PURPOSE OF THE QUALIFICATION

This qualification specifies the key skills, knowledge and values required to access engineering and manufacturing qualifications in the Further Education and Training Band. It describes the learning outcomes required to participate in workplace-based learning programmes for occupationally focused qualifications in the manufacturing, engineering and assembly sectors. 

For learners who have formal school qualifications but no work experience, this qualification specifies the necessary knowledge, skills and values required to participate in learning processes within a formal work environment. Typically, these outcomes reflect the learning outcomes that would be achieved at the end of an extensive induction and orientation process. 

The qualifications specify: 

• Fundamental skills in communication and mathematical literacy.
• Skills in working with basic communication and information technology systems.
• Core skills in measurement, use of common tools and instruments and an understanding of the science and technology which underpins these activities.
• Safety, health, environmental and quality issues related to the specific work context.
• Understanding and working with the policies, rules and procedures related to the specific work context, contracts, BCE and the relationship between the employer and the employee.
• Recognizing and understanding the purpose, the processes, the materials and the products used within the specific work context, the structure of the workplace, and the purpose of specific departments or sections and the way in which each contributes to the purpose of the organisation.
• Understanding and explaining the purpose of the company in the context of the industry, sector and economy as a whole.
• Understanding and explaining the basic principles which underpin business in the manufacturing, engineering and assembly field (concepts of cost, adding value, money value of time, profit and loss, customers).
• Skills related to, and an understanding of, the options and alternatives in the learning pathway, goal setting, planning work and learning processes, measuring and evaluating progress and outcomes.
• Understanding financial issues related to pay, tax and deductions including unemployment insurance, pensions or provident funds and other forms of insurance. 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Describe and explain a specific manufacturing, engineering or assembly process, relate the tools and materials to the process and explain the science and technology which underpins the conversion processes.
2. Demonstrate in the process of assessing the use of appropriate numeracy and communication skills.
3. Describe and explain, in the context of a specific workplace environment, the procedures and policies which govern that specific working environment.
4. Describe and explain the purpose of a specific business.
5. Describe and explain how the NQF enables the learner to select a learning path and identify the skills and qualifications that will enable him/her to achieve his/her goals and targets.