/ PRACTICAL GUIDELINES APPLICABLE FOR RPLCANDIDATES TOWARDS A TRADE ASSESSMENT

1. INTRODUCTION

This document outlines the management process that employers will embark on when enrolling candidates for a RPL assessment. This guideline is aligned to:

  • Version 2 of The Interim Trade Test Admission Requirements
  • MOU between the AgriSETA and the applicable SETA in terms of managing apprenticeships.

It is important that the most recently updated AgriSETA and Department of Higher Education documents available on the AgriSETA website are used, no other versions of the documentation will be accepted in the Artisan Development process unless approval is granted by the Manager Artisan Development.

Trades available for RPLat AgriSETA

All trades listed in the Organizing Framework for Occupations 2013 version.

2. Phased approach to implementing RPL programmes

STEP 1: Application for a Discretionary Grant

An employer may apply for a Discretionary Grant to fund the training of candidates for using a RPL development route. The relevant Discretionary Grant application documents must be completed and submitted to AgriSETA in the annual funding window.

The Discretionary grant for 14/15 financial year will be disbursed according to the National funding guidelines. All approved grants for previous financial years will be disbursed according to the agreed guidelines of that financial year and is not influenced by changes in the funding model. A Grant will only be allocated to workplaces approved through the national workplace approval criteria.

An approval letter followed by a Discretionary Grant (DG) contract (2 party contracts) will be forwarded to the successful applications. The DG contract must be signed and forwarded to AgriSETA.

Relevant documentation:

  1. Discretionary Grant Application form
  2. Addendum to the Discretionary Grant agreement
  3. Discretionary Grant Guidelines
  4. Disbursement Reports

STEP 2: Workplace approval

The approval of workplaces is a prerequisite for any Artisan Development Programme. Candidates that apply to recognize any training or experience must provide proof that the experience within the workplace was relevant to the trade that he/she applied for. Workplaces can be assessed using the instruments listed below.

Relevant Documentation:

  1. Workplace approval criteria
  2. Workplace approval instrument

STEP 3: Registration RPL Candidates

The employer must identify the accredited skills and practical training providers at registration. It is important for employers to ensure that only accredited providers are utilized. AgriSETA will not register any learning agreement if the providers are not accredited.

  1. Requirements to register a RPL candidate

All candidates are required to complete a RPL agreement with AgriSETA irrespective of the funding status.

i. The candidate has to comply with one of the criterion listed in Version two of the Transitional Trade Test Admission requirements

ii. Confirmation from a accredited Training Provider / FET that the candidate had been subjected to a practical skills level evaluation to identify current skills level and recommendation for further training interventions in pursuit of a Qualifying Trade Assessment against the designated trade;

iii. Proof of highest qualification or Letter of Oath of highest qualification inclusive of a list of subjects

iv. A detailed breakdown reporting on previous and current practical experience aligned with the designated training schedule on company letterhead (Separate letters from each previous and current employer in terms of item 4.3 i. are required).

v. Complete and adhere to Part A., B. and C. of the RPL Agreement.

Note: From April 2014 no candidates will be allowed access to a trade test following the S28 route as guided by the Manpower training Act, but will have to apply through the Recognition of prior learning process.

Relevant documentation:

  1. Sample Letters reporting on detailed workplace breakdown include:-
  2. AgriSETA RPL Agreement
  3. Addendum to RPL Agreement

STEP 4: TRADE TEST APPLICATION

  • RPL Candidates

i. 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 Signed Letters on Company Letterhead:-

A. Declaring that the Candidate is employed / unemployed

B. Giving a detailed a breakdown of practical workplace experience (previous and current employer on separate letterheads) against the designated training schedule

C. Recommendation that the apprentice is Trade Test Ready; also attach a Trade Test Readiness declaration from an accredited Training Provider / FET

D. Declaring that the apprentice acquired practical experience in the designated trade

v. 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.

  • Relevant Documentation
  • Application for Trade Test Self Check
  • Trade Test Application Form
  • AgriSETA RPL TT Criteria and Checklist

STEP 6: CERTIFICATION

Once a candidate is found competent the Decentralized trade test centre will forward the results to the AgriSETA. AgriSETA will prepare the required documentation and forward the learner pack to the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). NAMB will screen all the submissions for compliance against the Trade Test Regulations and make recommendations to the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for certification. NAMB will distribute certificates to candidates. If a candidate has lost his/her certificate the required application form must be completed and forwarded AgriSETA similarly if the candidates wish to apply for a re-issue of a certificate.

Relevant Documentation

  • Check list for certification
  • Re-issue or duplicate Certificate application form