Out with old AMIC, in with new AMIC!For many years, workers in the auto sector have been trained on the Amic certificate. However, Numsa’s demand has always been that training must be portable and must be aligned to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Numsa training representative, Xolani Tshayana spoke to Ansa Liebenberg and Hosea Morapedi from the Merseta about the recent registration of the Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly National Certificate which will replace AMIC.
At what level is this new certificate registered?It has been registered with SAQA and NQF at level 2
Why has it been registered at level 2, given that most workers with AMIC already have matric?During the scoping exercise the competencies / outcomes on the ‘old AMIC’ were found to be at level 2 with a few (unit standards) at level three.
The other complicating factor was that AMIC by its original design, consisted of components of other qualifications/trades such as spray painting and automotive manufacturing and assembling.
This meant for an AMIC learner to progress further, s/he must either do so by pursuing any of the streams within AMIC, that is, either Spray painting, Automotive manufacturing & assembling etc.
The intention to convert ‘old AMIC’ did not necessarily lead to the development of a new Automotive Manufacturing & Assembly artisan qualification pitched at NQF Level 4 or 5. It seems the ‘old AMIC’ had inherent limitations which were meant to produce ‘operators’ with no intentions to grow and develop them further.
The new AMIC version therefore, remains a qualification pitched at NQF level 2. However, this does not suggest that new AMIC learners / graduates cannot progress further if they wish to improve themselves.
What are the benefits of the New National Certificate?Despite not succeeding in develop an artisan qualification, AMIC learners / graduates can proceed further by pursuing other disciplines within AMIC such as spray painting, manufacturing and assembling etc.
Because the new version is now SAQA registered, the qualification is portable and nationally and internationally recognised. The qualification has much wider scope and can be used outside the auto industry and learners now have credits to pursue other disciplines.
Companies training on the new AMIC can now access more grants from the SETA. Before they could only access mandatory grants.
How will workers participate in their numbers judging by the fact that releasing workers to attend the current AMIC training remains a challenge?It is very unfortunate that we still have employers who find it difficult to release workers for training.
Although such tendencies remain unwarranted, this confirms the adverse nature of the relationship at shopfloor level.One of the spin offs in the new AMIC, is that it allows flexibility in training. Instead of taking a full course at one go, one can take smaller ‘chunks’ at a time when it is convenient to do so through skills programmes – this flexibility can assist in instilling a ‘change of heart’ and ‘sense’ to those employers who still see no value in training.
How will the new qualification recognise the current skills of the workers?Through the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process, old AMIC graduates can be assessed against the ‘new AMIC’ NQF aligned qualification. Credits achieved from the old AMIC will assist workers in finishing the new Qualification within a shorter period.
How soon can workers start their training on the new qualification?We are at a fairly advanced stage. merSETA Learning Programme Unit-LPU is currently preparing documentation to be submitted to the department of labour (DOL) so that this qualification can be registered as a learnership and soon after that training should start.
But some companies have already started with the fundamentals training and once this process is finalized, RPL on the Fundamentals will kick in.
Are the workers going to get more money after completing their training on the New National Certificate?Genuine and world-class training transforms the individual to be effective and efficient in what s/he does.
This new ‘right frame of mind’ acquired sets one for better things in life. It goes without saying that a worker will be recognised and rewarded accordingly for his/her endeavours at work. Employers committed to transformation always recognise and appreciate where transformation has happened.
However, where there is neither appreciation nor recognition for transformation, parties at NBF level should discuss the issue of payment.
Source
Numsa News