SAFPA training initiative
On 23 June 2015, SAFPA held an Open Day where members present were requested to vote on the continued roll-out of the fluid power qualification as captured on the Merseta qualification database. The majority of parties voted in favour of continued development.
The SAFPA training initiative to get the fluid power qualification off the ground is in a very positive position. Good progress has been made in indentifying training partners. A Service Level Agreement was drafted with JFA² Technical Training Institution NPC as preferred partner on 15 December 2015. The partner has been able to submit accreditation application documents to Merseta for the full suite of fluid power qualifcations (Level 2 to Level 5).
During September 2015, JFA² Technical Training Institution NPC was engaged after extensive effort by Wessie van der Westhuizen of SAFPA. Immediate commitment was shown to get the fluid power qualifications off the ground. During their efforts to obtain all the relevant training material, it came to light that the Fluid Power NQF Level 2 qualification was also de-registered and no longer existed due to an administrative oversight between the Sectoral Educational and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This caused a discontinuity in the Fluid Power qualifications. After extensive consultation with Merseta, a process was identified whereby the Level 2 qualification in Fluid Power can be presented by JFA² Technical Training Institution NPC.
In addition there was the positive outcome from the interaction which resulted in the re-instatement of the Fluid Power NQF Level 5 qualification. Furthermore, JFA² Technical Training Institution NPC took the initiative to obtain accreditation for the City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Engineering with specialisation in Maintenance, Installation and Commissioning. This closely approximates the outcomes of the fluid power level 3 qualification. This increases the attractiveness of the qualification as it creates the opportunity for international portability of the students.
The Fluid Power qualification can therefore be seen as a dual certified qualification. The SAQA accreditation will be considered the primary qualification with the option of the student extending into the City and Guilds qualification. The structures therefore exist to present Fluid Power NQF Levels 2 to 5. SAFPA members will receive further communication regarding the relevant BBBEE benefits associated with JFA² Technical Training Institution NPC.
JFA² Technical Training Institution NPC received accreditation from Merseta on 15 April 2016, JFA² Technical Training Institution NPC will gain access to the Merseta training material for the Fluid Power qualification (NQF Level 2 to 5). The commitment has been secured to have the training material vetted by industry before presentation of the qualification commences. The training subcommittee believes that a sustainable career path and qualification set can be secured soon.
SAFPA wishes to thank each and every party that has invested time and effort in this initiative (in particular Wessie van der Westhuizen of Pirtek).
Eugene Tondolo
| Tel: | +27 11 061 5000 |
| Fax: | 086 589 2158 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.safpa.org.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about SA Fluid Power Association (SAFPA) |
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