SA Campus

Food and Beverage Packaging Operator
NQF Level3

QCTO LEARNERSHIP – Accreditation: FoodBev SETA

Course Details:

NQF Level: 3

Accreditation: QCTO

SAQA ID: 121148

Certification: Yes

123 Credits

Duration: 12 Months

Course Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Packaging Process Operator.
A Food and Beverage Packaging Operator operate multiple pieces of equipment in primary, secondary and tertiary packaging processes, operates packaging equipment and performs tasks to package food, beverage and related products by adjusting, maintaining and overseeing the equipment set up and operating parameters to ensure that quality standards and specifications are met.

A qualified learner will be able to:

  • Receive input materials for packaging operations according to organisational requirements and specifications.
  • Prepare input materials for the packaging of food and related products according to organisational requirements.
  • Package food and related products to organisational requirements and specifications.
  • Controll the operation of packaging equipment and packaging of food and related products to organisational requirements and specifications.

Course overview

This qualification will benefit society and the economy by enhancing citizenship, increasing social and economic productivity, providing specifically skilled and/or professional people, and transforming and redressing past inequities. Long term benefits include lateral and vertical growth opportunities for employees in food and beverage manufacturing plants and access to previously inaccessible employment opportunities at higher levels as process controllers, supervisors and production managers.

The Food and Beverage industry is highly regulated, and packaging operators must adhere to strict safety and quality standards to ensure that the products they produce are safe for consumption. This qualification ensures that operators have the required knowledge and skills to maintain these high safety and quality standards. Products such as beer, wine, breakfast cereals, coffee, tea, sparkling soft drinks sweets, and chocolate require similar packaging. This qualification can provide the knowledge skills and experience for employees and potential employees across multiple fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers. 

It is also envisaged that learners wanting to enter employment in a food and beverage packaging plant will use this qualification, thus creating a pool of skilled operators that can advance into various other roles in the Food and Beverage Industry. This occupational qualification will improve the career opportunities of the food and beverage packaging operator.

Employment Opportunities:

Packaging Operator

Production Line Worker

Quality Control Inspector

Fill and Seal Packaging Operator

Palletiser Operator

Machine Operator

Shrink wrapper Operator

Shift Supervisor

Warehouse Packer

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

  • An NQF Level 2 qualification with mathematics and communication. 

Exit Level Outcomes

  •  Apply the fundamental theory and concepts of communication, interpersonal relations, business understanding, manufacturing, quality and food safety in the food and related products manufacturing environment.
  • Understand the types of primary packaging systems and equipment in fast moving consumer manufacturing.
  • Understand the types of secondary and tertiary packaging systems and equipment in fast moving consumer manufacturing.
  • Operate a single stage stand-alone piece of packaging equipment in a fast-moving consumer goods manufacturing environment. 

Course Prospectus:

Qualification Breakdown

  • Knowledge Modules: 38 credits
  • Practical Skill Modules: 47credits
  • Work Experience Modules: 38credits

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