SAQA 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: Glass Forming 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
57828  National Certificate: Glass Forming 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHIETA - Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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:

This qualification is used to recognise the competence of people to operate and control integrated glass forming process. This includes competence in operating and controlling the total glass forming system and of the glass forming machines.

This competence provides the foundation needed to take responsibility of a significant operation in the industry. It also provides the basis upon which further related learning and career development can take place.

Through the employment of competent operating personnel, employers and, in turn, the field and sub-field, have confidence that this critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out.

Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through efficient production, and career development and personal job satisfaction of operating personnel are facilitated through the learning process used to achieve the competency specified.

Qualifying learners will:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the various process operations that are used in glass forming.
  • Assess the impact of feedstock variables on the glass forming process.
  • Start-up and shutdown an integrated glass forming process.
  • Monitor and maintain glass forming product quality.
  • Solve and address glass forming problems.

    Rationale:

    The glass industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependant upon the efficient production of formed glass products. Achievement of this objective is largely dependent upon the competence, recognised by this qualification, of the people who operate integrated glass forming equipment. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively. Typical learners for this qualification are operating personnel working in a glass-manufacturing environment.

    Competence in operating molten glass production process requires appropriate general, glass specific technical knowledge and its application; expertise in operating production equipment and controlling a production process. This knowledge and expertise can form a basis for further learning particularly in the production / operational, engineering and supervisory aspects of glass manufacturing and similar industries in the chemical and other relevant engineering sectors.

    Technology relating to glass forming includes Communication, Mathematics, Applied Science, and industry specific technology and information technology.

    The National Certificate in Glass Forming at NQF Level 3 addresses the production of formed glass products starting at a forehearth furnace and including the feeder, forming process and terminating on entering the annealing lehr. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication, Mathematical and Computer Literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of prior learning must be carried out in accordance with the policy and rules specified and used by the ETQA responsible for evaluation of people seeking RPL for a part of the whole qualification.

    Access to the qualification:

    Access to the qualification is open. However, it is preferable that learners have completed the unit standards related to the operation of industrial glass forming machines and the application of instrumentation and process control technology in an industrial plant before accessing the qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • All the fundamental unit standards totalling 36 credits are compulsory.
  • All the core unit standards totalling 45 credits are compulsory.
  • A minimum of 39 credits should be chosen from the elective component.

    A minimum of 120 credits is required to obtain the qualification. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Start the glass forming system up and shut the system down under both planned and abnormal conditions.
    2. Evaluate the impact of variations in glass raw materials, changes in melting and conditioning conditions on the forming properties of glass.
    3. Control an integrated glass forming process to maintain product quality and plant efficiency.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Each critical cross-field outcome was considered in terms of its applicability to each of the Specific Outcomes for each unit standard. Where it was found to be applicable, the nature of the skills being developed was specified by the working group and captured in the standard.

    Critical cross-field outcomes are assessed per unit standards and are part of all Exit Level Outcomes.

    While performing integrated glass forming functions, qualifying learners can:

    1. Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:

    > Applying knowledge and comprehension of safety procedures. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2
    > Monitoring and controlling quality assurance practices. Evident in exit level outcomes: 2, 3
    > Applying operating procedures. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3
    > Controlling variables impacting on an integrated glass forming process. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3

    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:

    > Working in a coordinated team during system start-up and shut down. Evident in exit level outcome: 1
    > Co-ordinating one's work with that of others in the direct surrounding area, suppliers of molten glass and receivers of formed products. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3

    3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:

    > Planning and implementing one's own start-up and shutdown activities. Evident in exit level outcome: 1
    > Planning and implementing one's own routine operational functions. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3
    > Planning and implementing corrective action to maintain product quality. Evident in exit level outcome: 3

    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:

    > Monitoring operational parameters. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2
    > Collating and sorting product quality data. Evident in exit level outcome: 3
    > Monitoring and interpreting product quality data and data obtained from product analysis. Evident in exit level outcomes: 2, 3
    > Managing records, reports and stock. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3

    5. Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:

    > Recording and interpretation of instrument readings. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3
    > Preparing and presenting reports. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3

    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:

    > Working according to health and safety regulations. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3
    > Controlling technologically advanced production equipment according to operating procedures. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3
    > Working and interpreting technologically advanced instrumentation and computer systems. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3

    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:

    > Monitoring and controlling quality assurance practices. Evident in exit level outcomes: 2, 3
    > Adjusting equipment and machinery while taking cognisance of the downstream impact. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3

    8. Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:

    > Maintaining and applying safety practices in the production environment. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3
    > Maintaining and applying quality practices in the production environment. Evident in exit level outcomes: 2, 3
    > Performing core operating functions. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3
    > Performing specialised computer functions. Evident in exit level outcomes: 1, 2, 3 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Pre start-up condition of the process and equipment is assessed by visual inspection.
  • Start-up and shutdown documentation is completed in accordance with requirements and relevant parties are informed throughout the process.
  • Start-up and shutdown of the process is conducted according to operating procedures.
  • Corrective action is taken on deviations or abnormal conditions in accordance with organisational procedures.

    2.
  • The feeder mechanism is adjusted in accordance with instructions to compensate for weight variations, process deviations and potential process deviations.
  • Glass forming settings are adjusted to compensate for changes in the molten glass properties due to variations in the raw material, melting and glass conditioning.
  • Feeder mechanism components are replaced in accordance with procedures.

    3.
  • Procedural adjustments are set up to the operating parameters on the forming machine to ensure and/or improve quality and efficiency.
  • Plant and equipment efficiency is monitored and maintained in accordance with procedures.
  • Product quality is assessed and reported by obtaining data from quality monitoring systems, taking samples and conducting tests and checks.
  • Data is interpreted and the best course of action is assessed to improve product quality and plant efficiency.

    Integrated assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner is able to operate the equipment in a glass-manufacturing environment, maintain quality control practices, demonstrate knowledge of glass forming technology and perform basic maintenance functions.

    Appropriate methods and tools must be used to assess practical, foundational and reflexive competence of the learner in all the Exit Level Outcomes listed above, as well as to determine a learner's ability to solve problems, work in a team, organize him/herself, use applied science, and understand the implications of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems. Such an assessment process will determine development of the whole person, and the integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    Assessors should develop, conduct, and ensure integration of assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods against the unit standards that make up the qualification. Combinations of applied, foundational and reflective competencies, including Critical Cross-Field Outcomes, should be assessed wherever possible.

    Moderators should ensure that assessment is valid, consistent and integrated into work or learning, and that there is sufficient and authenticated evidence of learner competence against the whole qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Benchmarking was done against the NVQ from Britain, SVQ from Scotland, the German Berufsschule and the Australian and New Zealand Qualifications Frameworks because they are considered to have best practice in glass manufacturing. Britain leads a European Community (EC) pilot project to investigate the establishment of a benchmark glass manufacturing qualification for the EC. The other participants in the EC project are Sweden, the Czech Republic and Romania, who have been amongst the world leaders in glass manufacturing for many years.

    African countries with manufacturing facilities (including SADC countries) were scanned for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries.

    Good international comparability, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 2 to NQF Level 3, were found in the Australian, New Zealand, British and Scottish qualifications. As in the South African glass qualifications, separate qualifications are used to address glass melting and glass forming. The German Berufsschule offers a two-year course consisting of an in-depth theory component and a detailed mechanical (dismantle, assemble and set-up) component.

    A direct comparison with these international qualifications indicates that the focus of all the qualifications is basically the same. However, the international qualifications have a variety of mechanical, business and soft skills electives supporting their core, whereas a wider scope of glass manufacturing Unit Standards were seen as a higher priority to complete the proposed South African glass forming qualification.

    The scope of training provided by the two world leading equipment suppliers, Emhart Glass and Owens-Illinois (O-I), covers the basic glass forming and equipment operating principles but lacks the depth and integrated approach required by a qualification. These suppliers also developed an internationally accepted code of "Good Forming Practice", which serves as a general operating directive in the industry. These Good Forming Practice directives serve as a general reference framework for this qualification.

    The Glass Forming Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The additional operational content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    This qualification follows a vertical progression to the FETC: Manufacturing and Assembly Operations. SAQA ID: 48915.

    Horizontal articulation can occur with the National Certificate: Molten Glass Production at NQF Level 3. SAQA ID: 48434. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone moderating the assessment of learners against this Qualification must be registered as a moderator with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited or recognized as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    In order to assess this qualification, the assessor needs to:
  • Be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Have a similar qualification at one level higher than the level of the qualification.
  • Have relevant working experience. 
    		•

    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  242922  Assess the impact of feedstock variables on the glass forming process  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  242921  Monitor and maintain glass forming product quality and plant efficiency  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  242924  Solve and address glass forming problems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Core  242923  Start-up and shutdown an integrated glass forming process  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed 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  119457  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  119467  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  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  13223  Apply safety, health and environmental protection procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  14783  Conform to and apply legislation and operational instructions in chemical processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  242942  Control an integrated container glass forming process  Level 3  NQF Level 03  25 
    Elective  242941  Operate the feeder mechanism in the production of formed glass containers  Level 3  NQF Level 03  18 
    Elective  9913  Perform first line maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
    Elective  116940  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to solve a given problem  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  119078  Use a GUI-based word processor to enhance a document through the use of tables and columns  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  10981  Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives (individuals and teams)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 


    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 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.