The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. A Heavy Equipment Mechanic maintains, diagnoses faults in and repairs heavy equipment such as earth moving or mining equipment, including engines, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems.
A qualified learner will be able to:
The heavy equipment maintenance and repair industry provides essential services to users of heavy equipment. The main users in South Africa are the mining, construction, agricultural and forestry sectors. Heavy Equipment Mechanics perform a variety of skilled tasks which enable these economically significant sectors to use the equipment productively, cost-effectively and safely, so as to obtain the maximum benefit from their investment and to comply with legal obligations relating to the condition and use of the equipment.
Heavy equipment has become highly complex, and repair and maintenance activities have to adhere to stringent standards set by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This qualification will equip qualifying learners to meet these standards. Once qualified, learners will be involved in activities such as the maintenance of heavy equipment through regular scheduled services, the repair or replacement of components and parts, and the diagnosing and repair of system faults in a variety of types and models of heavy equipment. Learners may also be involved in the assembly, testing and commissioning of new or rebuilt equipment.
Learners entering this qualification will typically be school leavers or TVET College graduates. The primary employers of Heavy Equipment Mechanics are OEMs, mining houses and construction firms. They may also find employment with plant-hire, repair or re-conditioning facilities. This qualification will also enable qualifying learners to keep abreast of ongoing technological developments in the industry and provide a basis for further career development.
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 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.
Occupational Certificate
Manufacturing and Assembly
Regular-ELOAC
EXCO 0425/24
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| Module ID | Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
653307000-KM-01 |
Workplace fundamentals |
2 |
9 |
|
653307000-KM-02 |
Foundational concepts for mechanics |
2 |
14 |
|
653307000-KM-03 |
Vehicle and equipment fundamentals |
2 |
8 |
|
653307000-KM-04 |
Basic engine systems |
2 |
8 |
|
653307000-KM-05 |
Vehicle, equipment and propulsion systems |
3 |
13 |
|
653307000-KM-06 |
Electrical systems and basic electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic principles |
3 |
16 |
|
653307000-KM-07 |
Advanced vehicle and equipment systems |
4 |
30 |
|
653307000-KM-08 |
Problem solving and engine optimisation |
4 |
10 |
| Module ID | Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
653307000-PM-01 |
Work safely |
2 |
10 |
|
653307000-PM-02 |
Use tools and equipment |
2 |
12 |
|
653307000-PM-03 |
Remove and install mechanical components (gaskets, seals, bearings and locking devices) |
2 |
10 |
|
653307000-PM-04 |
Work with electrical and fluid power components |
2 |
10 |
|
653307000-PM-05 |
Maintain and service heavy equipment system components |
2 |
15 |
|
653307000-PM-06 |
Dismantle, assess, and reassemble heavy equipment diesel cylinder heads and sub-assemblies |
3 |
20 |
|
653307000-PM-07 |
Dismantle, assess and reassemble heavy equipment power train systems |
3 |
20 |
|
653307000-PM-08 |
Remove, test, repair and refit heavy equipment components and parts |
3 |
15 |
|
653307000-PM-09 |
Diagnose and repair Heavy Equipment Mechanical systems |
4 |
26 |
|
653307000-PM-10 |
Diagnose and repair heavy equipment electrical systems |
4 |
12 |
|
653307000-PM-11 |
Diagnose and repair heavy equipment electronically controlled systems |
4 |
12 |
| Module ID | Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
653307000-WM-01 |
Routine scheduled services |
2 |
24 |
|
653307000-WM-02 |
Removal and replacement of heavy equipment diesel engine sub-system components (including batteries) |
3 |
32 |
|
653307000-WM-03 |
Removal and replacement of heavy equipment drive train components |
3 |
32 |
|
653307000-WM-04 |
Heavy equipment diesel engine removal and installation processes |
3 |
6 |
|
653307000-WM-05 |
Removal and replacement of heavy equipment hydraulic system components |
3 |
32 |
|
653307000-WM-06 |
Diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment electrical systems (charging, starting, lighting and auxiliary) |
4 |
12 |
|
653307000-WM-07 |
Diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment diesel engine electronic control systems |
4 |
20 |
|
653307000-WM-08 |
Diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment diesel engines and engine sub-systems |
4 |
20 |
|
653307000-WM-09 |
Diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment hydraulic systems |
4 |
30 |
|
653307000-WM-10 |
Diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment brake systems |
4 |
20 |
|
653307000-WM-11 |
Diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment drive train systems |
4 |
30 |
|
653307000-WM-12 |
Diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment steering and suspension systems |
4 |
20 |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
Integrated Formative Assessment
Accredited 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 stipulated 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 for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a trade test as prescribed under Section 26D of the Skills Development Act and defined by the Trade Test Regulations. It will be conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects of the trade in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an Assessor registered by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days.
International comparison for the Occupational Certificate Heavy Equipment Mechanic NQF Level 4 was conducted against international countries known to have good reputation for the provision of heavy equipment mechanic, such as Canada and Australia.
Heavy equipment is used all over the world and is generally supplied by large multinational enterprises, the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) which stringent maintenance and repair specifications and with the standards for maintenance and repair activities. These standards represent best practice and dictate the level and depth of training required to equip trained mechanics to meet them. Representatives from three such international companies have contributed to the development of the curriculum.
The Canadian qualification for Heavy Duty Equipment Technician was chosen for detailed comparison because it includes a very clear occupational profile. The learner with qualification will be able to repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, forestry, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming and similar activities. Employment opportunities for learners having completed the qualification will be by companies which own and operate heavy equipment, and by heavy equipment dealers, rental and service establishments, and railway transport companies and urban transit systems. This qualification is acquired through an apprenticeship model.
The Australian Certificate in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology qualification works as an apprenticeship, recognising learners as registered trades` people in heavy vehicle mechanics. The automotive qualification will train a learner to acquire skills and knowledge work in heavy vehicle road transport. Learners will gain the skills and knowledge to competently carry out service, repair and diagnostic procedures within the heavy mechanic industry.
The qualification modules are also similar to the current one since there are those dealing with testing, repairing and applying safety in the working environment. Some of the employment opportunities having gone through the qualification, plus appropriate workplace training, will be to work as a registered trades' person in the retail, service and repair sector of the automotive industry, with heavy vehicle road transport.
A comparison with the Canadian qualification reveals that the current qualification is comparable in terms of the occupational profile, the occupational tasks, the theory and practical training and the duration of the training.
The comparison was based on the occupational profile, competency profile (where available), the formal training requirements, the training coverage, content and complexity, and the duration of the apprenticeship.
The South African qualification is comparable in terms of content, level and complexity.
The results of the comparability studies conducted reveal that this qualification compares with some of the best heavy equipment mechanic in the world. Qualifications attained is the way in which acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to operate as competent mechanics within the industry. Having acquired the qualification assessment to further acquire the trade test is accommodated for in the current as well as the said qualifications. Similarity in terms of the purpose was found in all the qualifications.
