RPL Mech Eng Proc 05
RPL Mech Eng Proc 05
RPL Mech Eng Proc 05
: RPL
Recognition for Prior Learning and Articulation Rev.: 0
INTRODUCTION
Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), refers to the formal identification, assessment and
acknowledgement of the full range of an individual’s skills, knowledge and capabilities
irrespective of how and where they have been acquired. It is the acknowledgement of
skills, competencies, knowledge and work ethos obtained through:
SCOPE
REFERENCES
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Head of Department (HOD) or his delegate is responsible for the review and
approval of all applications. In the case of a review panel, the HOD will appoint
the panel.
2. The Faculty Officer is responsible for liaising with the applicant, document control
and processing of the application/s.
3. The applicant is responsible for compiling and providing all the necessary
documents and motivations outlined in this procedure to the Faculty Officer
timelessly.
Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID.: RPL
There are accepted methodologies that may be used to determine the extent of
experience and level of competence of a candidate, and these may be summarized as
follows:
Methodology Description
A portfolio is a logically organised record of a candidate’s evidence of
prior learning, and will serve as proof of the candidates expertise. It
1 Developing a Portfolio should include evidence of knowledge or skills gained from a wide
variety of sources.
These examinations are the most familiar type of RPL assessment
tool being used. This type of examination is not a course final, but is
usually prepared especially for the candidate by the assessor. It is
not based on a particular textbook, nor does it require that a
2 Challenge examinations candidate be exposed to a particular instructor at a particular time.
The examination should cover a wide body of accepted knowledge or
concepts in the challenged course, spelled out in the course learning
outcomes.
Give candidates the chance to show their expertise in carrying out
some activity that proves mastery of a skill. The candidate performs
3 Demonstration the skill in the presence of an assessor who uses a set of criteria
against which the candidate can be measured.
Assignments can be given to the candidate after discussion with the
assessor and relevant academic staff member. Both parties would
4 Assignments determine what proof was required and the best way for the
candidate to demonstrate the required level of knowledge.
Interviews between the assessor and candidate can be used to
5 Interviews supplement any of the above methodologies.
Assessment of performance in the course of normal work offers the
most natural form of evidence of competence. Observing the
candidate at the workplace has several advantages to an employee:
6 Workplace assessment • Technically - it directly assesses the candidate’s ability to perform
competently at their work.
• Economically - candidates are not removed from their work.
In some instances, the candidate’s activities at the workplace can
produce a physical product and this product/artefact can be
Assessment of products assessed. The advantages of evaluation of a product is that it allows
7 the candidate to be assessed without being subjected to the stresses
or artefacts
of observation by an assessor and it is less time consuming for the
assessor than observation
This form of assessment is a streamlined version of the portfolio. It
consists of the candidate submitting a curriculum vitae, a plan of
8 Dossier goals, a description of work experiences, roles, contexts, testimonials
from employers and details of professional activities. A joint process
of validating the information is then pursued.
Any of the above methods may be selected, but would be obviously negotiated with the
candidate first, but the selection is essentially at the discretion of the Head of
Department and the appointed panel that will review the application.
Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID.: RPL
The following table serves to summarize the South African Qualifications Authority
(SAQA) SAQA-NQF and proposed articulation between qualifications at tertiary
institutions. Engineering programs fall into the “Career-focused” category column.
With the new outcomes based philosophy and structure, articulation can essentially be
based on comparing 4 criteria:
This obviously complicates articulation significantly between programs and the process
ultimately remains at the discretion of the Head of Departments.
Table A:
Symbol A B C D E F
HG 8 7 6 5 4 2
SG 6 5 4 3 2 1
NTC3 5 4 3 2 1 0
Note: The F symbol is unacceptable for admission to any Engineering programmes in the Faculty, but may be considered
when assessing applications for the Foundation Programme.
Table B:
Grade Points
Subject Symbol Points Scored
(HG or SG) Multiplier
Mathematics ............... x 8
English ............... x 4
TOTAL
The candidate must also achieve a minimum of 110 points on the weighted system
provided. Alternatively, if a candidate fails to meet the minimum of 110 points but
achieves 80 or more points, they can be admitted to the Foundation Programme.
On successful completion of all the modules the candidate may be admitted to the
main programme. Details and curricula are available in the Faculty Prospectus.
Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID.: RPL
Due to the rigour of this programme the admission requirements are obviously higher
than that required for the First Degree programmes:
In view of national accreditation policies controlled and audited by ECSA and HEQC
with regards to Tertiary Institutions, the Department recognizes and provides mobility to
students from other Universities of Technology (ex Technikons). This is done by
providing recognition for subjects or units of learning for entry to the ND program. The
specific details pertaining to the academic scope and mobility is provided as follows:
• The candidate must comply with the minimum entrance criteria as stated in the
Prospectus with regards to Language. English (HG-E or SG-D symbol) and a
second official language with the same criteria as for English.
• Recognition is awarded on merit, and as a guideline, a minimum of 70% overlap in
the subject content or combination of subjects completed is used as a comparison.
Alternatively, an evaluation of the candidates skills may be conducted.
• Only a final mark of 50% and higher will be considered for recognition.
• No recognition is granted for any exit level (level III) final year (i.e. S4) subjects,
unless it has been negotiated with the HOD or his delegate prior to registration.
Registration of subjects at other Institutions are done at the candidate’s own risk.
• Refer and complete document RPL-1.
• Recognition for Experiential Learning is addressed separately in this document.
Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID.: RPL
Notes: 1. The above table does not include additional standard entrance criteria stated in the
Prospectus and this procedure.
• The candidate must comply with the minimum entrance criteria as stated in the
Prospectus with regards to Language. English (HG-E or SG-D symbol) and a
second official language with the same criteria as for English.
• Only a final mark of 50% and higher will be considered for recognition.
• Refer and complete document RPL-2.
• Recognition for Experiential Learning is addressed separately in this document.
• The candidate must comply with the minimum entrance criteria as stated in the
Prospectus with regards to Language. English (HG-E or SG-D symbol) and a
second official language with the same criteria as for English.
• Recognition is awarded on merit, and as a guideline, a minimum of 70% overlap in
the subject content or combination of subjects completed is used as a comparison.
Alternatively, an evaluation of the candidates skills may be conducted.
• Only a final mark of 50% and higher will be considered for recognition.
Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID.: RPL
• No recognition is granted for any exit level (level III) final year (i.e. S4) subjects.
• Refer and complete document RPL-1.
• Recognition for Experiential Learning is addressed separately in this document.
The Department provides mobility to these students by providing recognition for certain
subjects. The specific details pertaining to the academic scope and mobility is provided
in the following table:
Mathematics I Mathematics I
Mathematics II Mathematics II
Notes: 1. The above table does not include additional standard entrance criteria stated in the
Prospectus and this procedure.
• The candidate must comply with the minimum entrance criteria as stated in the
Prospectus with regards to Language. English and a second official language is
essential.
• Only a final mark of 50% and higher will be considered for recognition.
• Refer and complete document RPL-3.
• Recognition for Experiential Learning (MEP2) is addressed separately in this
document.
Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID.: RPL
• On completion of the prerequisite subjects the candidate will qualify for 0.125
NATED credits (equivalent to 1 B Tech subject) towards the B Tech.
• In the case where the candidate has a National Higher (T4) Diploma, with the
subjects 1 to 4 listed below, they would qualify for 0.125 NATED credits
(equivalent to 1 subject) towards the B Tech:
1. Thermodynamics T4.
2. Fluid Mechanics T4.
3. Mechanics of Machines T4.
4. Strength of Materials T4.
5. Mathematics II, which is a prerequisite (Maths III recommended).
• The candidate must have completed a suitable B Tech Degree or equivalent NQF
level 7 qualification (to be assessed on its merit).
Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID.: RPL
• The candidate must have completed a suitable M Tech Degree or equivalent NQF
level 8 qualification (to be assessed on its merit).
FOREIGN STUDENTS
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The procedure for followed for recognition of Experiential Learning in the work place is
illustrated below:
No
Address
deficiencies with
applicant Undertake further
Experiential Learning as
per MEP1 guidelines in
the Logbook
Applicant to revise and/or
address shortcomings.
(1 month)
Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID: RPL-1
Address
Home Work
Telephone numbers
Cell
Address
Home Work
Telephone numbers
Cell
Signed
N level subject Technikon Subject Code Y/N
HOD
Mechanical Drawing N2 & N3 +
Machine Drawing I MED111
Mechanical Drawing & Design N4
Engineering Science N4 +
Mechanics I MEC111
Mechanotechnics N5
Machines & Properties of Materials N4 +
Manufacturing I MNE111
Mechanotechnics N4
Fluid Mechanics N5 & N6 Fluid Mechanics II MFL221
Strength of materials &
Strengths of Materials II MSM221
Structures N5 + N6
Mechanical Drawing &
Mech. Eng. Design II MDE221
Design N4, N5 + N6
Mathematics N4 + N5 Maths I WIS111
Address
Home Work
Telephone numbers
Cell
PARTICULARS OF THE SUBJECT/S
Signed
Subject NMMU Subject Code Y/N
HOD
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Drawing MED111
Drawing I
Engineering Science and
Mechanics I MEC111
Applied Mechanics.
Engineering Science and Eng materials and
MEM111
Applied Mechanics. Science I
Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Mechanical
Technology MNE111
Manufacturing Eng I
Electrical and Electronic Principles I and
Electrotechnology I MET111
Electrical Machines
Motor Vehicle Technology and
Motor Vehicle Eng I MVE111
Motor Vehicle Practicals
Workshop Practicals, Plant Maintenance Mechanical Engineering
MEP121
Practicals, and Experiential Learning. Practice I
Mathematics I Mathematics I WIS111
Address
Home Work
Telephone numbers
Cell
Company Address
Position
Telephone (work) Code Number
Fax Code Number
Cell phone
e-mail address Private or Company?
Qualification
Professional bodies associated to, e.g. ECSA,
SAIMechE, IPET, SAIRAC etc.(if any)
Pr Eng number
Pr Tech number
Professional registration
Reg. Eng. Tech number
(If any)
GCC number
Other number
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Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID: RPL-P1
4 Work experience:
Currently employed Y/N 2/0
Employer support Y/N 1/0
Not employed but has previous experience (complete point 5 below) Y/N 1/0
Accum.
5 Work experience (based on Section 2 questionnaire):
Time
Introduce learner to the Company,
Induction, orientation and
Industry, working environment and Max 1
safety.
safety policies.
Basic practical training in the workshop
environment. Acquiring skills and
experience in machine application and
Hand and Machine tools Max 4
utilization, fabrication, industry codes
and standards and safety requirements
per the OHS Act.
Learner performs repairs, maintenance,
Maintenance, installations installations and modifications on a
Max 4
and modifications variety of engineering equipment and
environments
Learner operates and controls
Process, machine control,
machines, production and other Max 3
and monitoring.
processes.
Mechanical testing of Learner prepares specimens and
materials, equipment equipment for testing and evaluations to
Max 4
testing and process standards and codes of practice.
testing. General lab work.
Learner performs visual inspections,
magnetic particle, dye penetrant,
Non-destructive testing. radiographic, ultrasonic, hydrostatic and Max 4
leak testing to typically ASNT (or
equivalent) level I competence.
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Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID: RPL-P1
Scope:
This summary serves as a mechanism for the appraisal and record of the candidates
performance, development and other essential aspects for Experiential Learning required
of a Trainee Technician.
Induction Y N
Safety Y N
Hand and machine tools (Basic practical training)
1 Hand tools Y N
4 Joining techniques:
Fasteners Y N
Welding Y N
Brazing Y N
Soldering Y N
Adhesives Y N
5 Electrical technology
Basic electrical wiring and circuits Y N
Types of AC and DC motor Y N
Types of motor starters and controls Y N
Instrumentation and process control Y N
CNC applications Y N
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Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID: RPL-P1
Non-destructive testing
Visual inspections Y N
Magnetic particle Y N
Dye penetrant Y N
Radiographic Y N
Ultrasonic Y N
Hydrostatic Y N
Leak testing Y N
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Department of Mechanical Engineering Doc ID: RPL-P1
Effectiveness / Responsibilities: 1 2 3
1 Finishes tasks on time
2 Familiar with systems and procedure of work
3 Does not repeat mistakes
4 Works steadily and accurately
5 Communicates information satisfactorily
6 Demonstrates safe and competent handling of equipment
Initiative
1 Identifies and solves problems in good time
2 Takes the initiative to make recommendations
3 Requests additional work when own work is up to date
Reliability
1 Responsible in the performance of his/her tasks
2 Can work with little supervision
3 Reports regularly on progress made
4 Punctual
5 Attendance
Interpersonal skills
1 Shares knowledge and experience with others
2 Handles situations rationally and tactfully
3 Accepts constructive criticism and guidance
4 Works efficiently in a team environment
Job Knowledge
1 Understands the role and responsibility of the Department in
relation to the others in the Organisation.
2 Demonstrate technical decision making in the place of work
3 Development and application of new skills
Totals
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