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THE UNIT STANDARD PROCESS - AN EXPLANATORY DOCUMENT
Distributed by the 4x4 Industry Working Group
Introduction
As most of you are aware, the initial Unit Standard concerning 4x4 driver training is in the process of being registered.
The
purpose of this document is to provide some background to the process,
the reasons for going this route, the current status and to address
some of the other questions that are being asked regarding the Unit
Standards.
Why go the Unit Standard route?
By making use of the processes developed as part of the Skills Development Act, we achieve the following -
we create a standard for 4x4 Driver Training that is a public standard (anyone so qualified may present the courses),
the Unit Standard is equitable throughout South Africa (all accredited facilities and Instructors work to the same standard),
the
Unit Standard provides the qualified 4x4 driver with accreditation that
will be recognised (the need for certain people to be accredited 4x4
drivers, as a result of their work circumstances, is integral to this
process)
What is the Current Status?
The Unit Standard has
been allocated to TETA (the Transport Industry SETA) who are presenting
the document to the SGB (Standards Generating Body). We are awaiting
the review of the Unit Standard by the SGB and the registration of the
Unit Standard by the SGB.
What are the next steps?
Once
this is done, work will commence in conjunction with TETA on the
curriculum and related aspects (such as course notes, presentations,
manuals, etc.), in consultation with the Working Group and any others
who may express interest.
Once the Standard is registered, TETA will place the Unit Standard on their website http://www.teta.org.za/. It is anticipated that this will be in place by April 2006.
What about 4x4 operators who have previously completed 4x4 Driver Training Courses?
It
is envisaged that the operator will be required to complete some form
of competency test, much the same as the existing firearm legislation.
The format, content and duration of this competency test is yet to be
determined.
What is required to become an Accredited Instructor?
TETA
will develop the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) system in order
that existing Instructors can present a portfolio for assessment and
accreditation. This will be in the form of a brief resume, providing
details of your experience in Driver Training. TETA will also guide
applicants wishing to become recognised Instructors through the process
of accreditation. Instructors will be required to have completed an
Assessors Course.
In terms of the actual course and venue, the
venue and course materials will be subject to what is termed a "Hygiene
Audit", in order to ensure that the materials exist, basic facilities
(sanitation) are present and so on.
In terms of your course
materials, these will need to comply with the "Measurable Outcomes" as
defined by the Unit Standard - your course must cover the items that
students are to be assessed against.
The Working Group is aiming
at compiling a manual that will be made available to training
facilities at no cost, covering the Unit Standard requirements and in a
format that can be personalised to your training facility.
What future developments are planned in terms of 4WD related Unit Standards?
This initial Unit Standard (Level 1) is aimed at the novice 4WD user, with a further 3 Unit Standards planned, viz. -
The current Working Group is a voluntary group, representing the various aspects of the 4x4 industry. These people are -
Glyn Demmer - Nissan/NAAMSA(AAWDCSA)
Tony Yeo - Land Rover Experience/Land Rover
Michael Green - Secure Tech (formerly Spanset)
Francois Roussouw - Radio Sonder Grense
Von Krause - Toyota SA
Steve Barley - Four Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa
Allan Horwell - Four Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa
Lionel Lewis - LA Sport/ATA
Tinus Breitenbach - LA Sport/ATA
Wayne Dicks - Ford Ranger Academy
The
Working Group is self-funded and is based in Gauteng. Meetings also
involve representatives of TETA, as and when required, a Gauteng based
organisation.
What if I elect not to go the Unit Standard route?
This
is entirely your choice, and should be determined by the market you
serve. The only possible limitation is that companies requiring
accredited training for staff utilising 4x4's may not make use of your
services.
What are the long-term implications if I do go the Unit Standard route?
These
will be determined by TETA, but will typically consist of venue audits
and assessment of courses as well as prescribed training. There will be
costs associated, which will be detailed at a later stage by the SETA
Where else in the world has a similar approach been taken?
Australia are possibly the leaders in the field of Unit Standards in off-road driving, closely followed by the United Kingdom.
How can I remain up to date with developments regarding the Unit Standard?
Regular
updates will be sent to the current mailing list, a list comprising the
known training organisations, manufacturers and clubs.
This
list has been compiled to the best of our abilities. If you have been
omitted from this list and would like to receive updates, please send
your details (name, contact details, e-mail address and
organisation/club represented) to
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