National Certificate: Production Technology – 58785

Learners should be competent in the following:

• Communication at NQF Level 2
• Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2

Learning assumed to be in place:

• Contribute to achieving production specifications through optimising organisational structures, functions and processes NQF Level 2.
• Demonstrate an understanding of production technology practices, terminology and systems as applied in manufacturing, engineering and technology NQF Level 2.

Contribute to efficient and effective production by applying quality standards and procedures NQF Level 2.

The combination of learning outcomes that comprise this qualification will provide the qualifying learner with vocational knowledge and skills appropriate to the context of production technology. 

This qualification provides learners with the range of learning and skills required to be able to perform a series of activities to support manufacturing, engineering and technology processes. Learners will acquire a range of skills in the identification of production parameters in manufacturing, engineering and technology industries and basic strategies to achieve them.

The qualifying learner will be able to:

• Perform production maintenance activities and report irregularities within organisational structures.
• Apply the fundamental concepts, theories and techniques of production systems.
• Apply the fundamental concepts relating to production planning, scheduling and control.
• Apply quality control and quality assurance practices for efficient and effective production processes.
• Communicate effectively as a member of a team. 

This qualification is the second qualification in a pathway of three (3) qualifications for learners in the production technology environment. 

Rationale

As a result of an increased need for efficient and quality production processes in the manufacturing, engineering and technology field, the demand for production technology competencies has become more evident.

This qualification contributes to the industries in manufacturing and related fields which will allow learners who achieve the qualification to contribute and function in areas such as production planning and control, systems and maintenance, quality and occupational health and safety. Learners who will typically embark on this qualification are individuals who have an interest in a career in production technology. The production technology competencies incorporated in this qualification can also be offered as support skills programmes to incumbents in any other manufacturing, engineering and technology field qualifications. 

This qualification requires a total of 120 credits as listed below:

Fundamental component:

Fundamental: all unit standards to the value of 36 credits must be completed.

Core component:

Core: all the core unit standards to the value of 51 credits must be completed.

Elective component:

Elective: Learners must complete unit standards to the value specialisation, of at least 33 credits from the specialisation, sector or general elective unit standards. 

The qualifying learner will be able to:

1. Perform production maintenance activities and report irregularities within organisational structures.
2. Apply the fundamental concepts, theories and techniques of production systems.

Range: Include, but not limited to, Just in Time (JIT), cycle times, process flow, division of labour, lead times, transport systems, supply chain, value chain, Total Quality Management (TQM), process control, inventory control, batch sizes, capacity, productivity, lean manufacturing, waste management.

3. Apply the fundamental concepts relating to production planning, scheduling and control.
4. Apply quality control and quality assurance practices for efficient and effective production processes.
5. Communicate effectively as a member of a team.

Production performance in the workplace

• Perform production maintenance activities and report irregularities within organisational structures
• Apply the fundamental concepts theories and techniques of production systems
• Range: Include, but not limited to, Just in Time (JIT), cycle times, process flow, division of labour, lead times, transport, systems, supply chain, value chain, Total Quality Management
• (TQM), process control, inventory control, batch sizes, capacity; productivity; lean manufacturing; waste management.
• Apply the fundamental concepts relating to production planning, scheduling and control.
• Apply quality control and quality assurance practices for efficient and effective production processes.
• Communicate effectively as a member of a team. 

Fundamentals of production maintenance

• Basic production concepts and theories are explained in order to contribute to production efficiencies.
• Basic production techniques are explained and applied according to prescribed company specifications.
• Production/process resources are utilised optimally in the application of prescribed company specifications.

Production planning, scheduling and control techniques

• planning, scheduling and control techniques are explained and applied according to prescribed procedures to achieve production targets.
• Factors influencing planning, scheduling and control are explained and considered to interpret production plans and schedule resources.
• Production plans are interpreted, and resources scheduled to meet prescribed objectives.

Management systems

• Company quality management systems are explained and applied according to company policies and customer specifications.
• Product deviations and non-conformances are identified and responded to according to company procedures in order to meet quality specifications.
• Company environmental management system is explained and applied according to company policies and legislation.
• Quality inspection and sampling is performed to prevent deviations and non-conformances according to company procedures.

Data interpretation

• Information and data are interpreted to ensure simple reports are produced for record keeping purposes.
• Communication processes are engaged in to inform peers and supervisors of production processes and challenges.
• Manufacturing materials tools are listed and stored for the purpose of production to standard specifications.
• Relationships with peers, supervisory and management levels are established and functioning to promote communication within the workplace.
• Issues related to own role and purpose in the organisation are discussed to reflect an understanding of individual contribution to the manufacturing process.
• Problems are identified in a timely manner, reported and discussed and the agreed corrective action is implemented.

The following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the associated Unit Standards:

• Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
• Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
• Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
• Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral/written persuasion.
• Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:

• Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
• Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
• Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
• Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.