All qualifications and part qualifications 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. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
49795 | National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Civil Engineering Construction | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
TETA - Transport Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction | Civil Engineering Construction | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 138 | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
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 of the Qualification:
The purpose of this qualification is to ensure competent performance in railway track construction and maintenance, thereby enhancing safety and reliability in the field of Civil Engineering Construction and Maintenance. It will also facilitate increased access of learners to this field. For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this Qualification can be used to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education and training. This Qualification describes the learning outcomes required to effectively participate in a structured workplace. For education and training providers, this Qualification provides guidance for the development of appropriate learning programmes and assessment documentation. For employers, this Qualification enables skills gaps to be identified and addressed ensuring that productivity levels are increased and business objectives achieved. The primary skills that are recognised in this Qualification relate to the construction of railway lines and turnouts, as well as the maintenance of the railway track. The Qualification will lay a foundation for future career advancement to supervisory and management Qualifications within this field. Rationale for the Qualification: This Qualification is for those persons who are involved in activities relating to the construction and/or maintenance of railway track. Such activities can be performed in any of the following contexts: Public Rail Transport, including Freight and Passenger Transport Private Sidings Mining operations Port operations The combination of learning outcomes in this Qualification will provide the learner with applied competence with regard to Rail Construction and Maintenance activities. This Qualification recognises skills, knowledge and values relevant to the workplace. It is suitable for learners who: The demand for the Qualification stems from the following factors: The learning pathway for a learner within the Rail Construction and Maintenance Industry is outlined below: "National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance" (Generic Qualification, with specialization in Rail Construction/Maintenance). NQF Level 3: "National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance". NQF Level 4: "FETC: Supervision of Construction Activities: Rail Construction and Maintenance" (Generic Qualification, specialization in Rail Construction/Maintenance). NQF Level 5: "National Certificate: Management of Construction Activities: Rail Construction and Maintenance" (Generic Qualification, with specialization in Rail Construction/Maintenance). As a contribution to socio-economic transformation, learners will be able to undergo RPL-assessment, thereby receiving recognition for previous learning and experience. The employability and career prospects of learners holding this Qualification will be enhanced. Benefits to the economy would include improved employment prospects for previously unskilled persons. The availability of a safe, reliable and affordable Rail network will have a major impact on the economy of the country. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
Recognition of Prior Learning: The Qualification may be obtained through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Learners who have met the requirements of any Unit Standard in this Qualification may apply to the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA) for Recognition of Prior Learning and will be assessed against the assessment criteria and specific outcomes for the relevant Unit Standard/s. ETQA bodies are responsible for facilitating the implementation of the RPL, and must register trained assessors against specific Unit Standards. Learners are prepared for assessment and assessed against the Unit Standard by such registered assessors. Learners declared competent against a specific Unit Standard will receive ETQA certificates indicating their achievements and this information will also be recorded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD). Access to the Qualification: Access to this qualification is open to all learners, bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place detailed in this qualification. However learners within the public rail sector have to complete the Unit Standards listed in the table below, prior to being granted access to this Qualification. These Unit Standards deal with "train working rules". This prerequisite is in accordance with the safety requirements of the Rail Regulator for public rail transport. Advances in track maintenance technology and associated requirements have increased the need for learners in the public rail sector to achieve all these "train working rules". This access requirement does not apply to learners within the Private rail transport sector. Unit Standards relating to "train working rules" are the following: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, Core and Elective Components.
To be awarded the Qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 138 Credits as detailed below. Fundamental Component The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standard in Communication and Mathematical Literacy to the value of 36 credits all of which are compulsory. Core Component The Core Components consists of Unit Standards to the value of 100 credits are compulsory. Elective Component Learners are to choose Elective Unit Standard to the value of at least 2 credits so as to attain a minimum of 138 credits for the qualification. |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Afford on-track protection
2. Construct a railway line, as well as a standard turnout 3. Measure track Geometry in order to determine track condition and restore track alignment and super elevation 4. Maintain and/or replace rails, as well as turn outs and turnout components 5. Destress rails 6. Maintain clearances, safety devices and markers Critical cross-field outcomes: Problems experienced with resources, including materials, tools and equipment, are timeously and effectively resolved. Sound relations are maintained with relevant role-players within the rail environment. Suggestions are made with regard to improvement of own performance. Drawings, job instructions and specifications are accurately interpreted and correctly utilized. Written communication skills are demonstrated by means of the accurate and legible completion of relevant documentation and reports. Technologies used within rail construction and maintenance, are correctly understood and applied. The significance of the permanent way in the broader rail industry, is explained. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Integrated assessment: Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably lined. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the unit standards should be integrated. Assessment of the communication, mathematical literacy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic Rail Construction contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment. The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and Critical Cross-Field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the Critical Cross-Field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
United Kingdom:
The National Certificate in Rail Construction and Maintenance has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualifications on the Qualification Framework in the United Kingdom. The following emanated from the benchmarking process: Title of corresponding Qualification: NVQ in Rail Transport Engineering Maintenance, Levels 3. Differences with South African Qualification: The UK Qualification incorporates the different railway engineering disciplines into one Qualification, i.e. a generic core with different streams representing the various disciplines, such as Signal Maintenance, Signal Faulting, Communications, Permanent way, Electrification, Traction and Rolling stock and Plant. In the South African model, each of the railway engineering disciplines are reflected in separate, specialized Qualifications. Similarities with South African Qualification: There are a lot of similarities with regard to the individual units or competencies included in this Qualification. These include competencies relating to: New Zealand: The National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualification and individual Unit Standards registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The following emanated from the benchmarking process: Title of corresponding Qualification National Certificate in Rail Infrastructure, Level 3. Differences with South African Qualification: The aim of the New Zealand Qualification is to provide recognition for a broad range of competencies related to the maintenance of track, structures and signals within the rail industry. The South African equivalent excludes signalling and represents a more specialized range of competencies, relating to the construction and maintenance of railway track. Similarities with South African Qualification: There are a lot of similarities with regard to the individual units or competencies included in this Qualification. These include competencies relating to: Individual Unit Standards registered on the New Zealand Framework, which correlate with some of the South African Unit Standards, include: |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
Horizontal articulation is possible with:
Vertical articulation is possible with: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
Registration as an assessor requires:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
N/A |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 119980 | Maintain clearances, safety devices and markers to ensure a safe rail environment | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Core | 14623 | Afford on-track protection | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Core | 119984 | Build a standard rail turnout | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 9 |
Core | 119978 | Construct a railway line | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 10 |
Core | 119981 | Destress rails | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
Core | 119982 | Maintain rail turnouts and turnout components | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 12 |
Core | 119977 | Maintain rails | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 21 |
Core | 119973 | Measure track geometry in order to determine track condition | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Core | 119979 | Restore track alignment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Fundamental | 8968 | Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 9010 | Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
Fundamental | 9013 | Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
Fundamental | 8969 | Interpret and use information from texts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 9012 | Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 8973 | Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 7456 | Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 8970 | Write texts for a range of communicative contexts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 376621 | Build auto-electrical circuits | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 16 |
Elective | 264996 | Construct and test basic electronic circuits | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 16 |
Elective | 243067 | Cut materials using the oxy-fuel gas cutting process (manual cutting) | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 120438 | Cut rails of various profiles and grades | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Elective | 120025 | Demonstrate an understanding of materials and components used in rail construction and maintenance | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 9 |
Elective | 120028 | Demonstrate an understanding of the "permanent way" context and related operations | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 244690 | Demonstrate basic knowledge of hydraulic components | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 244691 | Demonstrate basic knowledge of pneumatic components | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 259639 | Explain basic health and safety principles in and around the workplace | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 120445 | Grind rails of various profiles and grades | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 13 |
Elective | 119975 | Install and maintain trackside rail lubricators | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 120024 | Maintain associated works | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 120032 | Maintain ballast | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 120034 | Maintain sleepers | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 8 |
Elective | 253975 | Operate a heavy on-track maintenance machine | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 17 |
Elective | 120449 | Operate hydraulic rail shearing machine | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 120454 | Operate petrol- air pre heating machine | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 120455 | Operate rail disc-cutting machine | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 120446 | Operate rail grinding machine | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 4 |
Elective | 12208 | Perform lubrication on production machinery | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 13221 | Perform routine maintenance | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 8 |
Elective | 120440 | Repair battered rail ends | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 18 |
Elective | 119744 | Select, use and care for engineering hand tools | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 8 |
Elective | 12219 | Select, use and care for engineering power tools | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Elective | 120035 | Select, use and maintain perway tools and equipment | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 18 |
Elective | 258967 | Understand fundamentals of electricity | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 8 |
Elective | 243063 | Weld carbon steel work-pieces using the shielded metal arc welding process in the down-hand position. | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 15 |
Elective | 120453 | Weld wheel spin burns | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 15 |
Elective | 119985 | Build an advanced rail turnout | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Elective | 119974 | Construct temporary track support | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 246667 | Demonstrate an understanding of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Legislations | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
Elective | 13915 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in a workplace, and its effects on a business sub-sector, own organisation and a specific workplace | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
Elective | 264384 | Execute train movement procedures | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Elective | 123258 | Foster and maintain customer relations | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 10 |
Elective | 120451 | Join rails by means of the exothermic welding process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 40 |
Elective | 13283 | Maintain bearings in machines and equipment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
Elective | 119531 | Maintain production records for plant and equipment on a construction site | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 9 |
Elective | 119983 | Operate road rail vehicles and associated hydraulic equipment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 18 |
Elective | 14621 | Perform crossing of trains | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 262445 | Provide on-track protection | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 14580 | Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 10 |
Elective | 120442 | Repair rail-manufactured frogs | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 23 |
Elective | 253447 | Take samples and measurements on rotating machinery for condition monitoring purposes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 262448 | Utilise fixed and temporary trackside indicators for rail movement | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 14608 | Utilise pilot working of train control for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
Elective | 264396 | Utilise radio order system of train control | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 264378 | Utilise semaphore signals for rail movement on double lines | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
Elective | 264381 | Utilise semaphore signals for rail movement on single lines | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Elective | 14594 | Utilise semaphore signals/indicators for rail movement on double lines | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
Elective | 14607 | Utilise semaphore signals/indicators for rail movement on single lines | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
Elective | 14622 | Utilise telegraph order system for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 264401 | Utilise telegraph order system for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 14668 | Utilise the radio train order system of train control for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 264394 | Utilise the wooden train staff system of train control for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 14671 | Utilise track warrant system of train control for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 14637 | Utilise Van Schoor method of train control for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 264399 | Utilise Van Schoor method of train control for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 14634 | Utilise various fixed and temporary trackside indicators for rail movement | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 14670 | Utilise wooden train staff system of train control for safe movement on rail | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 10953 | Operate a rigid vehicle | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 32 |
Elective | 120439 | Repair 14% cast manganese frogs | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 34 |
Elective | 120447 | Repair points blades | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 9 |
Elective | 120452 | Repair rail bound frogs | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 42 |
Elective | 264372 | Utilise colour-light signalling for rail movement | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 18 |
Elective | 14611 | Utilise colour-light signalling for rail movement | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 18 |
Elective | 264418 | Utilise pilot working for safe movement on rail | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Elective | 264294 | Utilise track warrant system of train control | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 5 |
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. |
1. | R and H Rail (Pty) Ltd |
All qualifications and part qualifications 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. |