General Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice

49552 | NQF LEVEL 01 – CREDITS 122

Purpose of the Qualification
This qualification is the first in a series for practitioners in the field of environmental science, environmental management and waste management. This series of qualifications will equip practitioners with the skills, knowledge and values to contribute towards the wise and effective use and management of our natural resources and ecological systems.

The specific purpose of this qualification represents the skills, knowledge and understanding required by competent practitioners to:

• Have an elementary understanding of the concept of the environment and the basic principles which underpin the sustainable use of resources.
• Understand their role and perform the activities associated with their role, using the tools, materials and practices of their particular field.
• Understand how they are affected by laws, agreements and policies related to their particular context.
• Understand the impact of their activities on the (natural) environment, as well as the implications of these activities for the environment.

With this understanding, learners will be able to engage productively and responsibly in work, individual or community-related activities in the field of environmental science, environmental management and waste management. This qualification will also serve as a basis for further learning, and will equip learners with the knowledge, skills and values to participate meaningfully in society and contribute towards developing sustainable communities.

Rationale

South Africa has a need to manage and protect its natural resources and ecological systems, while simultaneously using its resources in a sustainable manner to promote social, physical and economic development.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that the learner has attained ABET Level 3 in Communication and Mathematics.

QUALIFICATION RULES

• Fundamental unit standards: 39 credits (compulsory)
• Core unit standards: 71 credits (compulsory)
• The learner must select a minimum of 12 credits from the Elective unit standards.