Quality Assurance Moving from quality control to quality

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

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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.

• OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS MODEL • OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK • QUALITY ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK

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

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) Revised conception for occupational qualifications: Practical unit standards (Including specialised & contextually relevant competencies) Separate building blocks, more discretely defined for the different forms of learning that COMBINE to form applied competence Knowledge & theory specifications (Including specialised & contextually relevant knowledge)

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

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

Reconfiguring qualification progression 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. Boilermaker 322301 requires completion of all three NQF levels NQF 3 NQF 2 Boilermaker’s assistant 839101

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

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

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

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.

QA of learning programme implementation • The QCTO will accredit providers in relation to: – Ability to provide 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 Do. L regulations • Regulatory and QA functions of SETAs will be coordinated to use resources more effectively – Involve role players to maximise efficiency

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.

Transitional arrangements • The Do. L 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 Do. L 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 Do. L 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 Do. L 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

Thank you. Shaafig Fredericks Shaafig. fredericks@labour. gov. za Tel: (012) 309 4500