SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

General Education and Training Certificate: General Forestry

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
50225	General Education and Training Certificate: General Forestry
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FPMSETA - Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Forestry and Wood Technology
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 1	NQF Level 01	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

This qualification will be useful to those who assist in general forestry activities at an entry level as part of a team. This qualification recognises entry-level skills in establishing, maintaining, protecting and harvesting plantations while enhancing safety and productivity in forestry. Protection activities include clearing fire-breaks and suppressing fires as back up, not as part of a proto-team.

Recipients of this qualification are able to:

Communicate in a variety of ways.

Use numeracy in real life situations.

Participate in wildfire suppression.

Participate in harvesting trees.

Participate in plantation establishment.

Participate in general plantation maintenance.

Recipients will also be able to participate in pine, gum or wattle-related plantation maintenance, support wildfire suppression or participate in timber extraction depending on their choice of electives.

The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to demonstrate the competencies required to work safely and effectively in forestry operations.

Rationale:

The majority of the learners for this qualification are likely to be working in the forestry sub-field, but without any formal qualification. There is a critical need in the industry to identify and recognise people who are able to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe forestry operations. The qualification will give them the opportunity to balance their practical skills with the essential operations associated with efficient and safe forestry operations.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners embarking on learning programmes towards this qualification are already competent at ABET-3 Communications and Mathematical Literacy.

Recognition of prior learning:

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning.

Evidence can be presented in various ways, including international and/or local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence will be judged in accordance with the general principles of assessment.

Access to the qualification:

Open, bearing in mind learning assumed to be in place.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Fundamental - all 39 credits in the Fundamental Category are required.

Core - all 70 credits in the Core Category are required.

Elective - candidates must select at least 11 of the possible 20 credits in the Elective Category.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Participate in wildfire suppression.
2. Participate in tree harvesting and timber extraction.
3. Participate in plantation establishment.
4. Participate in plantation maintenance.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of and apply conservation and environmental issues.
6. Manage self and work with others.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes, as detailed in the 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.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Activities contribute to the effective suppression of wildfires.

Basic fire fighting techniques are used in line with industry standards.

Support activities are carried out according to plan and given instructions.

2.

Trees are harvested safely and to production schedules.

Timber is extracted safely and according to plan.

3.

Plantations are established according to plan.

Pesticides and fertilisers are applied before and after planting as per given instructions.

Waste is cleared as per given instructions.

4.

Plantations are maintained according to plan.

Trees are debarked and pruned as per given requirements.

Tools and materials are used in line with industry safety standards.

5.

Conservation and environmental issues are described in terms of given definitions.

Community issues are identified in relation to conservation.

6.

Financial issues are addressed according to basic financial principles.

Basic work requirements are described in line with given instructions.

Basic responsibilities are described in terms of company documentation.

Integrated assessment

The integrated assessment allows the learners the opportunity to show that they are able to utilize concepts, ideas and actions across the unit standards. This will allow learners to achieve competency that is in keeping with the purpose of the qualification.

An integrated assessment will indicate how theoretical learning is demonstrated in a practical environment in such a way that the application of the work learnt becomes second nature.

In conducting an assessment, the quality of the performance must also be evaluated i.e. both the performance and the thinking behind the action must be qualitative.

The assessment should include both formative and summative options and should use various assessment tools i.e. not by observation only. It is required that a Portfolio of Assessment form part of the summative assessment, with practical outcomes being demonstrated in a simulated or real work place situation.

A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge being maintained.

It is recommended that the assessment tools give learners the opportunity to account for their decision-making and problem solving in line with the specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

As a result of this qualification being generic in forming the foundation for a career in forestry industry, learners should be assessed in occupational contexts and activities. The assessment should ensure that the foundational skills are portable and prepare them for further learning, whatever career path they may choose.

Assessors should take note of the following general principles when designing and conducting assessments:

Focus the initial assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember that we want to declare the person competent in terms of the qualification purpose. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then the assessment should be focussed on each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.

Ensure that assessment is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-players are used, there should be supporting evidence to prove that the learner is able to perform in the real situation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

There are no international qualifications that could be found to compare to this qualification directly, although there was sufficient overlap in a New Zealand qualification and a set of UK qualifications to validate the design of this qualification. The need for a level 1 general forestry qualification appears to be unique to South Africa, with the entry qualifications in other countries being slightly higher, but with similar requirements.

The following level 2 unit standards in New Zealand compare favourably with those in this qualification, although the emphasis in the New Zealand unit standards is on knowledge, whereas the need expressed in the South African qualification is for practical applications of that knowledge.

17757 Demonstrate knowledge of commercial forestry and forest industry sectors in New Zealand.

17760 Demonstrate knowledge of commercial plantation trees in New Zealand.

13109 Demonstrate knowledge of factors which impair the performance of forestry workers.

1241 Demonstrate knowledge of plantation forest establishment and silviculture.

1227 Demonstrate knowledge of plantation forest harvesting.

17761 Demonstrate knowledge of quality determining factors in commercial plantation forestry.

17769 Demonstrate knowledge of the general requirements for employment in a plantation forest.

13108 Describe effects of hydration and nutrition on safety, health and performance of forestry workers.

The following units identified across a range of UK-based qualifications compare favourably with the unit standards in the General Forestry qualification:

NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw and Related Operations.

Unit - F/101/7908 - Unit CS 40 - Carry Out Pruning Operations.

NPTC Level 2 National Certificate in Horticulture.

Unit - F/101/9934 - Unit 32 - Harvesting, Extraction and Mensuration.

NPTC Level 2 NVQ in Forestry.

Unit - T/101/4732 - H&S Unit A - Ensure Your Own Actions Reduce Risks to Health and Safety.

Unit - J/101/5321 - Unit T04 - Clear Sites for Tree Planting.

Unit - L/101/5322 - Unit T05 - Cultivate Sites for Tree Planting.

Unit - R/101/5323 - Unit T06 - Plant Trees.

Unit - Y/101/5324 - Unit T07 - Carry Out Post-Planting Protection and Maintenance.

Unit - D/101/5325 - Unit T08 - Control Unwanted Plant Growth Around Trees.

In conclusion it would appear that the competences developed by this qualifications compare favourable with that offered in the countries researched. Furthermore the New Zealand qualifications in terms of knowledge component compares directly with those used for Forestry in South Africa.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification is an entry level qualification builds and acts as a springboard for people who may want to progress to other qualifications in forestry, forestry-related fields and supervision in other contexts. However, this qualification in particular can articulate well in other areas of learning such as Silviculture and Harvesting in forestry.

Horizontal articulation possibilities:

National Certificate: Plant Production at NQF Level 1.

Vertical articulation possibilities:

National Certificate: Plant Production at NQF Level 2.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Any institution offering learning or assessment in terms of this qualification or associated unit standards must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Criteria for the registration of assessors:

Anyone assessing a learner in terms of this qualification or associated unit standards must:

Be registered as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.

Have experience or in depth knowledge of the forestry industry.

Hold a qualification in Forestry at NQF Level 2 or higher.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	123139	Apply fertiliser before and after planting	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Core	123134	Apply herbicides to noxious weeds	Level 1	NQF Level 01	3
Core	123135	Apply pesticides before or after planting	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Core	123140	Clear plantation waste by burning	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Core	117082	Contribute to the suppression of wildfires at basic fire-fighting level	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Core	123141	Debranch trees using an axe/hatchet	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Core	13998	Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of supply and demand, and the concept: production	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Core	123130	Demonstrate knowledge of key elements of commercial forestry	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Core	123137	Describe and explain basic safety requirements in a forestry environment	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Core	123136	Describe the environmental impacts of commercial forestry	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Core	123132	Eradicate weeds manually in a commercial environment	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Core	12649	Identify community issues in relation to conservation	Level 1	NQF Level 01	4
Core	117079	Identify, explain and demonstrate standard safety procedures during active wildfire suppression	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Core	12509	Manage personal finances	Level 1	NQF Level 01	8
Core	119567	Perform basic life support and first aid procedures	Level 1	NQF Level 01	5
Core	12513	Plan and manage time in the workplace	Level 1	NQF Level 01	4
Core	123131	Plant plantation trees	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Core	12512	Practice environmental awareness	Level 1	NQF Level 01	4
Core	123133	Prepare planting site using hand tools	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Core	12650	Understand the nature and importance of conservation	Level 1	NQF Level 01	5
Core	113924	Apply basic business ethics in a work environment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	8494	Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	117049	Demonstrate knowledge of basic safety in forestry operations	Level 2	NQF Level 02	1
Core	12466	Explain the individual`s role within business	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	120086	Identify engineering tools, material and equipment and explain the purpose and function of each	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Core	8420	Operate in a team	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Fundamental	7464	Analyse cultural products and processes as representations of shape, space and time	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Fundamental	7451	Collect, analyse, use and communicate numerical data	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Fundamental	7449	Critically analyse how mathematics is used in social, political and economic relations	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Fundamental	14084	Demonstrate an understanding of and use the numbering system	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Fundamental	7463	Describe and represent objects and the environment in terms of shape, space, time and motion	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Fundamental	119635	Engage in a range of speaking/signing and listening interactions for a variety of purposes	Level 1	NQF Level 01	6
Fundamental	119631	Explore and use a variety of strategies to learn	Level 1	NQF Level 01	5
Fundamental	119640	Read/view and respond to a range of text types	Level 1	NQF Level 01	6
Fundamental	7461	Use maps to access and communicate information concerning routes, location and direction	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Fundamental	7447	Working with numbers in various contexts	Level 1	NQF Level 01	6
Fundamental	119636	Write/Sign for a variety of different purposes	Level 1	NQF Level 01	6
Elective	123146	Debark trees with a hatchet and prepare bark bundles in a wattle operation	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Elective	123143	Reduce coppice in gum plantations	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Elective	123145	Select and space trees in commercial wattle forests	Level 1	NQF Level 01	2
Elective	117081	Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a cable yarder in a production situation	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Elective	117043	Choke and dechoke timber during extraction with a skidding machine fitted with a winch in a production situation	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Elective	123149	Communicate using a two-way radio system	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Elective	123148	Load and refuel fixed wing aircraft for wildfire suppression	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Elective	123138	Operate and maintain a motorised water pump	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Elective	123142	Prune for access in Commercial Forestry and to ensure correct stem form	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Arden School of Management (Pty) Ltd
2.	Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc
3.	Ntunzela Trading Enterprise
4.	Optimi Workplace
5.	Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd
6.	Premier Agric (Pty) Ltd
7.	Redefined Skills Training & Development (Pty) Ltd
8.	South African Forestry Training College
9.	The Brokers Learning Centre
10.	Tower City Trading 100
11.	VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C
12.	Yangantle Trading