1. Quality Assurance
Moving from quality control to quality assurance of learning
AgriSETA Conference “What is Quality Learning?”
25 October 2007

2. Programmes: DoL CQ OFO Flow of Information OFO SETAs QCTO Economy
Society
Labour Market
OLS QUALITY CYCLE
Impact
assessment
Programmes:
Assessment
Flow of Skills
Report
Enterprises
Workplaces
SETAs
OFO 1 2 3 4 5 8 7 6
DoL
NLRD
QCTO
Learnerships
Apprenticeships
Skills programmes
(Centres)
CQ OFO
SAQA
Flow of Information
Qualification
Curriculum
&
Provider system
Approved Programmes
Approved
Picture grouped

3. The Context
Revised implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
changes in the institutional landscape.
various forms of learning
Revised SAQA Act to establish
3 Qualifications and Quality Assurance Councils (QC)
General and Further Education and Training Qualifications
Higher Education Qualifications
Trade and Occupational Qualifications
Purpose of QCs is to:
Streamline standards setting and quality assurance
Reduce the number of bodies currently involved in these processes
Standards setting and quality assurance will now reside under one roof.

4. OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS MODEL
OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK
QUALITY ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK

5. Definition of an occupational qualification
Represents the achievement of
a planned combination of learning outcomes
which is intended to provide qualifying learners with the applied competence
to practice an occupation and
to provide a basis for further learning.
Occupational qualifications, developed under the auspices of QCTO,
Contain three components
Knowledge component
Practical component
Work experience component

6. Reconfiguring unit standards to meet these needs
Current conception of unit standards in accordance with NSB Regulations
Inclusive of:
Knowledge, Theory
Skills
Attitude, values
Contexts
Critical Outcomes
Essential Embedded Knowledge
Work experience unit standards
(Including specialised & contextually relevant competencies)
Practical unit standards
(Including specialised & contextually relevant competencies)
Knowledge & theory specifications
(Including specialised & contextually relevant knowledge)
Revised conception for occupational qualifications:
Separate building blocks, more discretely defined for the different forms of learning that COMBINE to form applied competence

7. Reconfiguring the qualification
Further specialisation
Common / Core
Specialisation
Credits
Work experience standards
Min 20%
Min 20%
Practical standards
Min 20%
Knowledge specifications

8. GENERAL FITTER QUALIFICATION
All: Metal Fitters and Machinists (3232)z
General Fitter (323201)
Further specialisation
Chemical
Manufact
Defence
Common / Core
Specialisation
Practical standards
Work experience standards
Knowledge specifications
Mechanic (Diesel)
Fitter-Mechanic
Fitter-Machinist
Pump fitter
Plant mechanic
Armament fitter

9. Reconfiguring qualification progression
Boilermaker
322301
requires completion of all three NQF levels
NQF 4
No Exit Level Outcomes at NQF 3 Cannot be linked to specific occupation on OFO
Learning is essential & credit bearing for the occupation & qualification at the next level.
But (work experience) can include certificated tasks within the trade or occupation.
NQF 3
NQF 2
Boilermaker’s assistant-
839101

10. Picture - grouped

11. Picture - grouped

12. Purpose of the OQF
Structures qualifications which are designed to address labour market needs.
labour market includes both the economy and the social development sector.
Provides for certification of:
Occupational competence;
Meaningful skills sets related to occupations

13. Characteristics of the OQF are based on the principle that:
Occupational competence requires
Relevant general knowledge and theory
General & occupationally relevant practical skills
Requisite work experience
in addition to specialised and contextual theory and knowledge
Knowledge & theory
not only the knowledge of the practicalities
also the disciplinary knowledge relevant to the occupation
connects OQF to the other QFs

14. The design process which has different stages and takes place at different levels

15. QA of assessment of occupational competence
The QCTO will
accredit assessment centres
to conduct a final integrated assessment of occupational competence
Won’t apply to all occupational qualifications.
assist in the development of banks of assessment items
as an alternative mechanism for standardising assessment practices nationally.
On-going assessment for credit accumulation will continue
verification will be integrated into monitoring & evaluation of learning programme delivery
Accredited centres must offer
RPL assessments and RPL services
May be ISOEs or workplaces
QA of trade testing centres will be delegated to Indlela.

16. QA of learning programme implementation
The QCTO will accredit providers in relation to:
Ability to provide the theory/knowledge and practical skills development components outlined in the curriculum
If not accredited elsewhere – light touch institutional accreditation
Workplace approval
ascertain ability of WP to provide work experience component
SETA role is focus on
monitoring the implementation of programmes in line with DoL regulations
Regulatory and QA functions of SETAs will be coordinated to use resources more effectively
Involve role players to maximise efficiency

17. Research, impact assessment, and data analysis
The QCTO will conduct
research to monitor the effectiveness of learning interventions in the context of the larger occupational learning system.
statistical analysis of learner data collected
includes enrolment, completion and certification rates, and will be analysed in terms of:
providers and workplaces
assessment centres
learners
learning programmes
qualifications.

18. Transitional arrangements
The DoL will carry out preparatory work for the establishment and functioning of the QCTO
Existing arrangements will continue in the interim unless special arrangements are agreed by all relevant stakeholders
The DoL will negotiate with SAQA to establish parameters for pilots
The QA of OQF qualifications will be rolled out on a pilot basis from 2007
The DoL will clarify the quality assurance roles which the QCTO proposes to delegate to SETAs and other QA agents
Once SETA QA functions are agreed the DoL will consider such functions when renewing Service Level Agreements. This will help to effect a gradual and well-planned transition.
Target date for full establishment of QCTO: April 2009

19. Thank you.
Shaafig Fredericks
Tel: (012)