Leading construction companies are located mainly in Europe, Canada and Australasia. Therefore, for best practice in Qualifications and Training comparisons were made with Finland, Germany, UK, Denmark, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Also chosen were various African countries known for quality workmanship in regard to e.g. painting & tiling. Painting & tiling were the main examples utilised, but in terms of training programmes, they are adequately representative of the whole range of Building and Civil Construction (Plastering, Masonry, Joinery, Carpentry, Roofing, Painting and Tiling) and the comparisons made are pertinent to all.
Painting:
The European Union has accepted a Certificate that is offered in Finland as suitable for all countries in the Union. The upper secondary level (the equivalent of this South African qualification) Vocational Qualification in Surface Treatment Technology: Painting is worth 120 credits, achieved over a 3 – year period and is workplace-based. The qualification includes the following, compared to the South African qualification:
European Union: Vocational Qualification in Surface Treatment Technology: Painting; South Africa:
- Perform construction painting tasks; Included.
- Perform painting, wallpapering and other wall covering tasks in flats according to work specifications ; Included (wallpapering is elective).
- Paint ordinary decorative ornaments, text and lines and also use stencils; Not included.
- Use common measuring devices applied in quality control; Included.
- Calculate the costs of materials and of their own work; Included.
- Work in a customer-focused manner; Included.
- Identify common surface treated materials and be familiar with their properties; Included.
- Use different surface treatment agents according to their applications, user instructions and occupational safety regulations; Included.
- Use the most common hand tools applied in repair and servicing tasks; Included.
- Carry out visual evaluations of the quality of treated surfaces and estimate tone variations; Included.
- Perform the most common measurements related to surface treatment and inspections of completed surfaces; Included.
- Read and internalise specifications and working diagrams related to surface treatment; Included.
- Safely use electrical and compressed air equipment used in the surface treatment field; Included.
- Use materials economically and ensure their proper storage; Included.
- Work so as to take occupational safety regulations into account and be familiar with the relevant contracts of employment; Included.
- Work economically and so as to take environmental protection considerations into account; Included.
In the United Kingdom, related qualifications include:
- Certificate in Coatings Technology (Level 3).
- National Vocational Qualification in Decorative Occupations (Construction) (Level 3).
- Advanced Construction Award (Level 3).
Various units contained in these United Kingdom qualifications are also included in the South African qualification:
United Kingdom; South Africa:
- Apply basic specialist paint finishes; Core.
- Apply paint materials by brush and roller; Core.
- Apply paint systems by brush and roller; Core.
- Carry out basic repairs to walls and paintwork; Core.
- Co-ordinate activities to paint by brush and roller; Higher level.
- Co-ordinate activities to prepare and apply paint systems by brush, roller and spray; Higher level.
- Co-ordinate activities to prepare and paint interiors and exteriors by brush and roller; Higher level.
- Co-ordinate activities to produce decorative specialist paint finishes – advanced; Higher level.
- Create special paint effects, SA qualification; Elective.
- Creating special paint finishes; Elective.
- Decorative paint techniques; Elective.
- Evaluation of paints – chemical and environment properties; Core.
- Evaluation of paints – physical properties; Core.
- Paint a wall to an acceptable emulsion finish (entry 2); Core.
- Paint application – spraying; Elective.
- Paint Spraying with Conventional Air-atomising Systems or HVLP Systems; Elective.
- Paint Spraying with Conventional Air-atomising Systems, HVLP Systems and Airless Systems; Elective.
Similarly, Danish programmes combine painting and varnishing, or painting and decorating in equivalent level qualifications of approximately 3 years (depending on the learning approach used). The qualifications include some components not found in the South African qualification that focuses on restoration and preservation of historical buildings and monuments, and a building and corrosion protection specialty. Compared with the South African qualification, the following was found:
Denmark; South Africa:
- Apply ceiling, wall and floor coverings; Core.
- Assemble and disassemble scaffolding, operate vertical lift working platforms, set up and maintain hoists and conveyors; Core, scaffolding only.
- Carry out concrete protection measures; Elective.
- Carry out corrosion protection measures; Elective.
- Carry out energy saving measures; Not included.
- Carry out fire protection and insulation measures; Not included.
- Carry out interior finishing and installation work; Elective.
- Carry out measurements and document the results; Fundamental.
- Carry out plasterwork, insulation and dry wall work; Not included.
- Carry out protective measures for surfaces which are not to be processed and on objects; Core.
- Carry out reconstruction work and produce reproductions; Not included.
- Check and evaluate undersurfaces and prepare them for coating; Core.
- Carry out restoration measures within the framework of the preservation of historical monuments; Not included.
- Carry out safety designation and street marking; Core, integrated.
- Carry out wood and building protection measures; Elective.
- Construct housings and casings; Not included.
- Draw up and realize plans for room and facade design; Not included.
- Maintain and restore surfaces; Core.
- Maintain buildings and plant and carry out repair work; Partially in Core.
- Practice historical and creative work techniques; Not included.
- Process materials and components; Core.
- Produce coating and other materials according to historical recipes; Not included.
- Produce lettering and signs; Not included.
- Select, set up, operate and maintain implements, tools, machines and equipment for the job; Core.
- Set up, operate and maintain blasting plant; Not included.
- Treat, coat, cover and design surfaces; Core, except design.
Botswana aligns its programmes for construction painting with those credited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The qualifications are generally at a level below this South African qualification, for example, the Gaborone Technical College Painting and Decorating Certificate (NCC), the Jwaneng Technical College Painting and Decorating Certificate, the Palapye Technical College Painting and Decorating Certificate, and the Maun Technical College Painting and Decoration Certificate. The Scottish framework includes an equivalent level qualification that compares as follows with the South African qualification:
Botswana: Botswana/Scottish Vocational Qualification – Construction: Painting and Decorating; South Africa:
- Communications (mandatory); Fundamental.
- Numeracy (mandatory); Fundamental.
- Entrepreneurship (mandatory); Fundamental.
- Personal & Interpersonal Skills (mandatory); Integrated.
- Contribute to establishing the operational area; Core.
- Contribute to the progress of operations; Core.
- Erect and dismantle working platforms; Core.
- Assist with the organisation of resources; Core.
- Provide temporary protection to work areas; Core.
- Prepare surfaces for the application of decorative/protective finishes; Core.
- Apply paint systems by brush and roller; Core.
- Apply wall coverings to non-complex locations; Elective.
- Produce decorative specialist paint finishes – basic; Elective.
- Paint spraying with conventional air-atomising systems, HVLP systems and airless systems; Elective.
- CITB Health and Safety Test; Integrated.
In Tanzania, one-year courses for painting and decorating are offered. They include:
Tanzania; South Africa:
- Prepare structural surfaces for paint; Core.
- Apply decorative and protective coatings on buildings, motor vehicles and articles of wood, metal, textile and other materials; Core (buildings only).
- Methods of erecting ladders and scaffolding for higher structures; Core.
- Use of abrasive materials; Core.
- Methods of paints application including spraying, grazing, removal of old paint; Core and elective.
- Visual environment and aesthetic aspects of colour etc; Core and Elective.
- Compressors, condensers, cores and pipes; Elective.
- How to remove and replace defective parts by sewing, bolting, riveting, welding and brazing; Partially, Core.
Canadian education and training of construction painters includes an apprenticeship that combines on-the-job (practical) experience with in-school (technical) training and runs for two to three years, depending on the workplace component. The training comprises about 450 hours contact time (in the classroom) and 5400 hours in the workplace (not all this time is spent learning). This is longer than the credits of the South African qualification imply, and the entry requirements imply a level above the South African qualification. The Canadian qualification is divided into three levels, which may explain the difference in implied duration. The implied difference in duration between the Canadian and South African qualifications may also be due to the fact that the South African qualification does not address design aspects. Comparison with the South African qualification is as follows:
Level 1:
Canada; South Africa:
- Safety regulations and procedures; Integrated.
- Tools and equipment; Core.
- Trade math; Fundamental.
- Surface preparation; Core.
- Coating systems; Core.
- Colour match; Core.
- Lining and graphics layout; Not included.
- Spray painting; Elective.
- Blueprints and related documents; Core.
Level 2:
Canada; South Africa:
- Surface Preparation; Core.
- Coating Systems; Core.
- Colour Match; Core.
- Spray-painting; Elective.
- Wood Finishing; Partially, in Core.
- Wall coverings; Elective.
Level 3:
Canada; South Africa:
- Trade math; Fundamental.
- Lining and graphics layout; Not included.
- Spray painting; Elective.
- Wall covering; Elective.
- Blueprints and related documents; Core.
- Decorative finishing; Elective.
- Optional: Industrial painting safety overview; Integrated.
- Respiratory protection; Integrated.
- Confined space work; Not included.
- Fall protection; Integrated.
- Ladders, scaffolds, platforms; Partially, in Core.
- Surface preparation; Core.
- Lead based paint abatement; Elective.
- Industrial coatings; Elective.
- Spray-painting equipment; Elective.
- Fiberglass reinforcing plastic; Not included.
- Flame spray; Not included.
- Environmental overview; Integrated.
The New Zealand framework contains one equivalent qualification, namely, a National Certificate in Painting with optional strands in Wall Coverings, Spray Techniques, Specialised Coatings, and Industrial Coatings. Comparable unit standards include:
- Describe, select, use, and maintain paint brushes (8 credits, Level 2).
- Describe, select, use, and maintain paint rollers (8 credits, Level 2).
- Apply surface coatings to new and previously coated cement and plaster surfaces (9 credits, Level 3).
- Apply surface coatings to new and previously coated timber and reconstituted wood surfaces (11 credits, Level 3).
- Prepare colour schemes (7 credits, Level 4).
- Produce broken colour and multicolour effects and blend colours on building surfaces (9 credits, Level 4).
The South African qualification is different in that it requires competence in most areas at or above the level of this New Zealand qualification.
The Australian framework contains an equivalent construction qualification: Certificate III in Painting and Decoration. This qualification includes the following components, contained in the South African equivalent as well:
- Follow OH&S policies and procedures.
- Work effectively in the general construction industry.
- Plan and organise work.
- Conduct workplace communication.
- Carry out measurements and calculations.
- Read and interpret plans and specifications.
- Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding.
- Handle painting and decorating materials.
- Use painting and decorating tools and equipment.
- Prepare surfaces for painting.
- Apply paint by brush and roller.
- Apply texture coat paint finishes by brush, roller and spray.
- Apply paint by spray.
- Match specified paint colour.
- Apply wallpaper.
- Apply decorative paint finishes.
- Research business opportunities.
Components in the Australian qualification not addressed in the South African qualification due to legal and specific context requirements are:
- Operate elevated work platforms.
- Glaze/reglaze residential windows and doors.
- Prepare surfaces by abrasive blasting – basic.
- Prepare surfaces by abrasive blasting – advanced.
- Treat lead paint hazards.
- Apply stains and clear timber finishes.
- Remove and replace doors and door and window furniture.
- Remove graffiti and apply protective coatings.
- Apply protective paint coating systems.
- Apply advanced wallpaper techniques.
- Apply trowelled texture-coat finishes.
Tiling:
In Germany, tiling qualifications address design, which is not included in this South African qualification. Programmes are work-based, and include the following:
Germany; South Africa:
- Measuring up for tile installation; Core.
- Scaffolding; Core.
- Preparation of brush coatings; Core.
- Installing tile in a mortar bed; Core.
- Thick-bed and thin-bed tile installations; Core.
- Installing concrete slabs in sand beds; Core.
- Tile cutting, polishing and drilling techniques; Core.
- Preparation of materials for sound insulation; Not included.
- Preparation of materials for heat insulation; Not included.
- Preparation of water-resistant materials; Elective.
- Preparation of expansion joints; Core.
- Preparation of dry construction, wooden framework and timberwork; Not included.
- Preparation of renderings and backgrounds for tiling; Core.
- Installing and jointing natural stone, tiles, mosaics and marble; Partially, in Core.
- Minor masonry tasks, baths, showers, partitions and supports; Not included.
- Work on staircases; Core.
- Making arcs and curves; Core.
- Installing trim units and ornamental borders; Not included.
- Installing skirting and other special accessories; Not included.
- Physical and chemical construction requirements; Partially, in Core.
- Bases; Core.
- Draughtsmanship; Not included.
- Technical calculations, mass determinations; Fundamental.
- Building materials and types of tiles; Core.
- Colour theory and design; Partially, in Core.
- Technical regulations; Core.
- Business and trade; Elective.
- English; Fundamental.
- Physical education; Not included.
Courses in many African countries are based primarily on United Kingdom qualifications, and in India programmes are generally based on those offered in the United Kingdom and Australia. Comparison with training in African countries and India reveal the following:
India/ various African countries; South Africa:
- Communication; Fundamental
- Application of Number; Fundamental
- Information Technology; Not included
- Improving own learning; Integrated
- Set out walls and floors for tiles; Core
- Conform to general workplace safety; Integrated
- Prepare background surfaces for tiling; Core
- Tile wall and floor surfaces/Position and finish wall and floor tiles; Core
- Carry out repairs to tiled surfaces; Not included
- Produce tiled, mosaic and stone surface finishes; Partially, in Core and Elective.
- Use different types of tile cutters; Core.
- Confirm work activities and resources for the work; Core.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships; Integrated.
- Confirm the occupational method of work; Core.
- Lay sand and cement screeds; Core.
- Provide drainage for tiled surfaces; Not included.
- Lay under floor heating systems and tile surfaces; Not included.
- Produce internal and external sand and cement backgrounds; Not included.
- Slinging and signalling the movement of loads; Not included.
Various short courses of five-day duration are available in the United Kingdom. In addition, in England, Ireland and Wales, programmes are offered that differ from the national standard, with the implied equivalent of 150 credits on the South African framework. This is due mainly to the fact that some aspects in the elective component of the South African qualification are considered compulsory in the Irish qualification. They compare as follows with the South African qualification:
England, Ireland and Wales; South Africa:
- Set out work areas for tiling; Core.
- A guide to setting up your own business; Elective.
- Customer relations; Core.
- Measuring, estimating and pricing; Fundamental and Core.
- Tile types; Core.
- Cutting and fixing tiles; Core.
- Tiles manufacture; Not included.
- Health and safety; Integrated.
- Adhesives, grouts and other materials (application guides); Core.
- Tools needed; Core.
- Practical work (tiling); Core.
- Preparation work; Core.
- Floor and wall tiling; Core.
- Tile removal and replacement; Partially, in Core.
- Tiling techniques; Core.
The Australian framework includes an equivalent qualification, namely, the Certificate III in General Construction – Wall and Floor Tiling. Comparison with the South African qualification is as follows:
Australia Core: (Australia); South Africa:
- Carry out interactive workplace communication; Fundamental.
- Carry out occupational health and safety requirements, policies and procedures; Integrated.
- Plan and organise work/prepare for wall and floor tiling; Core.
- Read and interpret plans and specifications; Core.
- Measurements and calculations; Fundamental.
- Hand and power tools operation and maintenance; Core.
- Small plant and equipment operation and maintenance; Partially, in Core.
- Handle wall and floor tiling materials and safely dispose of waste; Core.
- Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding; Core.
- Use simple levelling devices; Assumed to be in place.
- Prepare surfaces; Core.
- Carry out general demolition; Core.
- Carry out levelling; Core.
- Lay/fix and finish wall and floor tiling; Core.
- Repair wall and floor tiling; Partially, in Core.
- Tile corners; Core.
- Tile curved surfaces; Core.
- Tile stairs; Core.
- Work effectively in the general construction industry; Core.
Electives: (Australia):
- Apply waterproofing for wall and floor tiling; Elective.
- Carry out mosaic tiling; Elective.
- Carry out decorative tiling; Elective.
- Carry out concreting to simple forms; Elective.
- Tile domestic pools and spas; Not included.
- Operate elevated work platforms; Not included.
- Research business opportunities; Elective.
- Lay and repair marble wall and floor tiling; Not included.
The New Zealand framework includes a National Certificate in Floor and Wall Tiling at the level of this qualification. However, the qualification credits are spread across four levels, explaining the difference in credits (the New Zealand qualification has more credits). At the level of this South African qualification, equivalent credits are achieved. Comparison with the South African qualification is as follows:
New Zealand; South Africa:
- Manage first aid in emergency situations; Core.
- Provide first aid; Core.
- Provide resuscitation Level 2; Core.
- Carry out safe working practices on construction sites; Integrated.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safe working practices on construction sites; Integrated.
- Use hand tools; Core.
- Use portable power tools; Core.
- Prepare existing and new surfaces on site for tiling; Core.
- Set out tiles on site; Core.
- Select, mix, and apply adhesives and grout to substrate on site for tiling; Core.
- Cut and fix tiles to surfaces on site using thin and thick bed adhesive methods; Core.
- Cut and lay tiles to surfaces on site using a mortar bed method; Core.
- Erect non notifiable prefabricated scaffolding; Core.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and set up work areas for floor and wall tiling under supervision; Integrated/Core.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and perform surface preparation for floor and wall tiling under supervision; Integrated/Core.
- Demonstrate knowledge of primers and adhesives used for floor and wall tiling; Integrated/Core.
- Demonstrate knowledge of grouts and grout additives used for floor and wall tiling; Integrated/Core.
- Demonstrate knowledge of sealants used for floor and wall tiling; Integrated/Core.
- Demonstrate knowledge of floor and wall tile installation and install tiles under supervision; Integrated/Core.
- Demonstrate knowledge of under tile heating systems and their installation; Not included.
Conclusions:
These qualifications compare favourably with those offered in other countries in terms of content and level. Qualification structure differs somewhat, and the elective versus core component allocation varies. Other qualification programmes are generally longer than that of the South African qualification, as they include larger elective components, which, in South Africa, are included in different specialisation programmes registered at the same NQF levels. Whether Plastering, Masonry, Joinery, Carpentry, Roofing, Painting or Tiling, these conclusions broadly hold true whichever field in the Building and Civil Construction industry one examines.
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