Outcomes Based and Traditional Training Methods

LBT Learning (Pty) Ltd

1The National certificate in Freight Handling (nqf3)

1.1Introduction

The National Certificate in Freight Handling is an NQF3 Learnership (qualification) which has been registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Department of Labour (DOL), by the Transport SETA (TETA). It is an eleven-month program which earns the learner a nationally recognised certificate. The curriculum has been designed according to standards set by the industry, which will be revisited and adjusted every three years.

NQF3 qualifications have an entry-level requirement which is the equivalent of a Grade 9 literacy level. The learner is also required to be English read and write literate, as the National Instruction Language is English.

1.2Learning Methodology

Learnerships may be completed over a period of up to four years, with the employer able to claim Skills Development Levies back for the learner for the duration of the four-year period, but no longer.

Learnerships are designed as three-phase courses. The three phases are:

Fundamental
This phase teaches the learner certain fundamental skills, such as Communications, Operating Computer Systems, Self Development and a variety of others depending on the Learnership.
Core
These are modules (subjects) which are core to the industry in which the learner is operating. For example in the freight industry: Controlling and Locating Stock.
Elective
These modules allow the learner to study subject matter which is job-specific for the learner. E.g. a freight handler could study Operating Cranes and/or Operating Lift Trucks.

Learners may elect not to do the full programme and rather concentrate on a small number of study areas. This will then qualify as a workplace skills program and will still earn the learner credits towards the national certificate.

Learnerships are broken up into Classroom training, which is a theoretical phase and Workplace training, which requires the learner to apply the theory learnt, in his workplace. The ratio of classroom to workplace training is Learnership-specific and may be defined in the Unit Standards. In the case of the National Certificate in Freight Handling, the ratio is 30:70 (Classroom/Workplace). The learner is given a workplace-training program which must be managed by a mentor appointed by his employer. At the end of the workplace-training program, a qualified assessor assesses the learner. If competent, the learner is issued with a National Certificate and the results are stored in the National Learner Database (NLRD).

Learnerships can have up to four classroom phases, which may be of up to two weeks in duration. These are alternated with workplace training at the end of each classroom phase. An assessment is done at the end of each workplace-training phase. A learner may generally not continue with subsequent phases until the prior phase has been successfully completed.

Each module has a credit value and learners have to successfully complete enough modules in the Freight Handling Learnership to achieve 120 credits. A credit is the equivalent of 10 hours of study, as specified by SAQA. The full Learnership therefore requires 1200 notional hours of study, 30% of which is classroom based.

1.3Learnership Content - National Certificate in Freight Handling

1.3.1FUNDAMENTAL UNIT STANDARDS

NO / STANDARD (MODULE) / NQF LEVEL / CREDITS
CFH01 / Conducting Communication and Interpersonal Relations. / 3 / 10
Module Content: No Days: 4
Enables learner to select and use a communication medium bearing in mind customer requirements; identify specific requirements and styles used in initiating written and verbal interactions; choose Interpersonal behavioural choices appropriate to occupational situations and review communication networks and the effective and accurate communication of information to the correct external and internal customers.
CFH02 / Operating Computer Systems / 3 / 8
Module Content: No Days: 3
Enables learner to identify, initiate and perform the appropriate steps in order to access information and navigate within a defined computer-based system in order to complete a required task within an agreed timeframe. Identify and select the appropriate computer system process to reflect a required physical operation being recorded, performed or produced. Access data and integrate data across compatible computer programs within a specific computer system. Take appropriate action to ensure the security and integrity of data taking cognisance of organisational security procedures.
CFH03 / Managing Self Development / 4 / 12
Module Content: No Days: 4
Enables learner to identify the skills and knowledge required for development of his career path; make and update personal plans for developing skills to improve his performance; prioritise goals and objectives; pursue feedback of current levels of competence and personal growth; use requisite resources for the successful achievement of planned objectives; identify ways to minimise digressions or obstacles for the successful achievement of planned objectives.
CFHO4 / Applying Basic Business Principles / 3 / 9
Module Content: No Days: 4
Enables learner to utilise machinery, equipment, materials and time cost effectively and productively; identify and apply goals aligned to the work situation which reflect the organisational goals; maintain and enhance organisational image and customer service; identify and anticipate customers’ requirements and meet them within budgetary constraints.
TOTAL / 39

1.3.2CORE UNIT STANDARDS

NO / STANDARD (MODULE) / NQF LEVEL / CREDITS
CFH05 / Executing General Office Administration / 2 / 4
Module Content: No Days: 2
Consider the methods for collating, recording, storage and retrieval of information and workplace records. Respond timeously and appropriately to the receipt of communications and the dissemination of information to internal and external customers. Generate communications in accordance with prevailing organisational and industry requirements and norms. Select the correct medium to use in the generation, handling and processing of documents and communication. Prioritise activities to facilitate an efficient flow of communication and documentation for the enhancement of the organisations image. Conduct the reception and referral of visitors and/or clients in a courteous and hospitable manner.
CFH06 / Maintaining Occupational Health, Safety and General Housekeeping / 3 / 8
Module Content: No Days: 3
Enables learner to use the correct protective clothing and equipment in relation to specific freight / commodities and environments; implement and comply with the relevant procedures, material requirements and methodologies in maintaining prescribed safety, health and environmental standards; implementing selected mechanisms for the minimising of safety, health and environmental impacts and risks as specified in current legislation, NOSA requirements and organisational policies.
CFH07 / Scheduling Transport / 4 / 18
Module Content: No Days: 7
Prepare delivery schedule for processing the delivery of freight, taking into account delivery location points, product characteristics, volumes and customer service. Decide on the routing, taking into account safety, cost and geography. Select the type of vehicle, giving cognisance to a variety of influencing factors. Assess the safety and security of the load against climate conditions, theft, contamination etc. Load transport efficiently and effectively, to ensure that the maximum space available is utilised, while giving consideration to weight specifications. Decide on effective communication systems and methods to meet the needs of customers. Allocate internal resources and appoint additional resources for the movement of freight.
CFH08 / Controlling Hazardous/Dangerous and Dangerous Goods / 4 / 4
Module Content: No Days: 2
Identify and Classify hazardous/dangerous goods in accordance with documentation packaging and labelling. Handle and store hazardous/dangerous goods in accordance with laid down safety standards, pollution and environmental requirements. Implement statutory requirements and their application in different work environments. Take the appropriate actions in the event of accidents or incidents in the handling of hazardous/dangerous goods.
CFH09 / Mechanical Awareness, Selection, Utilisation and Basic Care of Freight Handling Machinery / 2 / 3
Module Content: No Days: 1
Identify the suitability of handling machinery and equipment utilised for a particular product type in prevailing conditions. Implement safe freight handling practices giving cognisance to prevailing conditions. Use alternate communication systems in order to facilitate safe working practice. Conduct of routine maintenance to ensure operational fitness. Ensure that the equipment undergoes scheduled and ad-hoc maintenance.
CFH10 / Allocating of Freight for Packaging and Grouping / 3 / 6
Module Content: No Days: 2
Implement separation and packaging techniques and materials giving cognisance to freight type, category, storage conditions and other factors. Select a clean, suitable and unrestricted working area for breaking bulk and conducting packaging and grouping activities. Set aside damaged, destroyed or contaminated products and packaging materials and dealing with such products, including repairs, in accordance with company procedures. Determine the procedures required for timeous selection and/or allocating of products for packaging and/or distribution. Assess the picking or loading order, selection and grouping of products, giving cognisance to workplace and delivery schedules, customer requirements, company stock rotation policy and product characteristics.
CFH11 / Applying Basic Principles of Local and International Trade / 3 / 4
Module Content: No Days: 2
Minimise the risk within the operating environment, taking cognisance of the principles of insurance and risk, and standard conditions of carriage. Minimise the adverse impacts on the business which arise from labour action. Initiate claims via appropriate procedures. Enhance customer relations and perceptions by proactive communication of trade-related information and action being undertaken within the logistics chain, including inter alia the marketing departments.
CFH12 / Receiving and Despatching Freight and Handling Freight Returns / 3 / 5
Module Content: No Days: 2
Identify non-conforming freight on arrival and departure and deal with freight in accordance with company policy and procedures and relevant legislation. Assess the quality of packaging and securing of freight and take corrective actions to ensure the safe handling of freight. Determine the correct type and quantity of packages/units are received, dispatched or internally moved in accordance with authorised documentation. Discrepancies must be dealt with in accordance with company policies and procedures and customer requirements. Place and store freight, giving cognisance to product type, storage requirements, storage facilities, dwell time and transport resource, in order that it can be easily located and well preserved. Move freight in accordance with pre-determined time constraints such as delivery schedules, shipping/dispatch programs and customer requirements, thereby ensuring timeous dispatch and receipt of freight. Implement a stocktaking system to suit company policy. Ensure client confidentiality when receiving and dispatching freight in order to protect client interests.
CFH13 / Controlling and Locating Stock / 3 / 8
Module Content: No Days: 3
Record the appropriate information about stock, using an appropriate recording system. Locate and pick stock with due regard to storage plans and dispatch orders and shipping instructions. Replenish of /or add to stock levels, with due regard to client requirements and available resources. Determine the appropriate method of storage with regard to the type of product. Apply stock control measures and corrective action upon identification of stock discrepancies.
CFH14 / Processing and Controlling Documentation / 4 / 4
Module Content: No Days: 2
Identify the most efficient method for distributing documentation to the relevant department / person / company and planning such distribution in accordance with company procedures. Plan and prepare the documentation that is required in specific work contexts. Identify suitable control and verification systems for all documentation. Identify the most appropriate administrative procedure required for documentation control. Complete relevant documentation timeously and accurately in a manner which complies with applicable legislation and customer requirements. Adhere to time and priority specifications in the flow of documents. Identify, access, select, interpret and record information obtained from a range of sources, required for the completion of documentation.
CFH15 / Packing, Handling and Securing Freight / 4 / 8
Module Content: No Days: 3
Handle, stockpile and pack freight using the most effective and safe method, product type, category, inherent vice, customer requirements, environment, current legislation and quality assurance. Use the most effective marking/labelling techniques, giving cognisance to the product type, packaging and mode of storage and transport to facilitate location of freight in the workplace. Place and secure freight in the most suitable manner of placing and securing freight for transportation in conformance with current transport legislation, industry norms and applicable regulations. Identify freight/bulk and source relevant information to facilitate safe handling, packing/stockpiling and securing of freight.
CFH16 / Ensuring Customer Satisfaction and Competitive Practice / 3 / 2
Module Content: No Days: 2
Identify the nature and extent of the service to be rendered to clients with due regard to time frame and the industry within which the service is rendered. Calculate the product costing, based on the extent and nature of service. Identify special service arrangements, with due regard for whether the service will include storage, special equipment, attachments, and on-site assembly and installation. Calculate costing of service and viability of delivering the service to achieve competitive practice, with due consideration of auxiliary services and special client requirements. Control damage and process claims. Communicate appropriately and effectively to enhance customer satisfaction and competitive practice. Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships that will enhance customer satisfaction and lead to competitive practice.
TOTAL / 73

1.3.3ELECTIVE UNIT STANDARDS

NO / STANDARD (MODULE) / NQF LEVEL / CREDITS
NQF17 / Operating Lift Trucks / 3 / 6
Module Content: No Days: 2
Identify and classify freight taking into account documentation, packaging and labelling associated with the specific freight. Handle, load and store freight in accordance with laid down standards, environmental requirements, and with due consideration to inter alia the commodities and their properties, storage area, placement of load. Achieve maximum work performance of lifting equipment and attachments, by applying knowledge of equipment dimensions, controls and capacities, manufacturing specifications and circumstances in the working environment. Operate equipment in accordance with laid down organisational and legislative standards and procedures as well as manufacturer’s guidelines. Operating includes the actual checking, operating, shutting down and parking of the lift truck. Access available support systems and emergency services in case of incidents and accidents.
NQF18 / Operating Cranes / 3 / 10
Module Content: No Days: 4
Identify the safety and suitability of the crane prior to utilisation thereof, giving cognisance to freight characteristics, equipment manufacturers’ requirements and environmental conditions. Apply the recognised methods for inspecting and recording the operational fitness of all components of the crane with reference to safety procedures in the workplace. React to recognised hand signals whilst considering and/or adjusting to circumstances in the interests of safety. Operate the crane in a safe and competent manner.
NQF19 / Freight Elevators and Conveyor Belt Systems / 4 / 10
Module Content: No Days: 4
Maintain the productive flow of an Elevator-Conveyor system, according to the particular product type, and storage and reception conditions. Handle freight safely by adhering to safe handling techniques and precautions, giving cognisance to prevailing conditions and environmental controls/regulations. Use suitable communication systems to facilitate safe working practices, and to retain a co-operative and productive contact with co-workers. Recognise potential faults during operation and take corresponding action that may be required in terms of company policy.
NQF20 / Employee Induction / 5 / 10
Module Content: No Days: 4
Utilise the appropriate people skills to use in dealing with new employees throughout the induction process which aligns them with the culture of the company. Efficiently complete workplace induction documentation. Utilise the most appropriate media during the induction process to ensure quick integration of new employees into the workplace. Communicate the organisational objectives, structures, workplace layout and activities, industrial agreements and legislative requirements in a manner so as to ensure the learner comprehends his/her responsibilities in terms thereof. Contribute to the identification of personnel requirements which meet organisational needs and legal requirements. Assess knowledge gleaned by new employees after the induction process, and taking additional steps to enhance knowledge if required. Conduct and co-ordinate the complete induction process including selection of appropriate personnel to mentor the new employee in the applicable workplace context.
NQF21 / Operating Dry-Bulk Handling Equipment / 4 / 10
Module Content: No Days: 4
Handle, stack and reclaim freight with due regard to freight characteristics and environmental regulations. Operate, park and secure equipment and attachments in accordance with laid down procedures and manufacturer regulations. Identify appropriate solutions and timeously carrying out proactive steps in response to routine situations, which benefit the organisation. Identify potential problems and faults and reacting appropriately in accordance with laid down procedures. Consistently meet or exceed the minimum safety, health and environmental requirements applicable. Obtain, accurately interpret and utilise data needed to support maintenance of optimal productivity.
TOTAL / 120