Page 1 of 4
Thank you for participating in the plastics manufacturing Qualification Review 2020.
On the following pages is a list of proposed changes – please give feedback on these changes so we can progress this review.
Current
The qualification structure has an optional strand in Plastics Engineering with the following Graduate Profile Outcomes
Proposed
The structure would require a strand to be selected in one of Blown Film Extrusion, Extrusion, Extrusion Blow Moulding, Injection Moulding, Injection Stretch Blow Moulding, Rotational Moulding, Thermoforming.
Each strand would have the same Graduate Profile Outcomes as currently in the optional strand, with the exception of participate in plastics processing trials.
Reasoning
The introduction of the strands reflects the reality of enrolments and gives learners the ability to enrol is several strands as their roles require throughout their careers, to upskill and receive recognition of skills in more than one area.
The removal of the processing trials strand is in reflection of the challenge of achieving this content due to the rarity of this exercise in every day jobs.
Removal of programme conditions currently in the qualification, in keeping with NZQA current conventions, eg:
Programmes must include: - applying a structured approach to housekeeping in a manufacturing environment - correctly using tools including hand tools and measuring equipment - applying knowledge of health and safety legislation in the workplace - applying plastics processing specific health and safety procedures including correct use of guards and alarms, emergency stops - shifting loads in a plastics processing operation safely and correctly using manual and automated methods - communication/teamwork strategies.
The current qualification lists specialisations instead of strands.
Structuring the qualification with strands in Blown Film Extrusion, Extrusion, Extrusion Blow Moulding, Injection Moulding, Injection Stretch Blow Moulding, Rotational Moulding.
Each strand would have the same Graduate Profile Outcomes
The introduction of the strands reflects gives learners the ability to enrol is several strands as their roles require throughout their careers, to upskill and receive recognition of skills in more than one area.
Programmes must include: - quality assurance tools to establish and develop quality assurance specifications for plastics products and processes - undertaking root cause analysis to determine cause of production and quality issues, and making recommendations for their resolution.
