Matters arising from the FoodBev Apprenticeships - AgriSETA

PRACTICAL GUIDELINES APPLICABLE FOR MANAGINGAPPRENTICESHIPS1. INTRODUCTIONThis document outline the minimum requirements that have to be adhered to when an AgriSETA aligned entity embarkon an Apprenticeship or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) in pursuit of a qualifying trade test. These guidelines are inaccordance with: Demarcated trades in terms of Section 14. And Section 18.(3) of the Manpower Training Act No 56 of 1981 Conditions of Apprenticeship – Relevant Sections of the Manpower Training Act No 56 of 1981 Exemption to N2 criteria for a qualifying trade test which is subject to endorsement by the Registrar Directive from the Registrar of Manpower Training for SETA’s when issuing qualifying trade test certificates MOU between the AgriSETA and the applicable SETA in terms of managing apprenticeships2. CONTENTS OF THE PRACTICAL GUIDELINES APPLICABLE FOR MANAGING APPRENTICESHIPS3. Demarcated TradesCategory ACategory B4. Registration of Apprentices and RPL Candidates4.1 Considerations4.2 Requirements to register a Section 13 Apprenticeship4.3 Requirements to register a Section 28 Trade Assessment5. Upon Confirmation of Registration5.1 The role of the AgriSETA5.2 The role of the Employer6. Monitoring and Verification of Apprenticeships7. Upon Application for a Qualifying Trade Test7.1 Minimum requirements when submitting a Section 13 Application for Trade Test7.2 Minimum requirements when submitting a Section 28 Application for a Trade Evaluation8. Upon Receiving the Statement of Results From the Decentralised Trade Test Centre9. Not Yet Competent trade Test Results10.Exemption Criteria pertaining to Item 6.1 iv. Of the Minimum Exit Academic Requirements to Apply for aQualifying Trade Test11.Guidelines When Registered Apprentices of an Employer Does Not Attend Practical Intuitional Training atan Accredited Provider / FET12. Artisan to Apprentices Ratio’s3. Demarcated TradesCategory AIn terms of Section 2(1) of the Education and Training Quality Assurance Regulations (Goverment Gazette No. 19231published on 8 September 1998) the AgriSETA has ownership of the trades listed here below. AgriSETA has fullautonomy to register apprenticeships, conduct quality assurance, schedule trade tests, and issue trade test certificatesfor Section 13 Apprentices and Section 28 Candidates.Page 1 of 6

Designated Trade Section 13 Section 28Automotive Mechanic Full Autonomy by AgriSETA Full Autonomy by AgriSETAElectrician Full Autonomy by AgriSETA Full Autonomy by AgriSETAInstrument Mechanician Full Autonomy by AgriSETA Full Autonomy by AgriSETAFitter Full Autonomy by AgriSETA Full Autonomy by AgriSETAFitter and Turner Full Autonomy by AgriSETA Full Autonomy by AgriSETATurner Full Autonomy by AgriSETA Full Autonomy by AgriSETAPlater / Welder Full Autonomy by AgriSETA Full Autonomy by AgriSETAMill Wright (Electromechanician) Full Autonomy by AgriSETA Full Autonomy by AgriSETACategory BAgrISETA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the MerSETA to extend its scope of trades. TheAgriSETA as a result have full autonomy to register apprenticeships, conduct quality assurance, schedule Trade Tests,and issue Trade Test certificates for Section 13 Apprentices for non-designated trades tabled here below. The AgriSETAmanages Application for Trade Tests and schedule Trade Test dates for Section 28 Candidates via the MerSETA.MerSETA is responsible for issuing Section 28 Trade Test certificates for Category B trades.Designated Trade Section 13 Section 28Diesel Mechanic Full Autonomy by AgriSETA MerSETA DirectedDiesel Fitter Full Autonomy by AgriSETA MerSETA DirectedTractor Mechanic Full Autonomy by AgriSETA MerSETA DirectedBoilermaker Full Autonomy by AgriSETA MerSETA DirectedRefrigeration Mechanic (Com. & Ind.) Full Autonomy by AgriSETA MerSETA DirectedRigger Full Autonomy by AgriSETA MerSETA DirectedThere is absolutely no difference between the Section 13 and Section 28 Trade Tests. It is a condition of the MoUbetween the AgriSETA and MerSETA that Trade Test components, time allocated for Trade Tests and QualityStandards (mark sheets) are exactly the same. Trade Tests Certificates displaying the AgriSETA Logo have the samevalidity and the bearer of such certificate will get the same national recognition.4. Registration of Apprentices and RPL Candidates4.1 ConsiderationsSETA’s have an obligation to report to the Department of Higher Education (DHET) on the subject of Apprenticeshiptraining and the number of persons qualifying as Artisans in its particular sector. This emphasises the importance toregister Apprentices with the AgriSETA whether funded or not.Application to fund apprenticeships is optional. Employers may apply for funding from the AgriSETA by means of the2 Discretionary Grant Application for Bursaries, Internships, Workplace Experience, and Apprenticeships Application(BIWA) Form. Complete Sections A., B.2 and C. of the BIWA document and return to; The Manager: Apprenticeships,AgriSETA House, 529 Belvedere Street, Arcadia, 0083 or P O Box 26024, Arcadia, 0007, RSA. The process for fundingfrom this point onwards is outlined in the 3 Discretionary Grant Notification For Apprenticeships.4.2 Requirements to register a Section 13 Apprenticeshipi. The employer conduct a self evaluation against; 8 Workplace Provider Criteria, 9 Workplace Readiness, and uponcompliance complete and prepare a 9 Workplace Readiness Report for submission to the AgriSETA;ii. The candidate must be at least 16 years of age, all trades; Minimum of Standard 8 or Grade 10 withmathematics and science or a full N1;iii. Candidates must be declared 10 Medically Fit before engaging into a Apprenticeship Contract;iv. The candidate must be a South African Citizen and in possession of a valid National Identity Document (ID);v. Complete and adhere to Part A., B., C. (if applicable) and D. of the 4 Contract of Apprenticeship.Take cognizance that an Apprenticeship Contract must be registered with the AgriSETA within 30 days upon signing bythe respective parties.Page 2 of 6

4.3 Requirements to register a Section 28 Trade Evaluation (Registration is only compulsory when funded by theAgriSETA)i. The candidate has to comply with one of the following entry requirements:-A. A minimum of 6 (six) years relevant on the job practical experience should the candidate hold aqualification other than N2 trade theory;B. A minimum of 5(five) years relevant on the job practical experience and relevant N2 theory;C. A minimum of 4(four) years relevant on the job practical experience and N2 with a four subjectscertificate (with relevant trade theory);ii. Confirmation from a MerSETA accredited Training Provider / FET that the candidate had been subjected to apractical skills level evaluation to identify current skills level and recommendation for further training interventionsin pursuit of a 6 Qualifying Trade Assessment against the designated trade;iii. Proof of highest qualification or Letter of Oath of highest qualification inclusive of a list of subjectsiv. A detailed breakdown reporting on previous and current practical experience aligned with the designatedtraining schedule on company letterhead (Separate letters from each previous and current employer in terms ofitem 4.3 i. are required). 7 Samples Letters reporting on detailed breakdown include:-7a Automotive Mechanic7b Electrician7c Instrument Mechanician7d Fitter7e Fitter and Turner7f Turner7g Plater / Welder7h Mill Wright (Electromechanician)7i Diesel Mechanic7j Diesel Fitter7k Tractor Mechanic7l Boilermaker7m Refrigeration Mechanic (Com. & Ind.)7n Riggerv. Complete and adhere to Part A., B. and C. of the 5 RPL Agreement For Section 28 Evaluation.5. Upon Confirmation Of Registration:5.1 The role of the AgriSETAi. Submit the 4 Contract of Apprenticeship / 5 RPL Agreement For Section 28 Evaluation for approval by the dulyauthorised of the AgriSETA;ii. The employer is informed about non-conformances if applicable and allow reasonable time for corrections;iii. The BIWA Administrator issues a unique AgriSETA Apprenticeship Contract number;iv. Notify the employer that the Apprenticeship had been approved and issue all relevant guidelines / supportingdocuments:- Signed copy of the 4 Contract of Apprenticeship or if applicable 5 RPL Agreement For Section 28Evaluation11 Workplace Logbooks‣11a Automotive Mechanic‣11b Electrician‣11c Instrument Mechanician‣11d Fitter‣11e Fitter and Turner‣11f Turner‣11g Plater / Welder‣11h Mill Wright (Electromechanician)‣11i Diesel Mechanic‣11j Diesel Fitter‣11k Tractor Mechanic‣11l Boilermaker‣11m Refrigeration Mechanic (Com. & Ind.)‣11n RiggerPage 3 of 6

12 Apprentice Development Plan13 Guidelines Applicable To Record Keepingv. A duly authorised representative of AgriSETA schedule a physical site visit to verify Workplace Providercompliance;5.2 The role of the EmployerDeploy the candidate in the workplacei. Institute 9 support systems in the workplace;ii. Orientate designated Training Coordinator, Mentor, Workplace Coach and Apprentice(s) about 9 roles andresponsibilities;iii. Guide apprentices and workplace coach to 14 maintain logbook and supplementary notes;iv. Maintain a safe work environment in accordance with Health and Safety practices;v. Conform to 8 Workplace Provider Criteria guidelines as workplace provider;vi. Proof of sufficient and appropriately qualified persons that may serve as workplace coach / mentor for theapprentice;vii. Submit a signed 12 Apprentice Development Plan for each apprentice;vi. Submit proof of a signed Fixed Term Conditions of Employment for each Apprentice or RPL Candidate ifunemployed of Contract of Employment if employed.6. Monitoring and Verification of ApprenticeshipsThe AgriSETA in terms of good governance of Apprenticeships require written progress reports at intervals of six months.The 15 Monitoring and Verification Report (MVR) may serve as reporting instrument and has to be completed by the eitherthe employer or a duly authorised AgriSETA representative. The duly authorised from AgriSETA conduct a physicalmonitoring and verification site visit (at least) once in a period of 12 months for the duration of the Apprenticeship. The15 Monitoring and Verification Report (MVR) may be completed by a duly authorised AgriSETA representative or theemployer. The 9 Workplace Readiness Report serves as first report. The AgriSETA designed 15 Monitoring and VerificationReport (MVR) template may be used by the employer when having to report on the learning progress. Alternatively theemployer may use its own progress report provided that it covers the minimum information as required for example:i. Location of the apprentice(s);ii. Names of the apprentices and indication of progress against the designated training schedule;iii. Company representative details and name of designated workplace coach (journeyman);iv. Verification of Logbooks and supplementary notes;v. Verification of attendance records, leave records, accidents and incidents recorded, disciplinary matters, staffwelfare, transgressions, recommendation, progress against plan, scheduling of further training interventions;vi. Access to tools and equipment;vii. Feedback from the journeyman;viii. Feedback from the apprentice.7. Upon Application for a Qualifying Trade Test:The employer prepares the Application for Trade Test and conduct a 16 Application for Trade Test Self Check for eachapplication. Original hard copies of the application may upon compliance against the qualifying criteria be submitted tothe AgriSETA. The AgriSETA acknowledges receipt of the application and screen the contents and attachments forcompliance. The AgriSETA BIWA Administrator processes the application upon approval and issue a unique systemsgenerated serial number for each application. The AgriSETA notify the designated Decentralised Trade Test Centre toissue Trade Test dates. The Decentralised Trade Test Centre issues a trade test date and notify the employer and theAgriSETA accordingly.7.1 Minimum requirements when submitting a 17 Section 13 Application for Trade Testi. Complete 2 x original signed copies of this application form;ii. Attach 2 x original certified copies of the 11 Workplace Logbooks (apprentice ensure that 100% are signed);iii. Attach 2 x original certified copies of the national ID;iv. Attach 2 x original certified copies of a valid N2 certificate with Mathematics, Relevant Trade Theory, plus twoPage 4 of 6

elevant subjects as prescribed by the designated training schedule or 19 Exemption Letter for N2 from anaccredited training provider as stated in Item 9. of this document;v. Attach 2 x original 18 Signed Letters on Company Letterhead declaring that the Apprentice:-A. Had been/are employed and received workplace exposure at the company under mentorship of a qualifiedartisan for the designated tradeB. Completed all the practical and theoretical training in accordance with the MERSETA training schedule forthe designated tradeC. Is trade test ready either from the employer or from an accredited training provider if the apprentice attendedpractical institutional training.D. Completed the minimum period 85 weeks practical workplace exposurevi. Enclose a copy of previous Trade Test Statement of Results (NYC declaration);vii. Attach proof of payment of Trade Test fee at the designated Trade Test Centre.7.2 Minimum requirements when submitting a 20 Section 28 Application for Trade Evaluationi. Complete 2 x original signed copies of this application form;ii. Attach 2 x certified copies of the national ID;iii. Attach 2 x certified copies of highest qualification or affidavit of highest qualification including a list of subjects;iv. Attach 2 x originally 21 Signed Letters on Company Letterhead:-A. Declaring that the Candidate is employed / unemployedB. Giving a detailed a breakdown of practical workplace experience (previous and current employer onseparate letterheads) against the designated training scheduleC. Recommendation that the apprentice is Trade Test Ready; also attach a Trade Test Readiness declarationfrom an accredited Training Provider / FETD. Declaring that the apprentice acquired practical experience in the designated tradev. Attach 2 x certified copies of previous trade test results (NYC declaration) if applicable;vi. Attach proof of payment of trade test fee at the designated Trade Test Centre.8. Upon Receiving the Statement of Results From The Decentralised Trade Test CentreThe Decentralised Trade Test Centre notifies the employer and AgriSETA about the outcome of the Trade Test; issue acopy of the Trade Test Statement of Results to the Employer and the original signed document to the AgriSETA.AgriSETA print a Trade Test Certificate and prepare supporting evidence for endorsement by the duly authorisedAgriSETA designate and the Registrar of Manpower Training. The following evidence is attached for perusal by theRegistrar of Manpower Training:i. Original Trade Test Certificate signed by the duly authorised AgriSETA designate;ii. Original application for a qualifying trade testiii. Original registered contract of apprenticeship (only section 13 Apprentices) for the designated trade signed byall stakeholdersiv. Original signed Medical Examination of the candidatev. Original certified copy of the logbook / modules (only section 13 Apprentices)vi. Original certified copy of the national IDvii. Original signed declaration of employer on company letterheadviii. Original Competency Declaration (Statement of Results) signed by the Accredited Trade Test Centre and thecandidateix. Previous Trade Test Results should it be the 2 nd or 3 rd attempt to pass the qualifying trade testx. Proof of accreditation of the decentralised trade test centreThe AgriSETA hand the original signed Trade Test Certificate to the employer.9. Not Yet Competent trade Test ResultsA candidate will be allowed three Trade Test attempts. The following conditions and time line applies between the firstunsuccessful Trade Test attempt and the second (or subsequent) attempt.Page 5 of 6

i. The employer submit evidence that remedial training took place;ii. The employer submit evidence that the apprentices received supplementary workplace experience to redressthe skills gap;iii. An Application for trade test may not be furnished within 3 months from date of issuing the last Trade TestResults;iv. That the employer submits a full Application for a Qualifying Trade Test which conforms to all the requirementsof such an application.10. Exemption Criteria Pertaining To Item 6.1. Iv. Of The Minimum Exit Academic Requirements To Apply For AQualifying Trade TestThe entry academic requirement to register as Section 13 Apprentice is Standard 8 or Grade 10 with mathematics andscience or a full N1. The candidate may be exempted from holding a full N2 academic qualification at exit level uponsuccessful completion of Competency Based Modular Training (CBMT) demonstrating that the Mathematical-,Engineering Science-, Technology-, and Trade Theory components had been sufficiently covered during the practicalinstitutional phase.a) A candidate that is holding a qualification higher than N2 but without N2 trade theory must have a full technicalqualification (N3 or better) including mathematics and relevant subjects.b) A candidate with minimum N2 without relevant trade theory must obtain an exemption letter issued by an accreditedinstitution.c) A candidate with one N2 subject which is not a relevant trade theory must obtain an exemption letter certificate issuedby an accredited institution.A candidate may however qualify for exemption from a full N2 qualification when holding a relevant Learnership at NQFLevel 2 for the designated trade.11. Guidelines When Registered Apprentices Of An Employer Does Not Attend Practical Intuitional Training AtAn Accredited Provider / FETRead in conjunction with Item 10. an Exemption Letter does not replace a N2 qualification.Deciding against practical institutional training at an FET / Accredited Provider other than trade test preparation when acandidate complies to the exit academic qualification place an enormous responsibility on the employer to support theapprentice in preparing for a qualifying trade test. This approach does not allow any room for error against thedesignated training schedule, Item 7.1v.C. and 7.2v.C. applies.12. Artisan to Apprentices Ratio’sThe physical environment of some workplaces has an appetite for risk aggravating the Artisan to Apprentices ratio. Thefollowing guidelines may be considered subject to a physical workplace compliance site inspection.A ratio of 1:2 qualified Artisan to Apprentices for the same designated trade is manageable. The Artisan to Apprenticeratio may increase to 1:4 when each Apprentice is assigned to a competent Semi-skilled person with 5 yearsexperience for the same designated trade.For Electricians and Mill Wrights a ratio of 1:1 in the first year applies which may expand to 1:2 in the second yearprovided that the apprentices completed 50% of the modular training against the designated training schedule at anaccredited training provider.Page 6 of 6