Qual ID: 117348

Occupational Certificate: Heavy Equipment Mechanic Assistant

Purpose and Rationale of the QualifIcation

Purpose:

A Workshop assistant removes, install and performs services on various heavy-duty vehicle sub-systems and its components (transmission, engines and related mechanical sub-systems). The Occupational Certificate in Heavy Duty Workshop Assistant will equip learners with skills and knowledge to provide workshop assistance, to ensure that vehicles are serviced in a productive, cost-effective, and efficient way.

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles.
  • Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble engine and vehicle system components.
  • Diagnose and repair faults in diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components.

Rationale:

The automotive maintenance and repair industry provides essential services to users of automotive motor vehicles. The primary users in South Africa are the general public, public entities and commercial organisations owning a variety of vehicle fleets for a variety of purposes.

The service extends to vehicles that include trucks, buses, fire engines and other related specialised vehicles such as drill rigs, battlefield equipment used by small, medium and large private and public enterprises to transport goods and passengers. Such vehicles need to function effectively and be well maintained to meet road safety and environmental standards. This qualification trains learners to assist in a variety of skilled tasks as Heavy Duty Workshop Assistant. The latter contributes to the success of the related business for their employers in organisations running fleet services, in maintenance and repair services, and also in dealerships and independent workshops.

Once qualified as Heavy Duty Workshop Assistant learners will be able to perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles and service various heavy-duty vehicle sub-systems and its components (transmission, engines and related mechanical sub-systems).

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 results or by certifying a work experience record.

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

Entry Requirements:
NQF Level 1 with a pass in Mathematics.

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Course Details:

Qualification Type:

Occupational Certificate

Sub-field:

Manufacturing and Assembly

Qual Class:

Regular-ELOAC

SAQA Decision Number:

SAQA 12129/20

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Qualification Rules

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

Knowledge Modules:

Total number of credits: 39

Module ID Title Level Credits
653306-000-01-KM-01
Workplace Fundamentals
2
9
653306-000-01-KM-02
Foundational Concepts for Mechanics
2
14
653306-000-01-KM-03
Vehicle and Equipment Fundamentals
2
8
653306-000-01-KM-04
Basic Engine Systems
2
8

Practical Skill Modules:

Total number of credits: 64

Module ID Title Level Credits
653306-000-01-PM-01
Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies
2
6
653306-000-01-PM-02
Use Tools and Equipment
2
26
653306-000-01-PM-03
Cut and Join Metals
2
5
653306-000-01-PM-04
Remove and Install Mechanical Components (gaskets, seals, bearings and locking devices)
2
6
653306-000-01-PM-07
Maintain and Service Vehicles and Vehicle Components
2
5
653306-000-01-PM-08
Dismantle, Assess and Reassemble Engines and Engine Sub-Assemblies
3
16

Work Experience Modules:

Total number of credits: 50

Module ID Title Level Credits
653306-000-01-WM-01
Routine Scheduled Services
2
16
653306-000-01-WM-01
Removal and Replacement of Engine Sub-Systems Components, (including batteries)
3
16
653306-000-01-WM-04
Engine Removal and Installation Processes
3
18

Exit Level Outcomes

  1. Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles.
  2. Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble engine and vehicle system components.
  3. Diagnose and repair faults in diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components.

Associated Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Discuss, outline and apply general principles and critical issues relating to performing scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles according to accepted industry standards.
  • Plan the work systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Source and interpret technical information correctly.
  • Remove, replace and test components as per the service schedule.
  • Perform the service according to the manufacturer’s schedule, specifications and timeframes.
  • Generate the maintenance report on the condition of all the required components and systems, including defective components according to industry standards.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental requirements.
  • Apply workmanship according to industry standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Discuss, outline and apply general principles and critical issues related to removing, disassembling, assessing and replacing diesel engine and vehicle system components according to accepted industry standards.
  • Source and interpret technical information correctly.
  • Plan the work systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Remove, disassemble, assess and replace systems and sub-systems in the diesel vehicle according to applicable standard processes and to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Dispose of all waste materials and restore the work area according to health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental requirements.
  • Apply workmanship according to industry standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Describe, outline and apply operating principles of diesel engine and vehicle systems and components.
  • Describe, outline and apply general principles and critical processes, sequence and safety requirements for diagnosing and repairing diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components according to accepted industry standards.
  • Plan the work systematically and prepare the work area according to task requirements.
  • Operate diagnostic equipment according to the manufacturer’s procedures and standards.
  • Generate the diagnostic report on the condition of all the required components and systems, including defective components according to industry standards.
  • Interpret the diagnostic codes and events.
  • Source and interpret technical information correctly.
  • Diagnose all faults correctly and within stipulated timeframes.
  • Repair faults according to the manufacturer’s procedures and specifications.
  • Restore the work area according to health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Perform all activities according to safety and environmental requirements.
  • Apply workmanship according to industry standards.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated Formative Assessment:

The skills development providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as specified by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:

An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner, is required to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

International Comparability

The contents of the curriculum for this qualification and the duration of the qualifications were compared to auto-electrical qualifications in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada. The South African occupational curriculum is very similar to that of the curricula used for comparison. This is not surprising, as Automotive Electricians essentially perform the same tasks on the same or similar vehicles due to the globalised nature of automotive manufacturing.

Canada:

The Inter-Provincial Red Seal qualification in Canada offers a Truck and Transport Mechanic Trade. The qualification is the designated trade governed by regulations under the Provincial and Territorial Apprenticeship Acts of Canada which regulates the administrative procedures and the standards and conditions of training for specific trades.

According to the Inter-Provincial Red Seal Qualification, Truck and transport mechanics inspect, repair and maintain commercial trucks, emergency vehicles, buses and road transport vehicles. Truck and transport mechanics work on the structural, mechanical, electrical and electronic vehicle systems and components such as engines, cab, chassis and frames, brakes, steering, suspension, drive train, heating, ventilation and air conditioning emissions, fuel systems and hydraulic systems. Also, truck and transport mechanics perform preventative maintenance and diagnosis of vehicles. Truck and transport mechanics are employable in small repair shops, motor vehicle dealers, fleet maintenance companies, public transportation companies, government highway departments, railways and construction companies.

United States of America:

The Pearl River Community College in Mississippi in the United States of America offers a Professional Certificate in Automotive Technician Technology. This qualification prepares learners to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of automobiles, including Diesel combustion engine vehicles.

Conclusion:

This qualification compares favourably with qualifications in Canada and the United States of America. They all focus on training learners and providing them with knowledge and skill to service, maintain and repair all forms of transportation.

Articulation Options

This qualification has the following articulation possibilities.

Horizontal Articulation:

  • National Certificate: IC: N2 Motor, Diesel and Tractor Mechanics, NQF Level 2.

Vertical Articulation:

  • Occupational Certificate: Heavy Equipment Mechanic, NQF Level 4.

Notes

Qualifying for External Integrated Summative Assessment:

To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules using statements of results and work experience records.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:

Medical certificate of Fitness.

Encompassed trades:

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

  • This is not a trade qualification.

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117348 | Occupational Certificate: Heavy Equipment Mechanic Assistant