Question: How will WBC offer / deliver the occupational qualifications? What is the delivery mode or delivery strategy for the occupational qualifications?

All qualifications are structured to accommodate, where feasible, the requirements of both part-time/ non-traditional learners (i.e. employed staff) and full-time learners.

Hybrid Learning Strategy – A hybrid / blended approach to offering the academic programs of WBC will be implemented to cater to employed persons located in different provinces in South Africa (and beyond the borders of South Africa). Knowledge modules (KM) will be offered online while two, 2-week Practical modules (PM) must be attended in person. 

A Flexible Learning Environment – Learners can select and complete an individual Knowledge and/or Practical module during a Period that suits their program. Each Knowledge and/or Practical module will be offered at three (3) different periods during an academic year. The learning material for each of the periods per module is exactly the same. As a result, learners can complete the occupational qualification over a longer period than the minimum period of two (2) years. For example, learners can complete Year 1 (of the 2-year occupational qualification) either full-time (over a 1-year period) or part-time (over a 2-year to 2.5-year period). 

Knowledge Modules (KM) – The knowledge modules will be offered online, in two 2-hour online sessions, at least twice a week during the afternoons (Online lectures are currently scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 17h00 to 19h00). A minimum number of registered learners per period per module is required for the specific module to proceed.

Knowledge Module (KM) Assessment – Learners will be required to familiarise themselves with the relevant pre-scribed content/reading material, and complete assignments as well as informal and formal tests to successfully complete a particular module. The assessments are designed to be completed online. The learners may, however, be required to download and upload completed assignments, etc. The number of assignments and tests depends on the credit allocation/rating of the module. Learners will receive a certificate (per module) if all the requirements for the module are met.

Practical Modules (PM) – The practical modules will be scheduled and offered in person at a practical site. The in-person and full-time attendance of two, 2-week practical sessions at a venue determined by WBC are compulsory. Each practical program requires a minimum of 1 week of preparation (prior to attending the 2-week practical session) as well as 2 weeks allocated to report writing (after attending the two-week practical session). ‘Practical 3 – Know your Water Reticulation System’ will take the form of a comprehensive assignment developed by WBC specific to the learner’s profile.

Learners must complete three (3) practical sessions. The pre-requisites to gain entry to the practical sessions are as follows:

  • On-Site Practical 1 – Water Reticulation Systems: Learners must complete Knowledge Modules 1 to 5 (i.e. KM01 to KM05)
  • On-Site Practical 2 – Operation & Maintenance: Learners must complete Knowledge Modules 6 to 8 (i.e. KM06 to KM08)
  • Practical 3 – Know your Water Reticulation System: Assignment developed by WBC specific to the learner’s profile. Learners must successfully complete On-Site Practical 1 and On-Site Practical 2.

Practical Site / Laboratory – WBC developed/built a ‘hands-on’ / practical laboratory (i.e., a prototype water reticulation system) to simulate (for training purposes) the water reticulation processes/systems of water service providers (i.e. municipalities) and private industry (eg. mines, industrial plants, etc). 

  • Learners are required to attend two, 2-week practical sessions (4 weeks in total during the academic year) for in-person, hands-on training at our practical site. Please see a video of our practical site by accessing the following YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RndYrlr6L7Q 

The implementation of the ‘hands-on’ laboratory/field site supports the purpose of the Water Reticulation (NQF Level 04) qualification, for example, to enable the learner to:

  • Install water reticulation infrastructure
  • Operation and maintenance of a water reticulation system
  • Manage a water reticulation team

Please Note: Two 2-week practical sessions were conducted during the pilot implementation phase. These practical sessions resulted in the development and updating of a practical manual. WBC has recently dissembled the practical site after calibration of the instruments and the conducting of two practical sessions during the pilot program. The practical site will be re-assembled, at a more appropriate locality, in time for the next practical sessions.