FLC or “foundational learning competence” training is mandatory for new QCTO-registered occupational qualifications in relevant engineering fields. These occupational qualifications will replace existing NATED report N1, N2 and N3 programmes that are provided by TVET colleges. This is part of a drive by the DHET to ensure that technical skills training is closely aligned with the skills needs of a rapidly changing economy. Modern employees need to be creative and able to think critically. They must also possess interpersonal skills, as well as be able to write, present and negotiate. Furthermore, employees in the modern workplace must have an ability to present a reasoned argument, as well as ask the correct questions and seek out the answers.
These are also skills that are required by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The QCTO’s courses have been tailored specifically with this digital era in mind. Individuals who complete these new courses will have relevant skills that will enable them to make a substantial contribution to modern industry.
Quality FLC
These are skills that are imparted by quality FLC or “foundational learning competence” training. They complement those proficiencies taught during technical education.
The process of introducing new qualifications in relevant engineering fields was initiated in September 2021. The DHET approved the phasing out of the remaining NATED Report N1 – N3 programmes. This followed wide consultation with industry stakeholders. A NATED N1 – N3 Phase Out Task Team was also established to steer the process. It consists of, among others, representatives of quality councils, labour unions, SETAs, industry and learners.
However, the phasing out of existing and subsequent introduction of new qualifications has been delayed. Initially, it was proposed that existing N1, N2 and N3 programmes would be phased out throughout 2021, 2022 and 2023. The new QCTO-registered qualifications would have been introduced in 2022.
Therefore, no new students would have been enrolled for N1, N2 and N3 courses this year. However, those learners already busy with their N1, N2 and N3 would have been permitted to complete their courses. More realistic timelines have now been determined for the introduction of the new and phasing out of the existing occupational qualifications. This is considering the extensive planning and logistics involved in implementing the new QCTO-registered occupational qualifications.
Refer to https://www.qcto.org.za/ for more information on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. https://www.dhet.gov.za/ provides more reading on the DHET.
FLC or “foundational learning competence”
The way in which FLC or “foundational learning competence” training has been undertaken to prepare learners for NATED report N1, N2 and N3 programmes remains the same. This is despite the imminent introduction of new QCTO-registered occupational qualifications.
TVET colleges were recently advised to start scaling down enrolments in N1, N2 and N3 courses this year. As from January 2023, no new students may be accepted for N1, N2 and N3 training. Instead, students need to enrol for the new QCTO-registered occupational courses. The QCTO will, therefore, not accept any applications for registration as private colleges that offer the old courses beyond the end of December 2022.
The QCTO has clarified the implications of the transitional arrangement for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards, as well as occupational and part qualifications:
- The learner registration end date for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards on the OQSF is 30 June 2023.
- The learner enrolment end date for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards is 30 June 2024.
- The learner achievement end date for pre-2009 qualifications and unit standards on the OQSF is 30 June 2027.
- The old trades are covered by the dates stipulated above as part of pre-2009 qualifications.
The accreditation periods for pre-2009 qualifications will also cease. This means that most – if not all – pre-2009 qualifications accreditation will expire on 30 June 2023. The teach-out period will continue until 30 June 2027.
All qualifications registered on the NQF must be aligned to the new NQF Level Descriptors by 30 June 2023. This is to ensure coherence in learning. Moreover, the process will enable the allocation of qualifications to particular levels to assess their compatibility and parity of esteem.
Records of learner achievements for qualifications or part-qualifications that reach the last date of enrolment and achievement remain valid.
Other OQSF qualifications, namely registered Occupational Certificates, will be reviewed and re-registered with qualification types (nomenclatures). This will be undertaken according to the new Ministerial Determination.
For more reading on the Occupational Qualifications Sub-Framework, refer to https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/37879gen597.pdf.
FLC achieves objectives of NQF
FLC or “foundational learning competence” strives to achieve the objectives of the NQF. These include redress; access to meaningful learning; the achievement of qualifications; and the provision of a basis for lifelong learning.
FLC training equips learners with important Foundational Communication and Mathematical skills that they need to cope with occupational training. There is a close association between language and numeracy proficiency and success in learning. Many adult learners do not know how or are unable to apply language and mathematical literacy concepts. This restricts them from understanding theories in learning material to acquire new skills and knowledge. They are, therefore, unable to attain a recognised qualification, despite being very proficient in their jobs.
Learners who hold a National Senior Certificate and a National Certificate with Mathematics and English as subjects do not have to complete FLC. Also exempt are learners with a qualification at NQF Level 2 and above with a variety of mathematical-related subjects, as well as English. To apply for exemption, companies must provide QCTO with evidence that learners hold one of these qualifications. If the QCTO is satisfied that learners have the required foundational communication and mathematical literacy skills, they will be allowed to enrol for the new courses.
FLC and NQF Level 2
FLC or “foundational learning competence” is a part qualification that is registered at NQF Level 2 and carries 40 credits. Learners only have to complete FLC training once. After they have completed this part qualification, they can enrol for occupational training at NQF levels 2 through to 4. The length of FLC training depends on the competence of learners. However, its duration is usually about four months.
FLC or “foundational learning competence” training consists of Communication and Mathematical Literacy as learning areas. Foundational Communication focuses on developing learners’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Foundational Mathematical Literacy teaches individuals how to respond to numerical ideas and applications in occupational learning content. They are also able to apply this knowledge at different levels of complexity after completing Foundational Mathematical Literacy.
FLC imparts foundational communication skills
FLC or “foundational learning competence” imparts the foundational communication skills that your employees need to cope with occupational training. Individuals who have completed FLC will be able to speak, listen, read and write meaningfully in the official language of learning and teaching. They will, therefore, be able to convey meaning in a logical and orderly manner. Moreover, they will be able to extract relevant information from a text; demonstrate understanding; and make deductions. They will also be able to develop logical arguments; organise their thinking; and extract key messages from an extended piece of writing.
Foundational Communication consists of writing; speaking and listening; visual literacy; language structure and use; study skills; and workplace technology. It carries 20 credits.
FLC training imparts mathematical skills
FLC or “foundational learning competence” training imparts mathematical literacy skills that individuals need to cope with occupational training. These foundational mathematical skills can also be developed further for specific occupations or trades.
Individuals who have completed foundational mathematical literacy are able to respond to mathematical-related ideas that are presented in a myriad of ways. They will be able to solve a problem by being able to define it and execute their plan. This is in addition to interpreting and evaluating the results of their plan and justifying their method and solution. When solving problems, individuals will apply skills such as locating relevant information, ordering, sorting, comparing and counting. They will also be able to estimate, compute, measure, model, interpret and communicate.
Foundational Mathematics entails number and quantity; finance; data and chance; measurement; space and shape; as well as patterns and relationships. It carries 20 credits.
Both foundational mathematics and communication training are adapted to the occupational sector or trade of learners by Triple E Training. This is according to the requirements of the QCTO.
An FLC learning programme
Learners who have an ABET Level 4 certificate or have completed grade 9 may complete FLC or “foundational learning competence” training. Individuals who have progressed through ABET Level 3 may also participate in FLC or “foundational learning competence”. However, it may take these learners slightly longer to complete the training. A placement assessment will determine whether ABET Level 3 learners have sufficient knowledge to enrol for FLC or “foundational learning competence”.
This is by assessing their existing English literacy and numeracy skills. It is advisable to first evaluate these learners’ skills before enrolling them for FLC or “foundational learning competence” training. They may have to complete ABET Level 4 first to acquire the English literacy and numeracy skills they need to cope with FLC or “foundational learning competence” training. Triple E Training undertakes a placement assessment at your premises and at a time that suits your production schedule.
FLC learners
FLC or “foundational learning competence” learners need to be proficient in both FC Communication and Mathematics to attain the part qualification. Learners who achieve a pass mark of 50% in both learning areas have sound communication and mathematical skills. They have, therefore, been primed to cope with the new QCTO-registered courses and they possess workplace literacy skills.
When learners have completed their training, they will be enrolled for an external summative assessment that is undertaken by the Independent Examination Board. The QCTO approved the IEB as the Assessment Quality Partner for FLC or “foundational learning competence”. AQPs have been delegated by the QCTO to develop standardised assessment instruments for external summative assessments. They also manage external assessments for qualifications registered by the QCTO. Independent Examinations Board Web (ieb.co.za) provides more information on the IEB.
The summative assessment of the Foundational Communication component of FLC evaluates learners’ ability to speak and listen. The external summative assessment also evaluates learners’ reading and comprehension capabilities. This is in addition to their ability to process information in various ways. They include a variety of texts that contain diagrams and graphical representations. It also assesses learners’ understanding of what is being said and how this information is deployed to make informed decisions.
Learners’ extended writing skills are not assessed at present. However, in the foreseeable future, these skills will be evaluated through report writing, summarising, evaluating and substantiation of a particular position.
The FM Mathematics component of a summative assessment measures learners’ ability to use numbers to describe and make sense of real-life situations. It also assesses their reading, interpretation and use of various numbering conventions in different contexts. Furthermore, it gauges their understanding of the functioning of the various numbering conventions.
For more information on FLC or “foundational learning competence” training, refer to https://www.qcto.org.za/foundational-learning-competence-framework-(flc).html and https://eee.co.za/flc-foundational-learning-competence-all-you-may-need-to-know/.
A leading FLC training provider
Triple E Training is a leading FLC or “foundational learning competence” training provider.
As required by the QCTO, our facilitators are specialists in the two learning areas as qualified mathematics and English teachers. These skills and experience are also harnessed in our quality adult basic education and training programmes. Many of our ABET learners progress to FLC or “foundational learning competence” training. It is the next logical step for learners. Our ABET taught them how to read and do maths. Triple E Training uses FLC to then show them how to use these skills to learn.
As an adult literacy and numeracy training specialist, we continue to set the benchmark in FLC or “foundational learning competence”. Triple E Training has developed its own materials for FLC or “foundational learning competence” training. This has been undertaken according to the curriculum frameworks as an accredited provider of FLC or “foundational learning competence” training.
Triple E Training is proud of the many individuals who we have helped over the years to attain a qualification at a NQF Level. We now look forward to assisting you in preparing your employees to succeed in the new QCTO-registered occupational qualifications in relevant engineering fields.
Learn more about Triple E Training and our quality adult literacy and numeracy training solutions. www.eee.co.za.
