Qual ID: 97582

Occupational Certificate: Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Purpose and Rationale of the QualifIcation

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Course Details:

Qualification Type:

Occupational Certificate

Sub-field:

Manufacturing and Assembly

Qual Class:

Regular-ELOAC

SAQA Decision Number:

EXCO 0425/24

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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: 108

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

Practical Skill Modules:

Total number of credits: 162

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

Work Experience Modules:

Total number of credits: 270

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

Exit Level Outcomes

  1. Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on heavy equipment.
  2. Dismantle, assess, repair and reassemble heavy equipment engine and power train system components.
  3. Diagnose and repair faults in heavy equipment diesel engine and power train systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Equipment is serviced according to manufacturer’s specifications and schedule.
  • The service is completed within the specified time.
  • Appropriate tools, equipment and service parts are selected and used correctly and safely.
  • Technical information is sourced and correctly interpreted.
  • The work area is restored to its original condition.
  • All defects are identified and reported.
  • The appropriate checks after servicing are carried out correctly.
  • Oral and written questions general principles and critical issues relating to preventative and scheduled maintenance are responded to.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Engine and power train system components are repaired according to manufacturer’s specifications and procedures.
  • The component repair is completed within the specified time.
  • All relevant safety and environmental criteria are adhered to.
  • Re-usability is correctly determined using the relevant methods.
  • The appropriate pre- and post-checks are carried out correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Equipment systems are repaired according to manufacturer’s specifications and procedures.
  • The system repair is completed within the specified time.
  • The appropriate diagnostic process is followed and the root cause of the fault is identified correctly.

Integrated Assessment:

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 Comparability

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.

Canada:

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.

Australia:

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.

Conclusion:

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.

Articulation Options

This qualification has the following articulation possibilities.

Horizontal Articulation:

  • Occupational Certificate: Automotive Motor Mechanic, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic, NQF Level 4.
  • Occupational Certificate: Motorcycle Mechanic, NQF Level 4 (to be registered).

Vertical Articulation:

  • National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, NQF Level 5.
  • Diploma in Diesel Mechanic, NQF Level 5.

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97582 | Occupational Certificate: Heavy Equipment Mechanic