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 identifying training partners. A service level agreement is in the process of being drafted with JFA² Technical Training Institution NPC as preferred partner.
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). On 14 January 2016, the final Merseta accreditation is envisaged for the college.
During September 2015, JFA½ Technical Training Institution NPC was engaged after extensive effort by SAFPA’s Wessie van der Westhuizen. Immediate commitment was shown to get the fluid power qualifications of the ground. During 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 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 JFA½.
In addition there was a positive outcome from the interaction which resulted in the re-instatement of the Fluid Power NQF Level 5 qualification. JFA² furthermore 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 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 to the City and Guilds qualification. The structures therefore exist to present Fluid Power NQF Levels 2 to 5.
SAFPA members will receive further communication during the first quarter of 2016 regarding the relevant BBBEE benefits associated with JFA½ Technical Training Institution NPC.
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