New Diploma in Inspection Technology

04 February 2011

OVERVIEW OF THE SAIW DIPLOMA IN INSPECTION TECHNOLOGY

1. OBJECTIVE

The diploma recognises that an individual has successfully completed a comprehensive three year training programme in welding related inspection technologies.

2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The minimum period of training is three years which includes the equivalent of one academic year (30 weeks) of theory training and two calendar years of practical training.

Theory training is achieved through modular short courses which contribute to a comprehensive knowledge of inspection technology. Practical training is achieved through supervised practical experience in applying the theoretical knowledge learned in courses presented in classrooms, workshops and laboratories.

The diploma is awarded in recognition of successful completion of a combination of CORE and OPTIONAL COURSES and periods of related practical training. The compulsory (core) modules are foundation courses which build the essential knowledge required to support specific industry related course modules (options). Various fields of specialisation may be taken as options e.g. Petrochemical and Refinery Inspection, Power Generation Inspection or Welding and Fabrication Inspection. CAREER PLANNING is essential for inspection and the diploma is an ideal qualification for specialist or technology management careers.

Progression to the diploma is based on cumulative knowledge gains and core modules must be completed before the optional modules. Within the core or optional modules some flexibility is possible. Exceptions to sequential learning may only be allowed on a joint decision of the managers of SAIW Training Services and SAIW Qualification and Certification.

The scheme allows interruptions in training after any completed module and the practical training can be gained at any stage in the training programme subject to the requirement that practical training used for credit in a particular field of either compulsory or optional course content must be carried out after successful completion of the relevant theory module.

A student may apply for exemption from a theory module based on courses of study at other organisations recognised by SAIW in the field of inspection technology. These organisations are expected to hold appropriate accreditation for their fields of activity. It is the responsibility of the student making an application for exemption to provide any details requested by SAIW pertaining to an evaluation of equivalence of courses. In addition students may be requested to attend a technical interview to allow SAIW to evaluate knowledge learned on courses attended at other organisations before exemption to the training course is granted. Exemption is limited to attendance at a training course and students are required to sit the examinations for all modules.

Practical training must be gained through supervised industrial experience. Trainees are required to keep a practical experience LOG BOOK in which the trainee’s supervising manager will verify that specific inspection tasks related to the area of specialisation have been completed as well as verifying the duration of the training period.

Students may apply for the award of the diploma when all theoretical and practical programme requirements have been completed.

3. COURSE ACCESS CONDITIONS

Students are required to have completed Further Education and Training equivalent to school grade 12 (National Senior Certificate) with appropriate subject combinations.

4. EXAMINATIONS

Examination of theory course content is carried out at the end of each theory module. Students are required to achieve a pass grade in the examinations of all modules.

5. PRACTICAL TRAINING, RECORDS OF TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW

Students are required to complete a minimum of 80 weeks of relevant practical training over a period of not less than two years but not more than five years (this maximum period may be extended at the discretion of the Qualification and Certification Manager). The work experiential training period is used for practical application and enhancement of classroom training. Practical training requirements include combinations of periods spent on both core course content and optional specialisation content with time split approximately on a 60:40 ratio between core and option content (subject to a maximum of 18 months core time and 12 months minimum core time.

Practical training incorporates specified activities which must be carried out under supervision of suitably qualified and experienced personnel. Training must be recorded in an approved log book and verified by the supervising manager. The log books must be submitted with the application for the award of the diploma and the training records will be reviewed and approved by the Qualification and Certification Manager. Thereafter, the diploma candidates will be required to attend a professional interview which will be used to confirm the knowledge gained during the practical training period.

6. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Students who have completed elements of the programme prior to the introduction of the diploma may apply for credits for the elements which they have completed. Where a student has successfully completed all the theory course modules and can complete the required practical experience records the Diploma may be awarded after a professional interview.

7. EQUIVALENCE IN NATIONAL QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK (NQF)

The diploma has not yet been assessed in the context of the NQF. It is intended that the diploma should be rated at NQF level 6 and SAIW will be making a submission to the Council on Higher Education within two years when the programme is fully established.

8. REGISTRATION ON THE INSPECTION DIPLOMA COURSE

Students should register using the REGISTRATION FOR INSPECTION DIPLOMA COURSE form at the earliest opportunity in their studies with SAIW. No application fee is required at this stage. Later application to the course is permitted but no application for award of the diploma will be considered if a student is not registered.

9. AWARD OF DIPLOMA

The award of the diploma is at the discretion of SAIW Certification. Students are required to submit an APPLICATION FOR AWARD OF DIPLOMA when they have completed all theory and practical experience requirements. Applicants are required to pay an application fee at this time and the application for award will not be considered prior to payment.