Summary of the:
GQA Level 3 Certificate in Coatings Technology 500/8548/7 Who is this qualification for? This qualification is primarily aimed at coatings industry employees who careers are technology orientated. There will also be those whose role requires a high level insight into coatings technology in the wider context of their work. This qualification is also suitable for those with previously acquired technical qualifications who need to re-orientate their skills and knowledge. Participants will normally be employed in laboratories or customer technical support roles. They may also be part of an apprenticeship scheme. In the context of this qualification, the term "Coatings", embraces paints, powder coatings, inks and resins. Units within this qualification deal with the technology and chemistry of coatings products and raw materials. Technology issues include the manufacture, application and evaluation of various types of coatings, citing a range of substrates and environments. Chemistry issues include the composition, chemical structure, curing processes and properties of widely coatings polymers and pigments. Practical safety health and environment issues are also included. The qualification also includes the mentors’ version unit of the coatings national induction programme, as level 3 candidates may be responsible for the work of others. It is not expected that all candidates undertake identical activities. The qualification is therefore, structured to ensure a high degree of flexibility. However, there is a common unit in the mandatory section of the qualification, applicable to all candidates. The qualification is part practical, but is largely based upon a programme of tutor led academic study modules. This qualification should be undertaken by those who can demonstrate they are either fully trained in the issues covered, or are undertaking supervised guided learning programmes. Candidates must show they are able to undertake the practical elements of each unit under minimal supervision. Candidates for this qualification will primarily be:
Coating technical departments and laboratories Field service, customer locations Advanced apprenticeship schemes
Candidates could have jobs entitled:
Senior Coatings Technologist – Process Control & Development Senior Coatings Technologist – Product Research and Development Senior Coatings Technologist – Quality Control & Assurance Senior Coatings Technologist – Field Sales & Service
Senior Colour Stylist
Production Manager
Advanced Coatings Industry Apprentice
NB: These titles apply, generally, to the Paint, Powder Coatings, Inks and Resin market sectors of the industry.
What is required from candidates? QCF qualifications are made up of a number of units that have a credit value or credits. The units are made up of the things you need to know and the things you need to be able to do to carry out your job safely and correctly. These are called Learning Outcomes, and all must be met to achieve the unit. This qualification is made up of 4mandatory units, (20 credits) and 2 groups of optional units. Candidates should achieve all of the mandatory credit listed below and a minimum of 24 credits from group 1 and a minimum of 6 credits from group 2. This gives the qualification a minimum value of 50 credits.
Mandatory Units Unit Ref
Title
Level
Credit
PSC01
Coatings - Contribute to Workplace Safety, Health and Environment
Level 2
8 Credit
Optional Units (minimum of 15 credits to be achieved) Unit Ref
Title
Level
Credit
PSC30
Coatings - Types and Manufacture of Pigments
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC31
Coatings - Properties of Pigments
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC32
Coatings - Media, Thermoplastic Powders
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC33
Coatings - Media, Thermosetting Powders
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC34
Coatings - Raw Materials - Testing Solvents & Resins
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC35
Coatings - The Testing of Pigments
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC36
Coatings - Paint Manufacture
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC37
Coatings - Ink Manufacture
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC38
Coatings - Manufacture of Powder Coatings
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC39
Coatings - Evaluation, Paints-Physical Properties
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC40
Coatings - Evaluation, Paints-Chemical and Environmental Properties
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC41
Coatings - Evaluation of Coating Powders
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC42
Coatings - Evaluation of Colour
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC43
Coatings - Paint Application-Spraying
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC44
Coatings - Paint Application-Non Spraying
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC45
Coatings - Ink Application Technology
Level 3
4 Credit
PSC46
Coatings - Equipment for the Application of Powder Coatings
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC47
Coatings - Theory of Application of Powder Coatings
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC48
Coatings - Application-Metal Substrates
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC49
Coatings - Application-Non Metallic Substrates
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC50
Coatings - The Curing of Coatings
Level 3
3 Credit
PSC53
Coatings - National Induction Programme-Mentor’s Version
Level 3
4 Credit
Group 2 (minimum of 6 credits to be achieved) Unit Ref
Title
Level
Credit
ERR1
Employment rights and responsibilities in the processing and manufacturing industries
Level 3
Credit
Please note that PSC 53 and EER1 cannot be taken together and count towards the total credit for achievement. Achieving the Mandatory unit and the minimum number of credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the Certificate with the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits the Certificate will list these as “additional credits”, where a candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of Unit credit can be issued for the units achieved.
Assessment guidance Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken.
Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated through performance or by responding to questions. Potential sources of evidence: The following list contains potential sources of physical or documentary evidence that can contribute to achievement:
Completion or tutor guided study modules Assessed practicals Written technical assignments Completion of formal end-tests (under examination conditions Laboratory activity report books; product test results etc Company technical information systems
Customer field service reports Customer feedback Direct observation by assessor Expert witness testimony
Professional discussion
Please note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers’ or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact your GQA External Verifier.
GQA Qualifications, Unit 1 12’O Clock Court, Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S4 7WW Tel: 0114 272 0033 Fax: 0114 276 8466 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.gqaqualifications.com April 2011 (GQA Level 3 Certificate in Coatings Technology) – 500/8548/7)