Unit Standard Process - An Explanatory Document

Written by 4x4 Industry Working Group

Tuesday, 24 January 2006

Discuss this article on our Forum Pages... 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. - Level 2 - Advanced off road driving Level 3 - Towing Level 4 - Instructor Who is the current Working Group? 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 Kind regards Steve Barley 4x4 Industry Working Group Discuss this article on our Forum Pages...