Quality Assurance functions have been assigned to FoodBev Manufacturing SETA’s Quality Assurance (QA) Department by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). In its capacity as a Designated Skills Provider (DQP), our QA Department is responsible for the development of occupational qualifications, part-qualifications, skills programmes and learnerships. In addition, as an Assessment Quality Partner (AQP), we are tasked with accreditation of Assessment Centres, and developing, conducting and managing Assessments against QCTO-registered skills programmes, and SAQA-registered occupational and part-qualifications.

Through the agreement with QCTO, we also play a role in the accreditation of Skills Development Providers (SDPs) against Occupational and part-qualifications as well as Skills Programmes. It further extends to the accreditation of SDPs against legacy qualifications, registration of assessors and moderators against legacy qualifications, as well as Quality Assurance of learners’ achievements, which includes external moderation and certification.

Transition to OQSF Implementation

Qualifications development – there has been a change in qualifications structure, with qualifications now aligning directly to occupations (see the OFO document here). There has also been a change to Registered Occupational Qualifications, Dairyman-related qualifications and Wine-making Assistant qualifications. 

Accreditations – The new system uses assessors and moderators in different ways than before. Certification will be solely the responsibility of the QCTO. Our QA Department’s role will be limited to administration work on the certification of learners.

Assessments – Formative assessments can be done by the SDP. External Integrated Summative Assessments (EISA) can only be conducted by the AQP, which is FoodBev SETA. Certificates can only be awarded to learners after a pass on EISA.

FAQs

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NQF, OQSF, and QCTO

What is the NQF?

It is a comprehensive system approved by the Minister for the classification, registration, publication, and articulation of quality assured national qualifications.

What is the OQSF?

The occupational qualifications sub-framework is a new sub-framework of the NQF. It exists alongside the General and Further Education and Training (GENFET) and the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework (HEQSF).

 

What is the scope of the OQSF?

The OQSF covers all trades and occupational qualifications.

Roles and functions

What is the role of the QCTO?

The QCTO oversees the design, accreditation, implementation, assessment and certification of occupational qualifications, part qualifications, and skills programmes.

 

Does QCTO exist or it’s only on paper?

The QCTO offices are located at 256 Glyn Street in Hatfield (Pretoria) and the organisation employs about 98 permanent staff members (as per the QCTO Annual report of 2021/22 Financial year) with responsibilities that include the development of qualifications, assessments, certification, and research, amongst others.

 

Has QCTO taken over their functions? 

Yes, QCTO took over their functions gradually with delegation arrangements with SETAs and other bodies, and the delegation is managed through a Service Level Agreement (SLA).

 

What about FoodBev SETA ETQA/ QA Departments? What role are they now playing?

SETA ETQA / QA departments continue to perform various activities against historical qualifications as delegated by QCTO through an agreement with QCTO. _ese activities relate to accreditation of SDPs, assessor & moderator registration, Quality Assurance of learner achievements and Certification (including external moderations).

 

What is the function of the FoodBev SETA QA department in the new dispensation?

FoodBev SETA performs activities that relate to (1) qualifications/ part-qualifications/ skills programmes development within the OQSF, (2) performing activities related to accreditation of SDPs and assessment centres as delegated by QCTO, and (3) External Integrated Summative Assessments.

Accreditations

What about assessor and moderator registrations, certification, and monitoring of Skills Development Providers (SDPs)?

The new system uses assessors and moderators in different ways than it previously had. Certification will be solely the responsibility of the QCTO. FoodBev SETA QA Department’s role will be limited to administration work on the certification of learners.

 

Where do I apply for accreditation as a training provider?

Applications for skills development providers can be made on the QCTO website: (www.qcto.org.za)

 

How do I apply for accreditation?

An application can be made by completing the online application on the QCTO website.

 

How long does the accreditation process take?

The accreditation process for qualifying SDPs takes about three months. This excludes instances whereby an SDP does not meet specific criteria.

 

What are the requirements for accreditation?

Details on accreditation requirements and processes are found on the QCTO website for skills development providers (www.qcto.org.za).

 

What will happen to my old accreditation?

Accreditation against historical qualifications will expire on 30 June 2027, in line with the end date of their teach-out period.

Qualifications and Learning Programmes

What are historical qualifications?

All unit standard-based qualifications.

 

What is the role of SDP, SETA QA, Learners, QCTO and SAQA under OQSF implementation?

SDPs enrol learners (both on QCTO and FoodBev MIS), train and formatively assess learners. FoodBev SETA in its capacity as AQP conducts EISA. QCTO externally moderates and issues certificates, and SAQA will continue to record learners and providers on the NLRD.

 

When will their implementation end?

This will follow a phased process. The end of learner enrolments is 30 June 2024, while the teach-out period will end on 30 June 2027. However, FoodBev SETA will announce cut-off dates closer to these dates to complete internal processes where necessary.

 

Will skills programmes also be affected?

Yes, qualifications will expire with their unit standards and associated skills programmes.

 

Will there be new qualifications?

Yes, FoodBev SETA and QCTO will ensure that there are occupational qualifications against all FoodBev SETA occupations and specialisations as they appear on the current OFO document and in line with industry needs.

 

How do new occupational qualifications differ from historical ones?

Occupational qualifications are structured in terms of modules (knowledge, practical and work experience modules), while historical qualifications are structured in terms of unit standards.

 

Are there any new occupational qualifications already developed and registered?

Currently, 11 new occupational qualifications fall under the FoodBev SETA scope, in line with the SIC codes. Additional qualifications and part-qualifications are currently under evaluation by QCTO.

 

What about learning material, assessors, and moderators in the new occupational qualifications?

Currently, 11 new occupational qualifications fall under the FoodBev SETA scope, in line with the SIC codes. Additional qualifications and part-qualifications are currently under evaluation by QCTO.

Learning material

What about learning material, assessors, and moderators in the new occupational qualifications?

FoodBev SETA, through Chamber committees, will ensure that each occupational qualification, at minimum, has generic learning material that is easily customisable to facilitate the uptake of qualifications. The new system does not have any role of assessors and moderators. However, SDPs must ensure that appointed facilitators comply with the HR requirements per module as stated in the Curriculum document to maintain high standards of training.

 

Will SDPs require learning material for accreditation?

Yes, learning material is a requirement before accreditation.

Assessments, moderations and certifications

How are assessments handled in the new dispensation?

SDPs can conduct formative assessments as part of the learning process, however, summative assessments are handled in the form of an EISA.

 

What is an EISA in the new dispensation?

EISA is a single, national assessment which leads to competent learners being awarded Occupational Certificates. It is an integral and critical component of QCTO’s quality assurance system, as it ensures that the assessment of occupational qualifications, part-qualifications and trades is standardised, consistent and credible.

 

What are assessment centres?

Assessment Centres are accredited by the QCTO AQPs to conduct EISA. All EISAs must take place at an accredited Assessment Centre.

 

Are assessors and internal moderators still needed in the new dispensation?

No, the new system does not require assessors and internal moderators.

 

Who will issue certificates?

The QCTO issues certificates against occupational qualifications.

 

Who will do external moderation?

QCTO has responsibility for external moderation.

 

Where will EISAs be conducted?

EISAs will be conducted at an accredited Assessment Centre as allocated by the AQP responsible for the assessment.

 

How long will SDPs pay for EISA and Certificates issued to learners? How long does the accreditation process take?

FoodBev SETA will not charge learners or SDPs for EISA or certificates.

Qualifications granted extension beyond 30 June 2024 for Learner Enrolment

What is the purpose of the directive?

The directive outlines transitional arrangements for extending learner enrollment dates for pre-2009 qualifications under the

SAQA Act of 1995, as directed by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).

 

How many qualifications are recommended for an enrolment period extension?

A total of 275 qualifications are recommended for an enrolment period extension of one(1) to two (2) years.

 

Are there any specific qualifications from FoodBev Manufacturing SETA mentioned for extension?

At FoodBev Manufacturing SETA, the qualifications extended are, Fish & Seafood processing (both NQF 2 and 3), Food Laboratory analysis, FETC in Food manufacturing management (a learning programme against Generic Management) and Dairy Laboratory analyst.

 

What is the role of FoodBev Manufacturing SETA in the transitional arrangements?

FoodBev Manufacturing SETA, along with other SETAs, is responsible for finalizing the development and replacement of occupational qualifications and committing resources to the implementation of this transition. Once the new Qualifications have completed their development and registration with SAQA the above-mentioned Qualifications will be replaced and will no longer be available for Learner Enrollment. They will however still be available for implementation by SDP’s that would have enrolled learners before the registration of a new replacing qualification.

Qualifications

Registered qualifications

* Historical qualifications: No applications against historical qualifications will be accepted post 15 June 2024.

For a list of current registered skills programmes please contact Bigfish Mashau: Bigfishm@foodbev.co.za or call on +27 11 253 7341.

Occupational qualifications

Accreditation

A Skills Development Provider (SDP) is accredited if they meet the accreditation criteria and requirements for the qualification they wish to be accredited for. An accredited SDP can train employees in the workplace. To assess the standards, modules, and qualifications registered with the NQF, SDPs hire assessors and moderators.

QCTO accreditation involves an initial application, verification processes handled by FoodBev Manufacturing SETA QA, and QCTO’s recommendation.

Accreditation requirements (to offer historical Qualifications)

Accreditation Process

For more information on the Accreditation process and requirements, please contact:

accreditationqueries@foodbev.co.za, cc: Bigfishm@foodbev.co.za  or +27 11 253 7341

Escalations may be sent to QA Manager: Llewellinv@foodbev.co.za  or +27 11 253 7323 or the Senior Manager, Ntokozo Lwandle on ntokozol@foodbev.co.za

Moderation

Assessors

Managing assessments:

It is mandatory to assess all training for accredited qualifications, part qualifications, and skills. In accordance with the assessment and NQF principles, FoodBev SETA can assess assessors’ historical qualifications. Assessment Quality Partners (AQPs) at the FoodBev SETA conduct occupational assessments.

For more information on how to apply to become a registered Assessor with the FoodBev Manufacturing SETA, contact:

Thabang Madihlaba: thabangm@foodbev.co.za  or call on +27 11 253 7368 

Moderators

Managing moderations:

All Assessments conducted at a provider level are subject to internal moderations by a FoodBev SETA registered moderator.

External moderations, Internal moderations, and assessment results of every learner are subject to interval and exit external moderations to ensure that training, assessments and internal moderations are aligned with QCTO Quality Assurance Standards and requirements.

During interval moderation, learners must achieve 50% of their training qualification. An SDP must ensure assessment results are uploaded to SIMS and communicate with the QA Department about interval and/or exit moderations.

Becoming a Moderator

For more information on how to apply to become a registered Moderator with the FoodBev Manufacturing SETA please contact:

Thabang Madihlaba: thabangm@foodbev.co.za  or call on +27 11 253 7368 

Certification

Learners qualify for certification after successful exit external moderation and learner results updates to be done by the provider on https://sims.foodbev.co.za/.

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