse water flow in accordance to standard operating procedures.
  • Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated to operate, maintain and monitor plating equipment, chemical processes and laboratory measuring instruments.

    Integrated 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 model requires that the external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at an accredited trade test centre. The written examination will be concluded at an accredited assessment centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two working days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The situation in the United Kingdom (UK), Germany and Australia were considered. The UK has a strong metal finishing industry, centred mostly in the industrial heartland of Birmingham. One of the most respected and comprehensive training manuals, the Canning Handbook on Electroplating, emanates from Birmingham and remains a reference work on bookshelves of operators throughout the industry. Relevant topics from this work have been updated where necessary and included in this Electroplater curriculum.

    The analysis of the occupations provided evidence that there is a high level of commonalities between them. All occupations are regarded as trade/occupational qualifications and but whilst national standards in respect of apprenticeships have been legislated in Germany and Australia, this training is managed by The Institute of Metal Finishing in the United Kingdom.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification is comparable to what is found in an aggregate of the three other qualifications considered in this study. It differs in that it is designed specifically as an "Electroplater" qualification and includes only Anodising as an additional surface finish. The other countries' qualifications that have been considered all relate to a trade of "Surface Finishing" and provide a facility for the learner to achieve qualifications in Powder Coating, Vacuum Metallisation, Automotive Surface Finishing; Paints, Lacquers and Varnishes and several other surface finishing options.

    However, this qualification has been developed for the South African environment and will meet the needs of the South African Electroplating and Anodising industries. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • The likely vertical progression for a qualified learner with this qualification is an Occupational Qualification: Chemistry Technician (Chemical Process Analyst).
  • This Occupational Certificate articulates horizontally with other metal trades and occupations including Occupational Certificate: Jewellery Processing and Finishing Machine Operator. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification covers the following recorded trades on the NLRD:
  • ID 60708, Aircraft Electroplater.
  • ID 60763, Aircraft Electroplater.
  • ID 60729, Electroplater.
  • ID 60715, Electroplater.
  • ID 60785, Electroplater.
  • ID 60689, Electroplating.

    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

    Foundational learning:
    Foundational learning competence is a pre-requisite for the awarding of this qualification.

    Part Qualifications:
    This qualification does not have any associated part qualifications. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or registered on the National Qualifications Framework, are public property. Thus, the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction: it is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.