27 November 2024
In September 2023, DLonra Publishers initiated a conversation with the DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) on developing high-quality learning materials for the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) curriculum. This follows the DHET minister’s 2021 announcement about phasing out NATED (Nationally Accredited Technical Education Diploma) N1-N3 programs. Now, just over two years later, DLonra is preparing to roll out occupational learning materials, beginning with the Bricklayer Occupational Certificate Learner Guides in the first quarter of 2025.
This is a turning point for DLonra as we have been established with NATED and catering primarily to TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges across the country. We are excited to enter a new era by introducing the QCTO qualifications learning material to our offering, and we plan to release the following QCTO catalogue, with the possibility of adding to this in the future: debuting with The Bricklayer Occupational Certificate Learner Guides in January 2025. While the qualification document for QCTO Bricklayer curriculum 64120100 has multiple practical modules and a theoretical module, we have unpacked these topics onto 17 learner guides (LGs) covering the entire course modules.
In addition to the Bricklayer qualification, our upcoming release will include the Electrician Occupational Certificate Learner Guides, which may feature 25 learner guides or more. While the number of our learner guide topics exceeds those listed in the official QCTO curriculum documents, this is intentional; due to the weight of the content in topics 5 and 12, we have split each topic into two learner guides for ease of learning consumption. However, they are still aligned with the QCTO curriculum.
The arrival and implementation of qualifications accredited by the QCTO requires educational learning material that doesn’t compromise on quality. Prior to arriving at the decision to develop QCTO learning material, our research highlighted a key gap in the market – TVET colleges often lacked standardised, high-quality learning materials – as our pilot project article suggests, a challenge that most Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) shared and had in common. While the QCTO does not prescribe learning material, you must have a complete set of learning material for the qualification that you want to offer as a college. We aim to be one of the first SA (South African) publishers to fill this gap; it is a huge milestone and a proud moment for DLonra Publishers.
The author of The Bricklayer Learner Guides, Mr Takura Chikurunhe, admits that there’s a lot of information in this curriculum and that he enjoyed adding to his knowledge while putting the LGs together. He adds that the curriculum seemed complex and huge at first; however, the more he worked on the modules, the more he tapped into their rhythm, and while it didn’t become easier, he knew what was needed and what had to be done, which is half the job when writing.
Our LGs integrate both practical and theoretical elements mirroring the bricklayer course. Once we had integrated the two and made a list of all our LGs, it became apparent the curriculum as it was, had to be changed. Both the theory and practical topics were arranged in a haphazard pattern. At Dlonra, the core of our learning materials is to follow logical patterns, resulting in the decision to change the order of the topics. The logic is that if you were to task a random person without any knowledge or experience related to construction to build a house, in what order would they have to learn the topics so they can be successful in their task? And that is the order in which they should learn these topics. That is how our LGs’ current order was born.
Out of the 17 bricklayer qualification learner guides, only five will be ready for release in January 2025. We have opted to adopt a gradual learner guide release system. The duration of each QCTO qualification is three years on average, which gives us room to complete and release the rest of the learner guides on time for the 2025 bricklayer cohort.
The following five highlighted bricklayer learner guide topics are currently available on pre-order at R490 per learner guide.
| Code | LG (Learner Guide) | Topics | Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| KT01 | LG 1 | Introduction to the building industry | January 2025 |
| KT05A | LG 2 | Theories and principles of relevant legislation, regulations and codes (building standards and environmental requirements) | January 2025 |
| KT05B | LG 3 | Theories and principles of relevant legislation, regulations and codes (health and safety requirements) | January 2025 |
| KT06 | LG 4 | Concepts, theories and principles of first aid | In progress |
| KT07 | LG 5 | Types, purposes and uses of hand and power tools and equipment in building and construction | January 2025 |
| KT02 PM01-PS02 | LG 6 | Concepts and principles of reading and interpreting drawings and specifications Read and interpret drawings | January 2025 |
| KT10 PM08 | LG 7 | Properties, characteristics, functions and uses of different materials in building and construction Conduct housekeeping and waste removal activities | In progress |
| KT08 PM01-PS09 | LG 8 | Theories, concepts and principles of planning, selecting and procuring material, relevant tools, equipment and machinery Procure and prepare materials, tools and equipment | In progress |
| KT15 PM01-PS01, 03, 04 | LG 9 | Principles and concepts for setting out and the transfer of levels Determine and transfer levels and set out for buildings | In progress |
| KT03 | LG 10 | Concepts, theories and principles of measuring, estimating and calculating physical quantities | In progress |
| KT11 | LG 11 | Methods, principles and techniques of communication | In progress |
| KT14 PM01-PS07 | LG 12 | Principles and concepts for mixing mortar and concrete Mix mortar | In progress |
| KT13 PM05 PM01-PS04-06 | LG 13 | Theories and principles of concrete work and paving Lay paving and other structures Excavate foundation, cast concrete foundations and build foundation brickwork | In progress |
| KT04 PM01-PS08 | LG 14 | Concepts, theories and principles of access equipment for construction work Erect and dismantle access equipment | In progress |
| KT12A PM06 | LG 15 | Theories and concepts of bricklaying, blockwork and masonry/stonework Conduct finishing operations | In progress |
| KT12B PM02, PM03, PM04 | LG 16 | Standards, methods and techniques of bricklaying, blockwork and masonry/stonework Lay different types of bricks, stone, and blocks using mortar to build superstructures and decorative structures | In progress |
| KT09 PM07 | LG 17 | Theories, concepts and principles of quality control on construction sites Undertake quality testing and assurance activities | In progress |
(*release dates are subject to change)
These learner-friendly LGs are presented in a clear, concise and organised manner and designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of industry and society. They prepare the learners for real-world work environments and equip them to meet the demands of the workplace. We have ensured that the information provided is well-researched, up to date and accurate while being easy to understand. The information is also meant to be easier for facilitators by providing comprehensive material, which will reduce the need for them to spend time researching and piecing together different sources of information.
We asked Mr. Chikurunhe if there’s anything he would add or change in the curriculum he’s currently writing, and he answered, “I think that plastering and tiling needs to be added to the curriculum. They are both fundamentally linked to bricklaying as a parent qualification. Tiling is similar to paving, while plastering involves work with mortar. I also think drawings should have been given more attention. Whilst I understand bricklayers don’t necessarily need to draw, knowing how can help them greatly in their self-employment endeavors”.
Pilot – Sales strategy for 2025
During the pilot project, our Learner Guides will be available for individual purchase. These guides will be released in phases over the coming months as they are completed.
Why Individual Sales? We believe it’s important to provide access to learning materials as soon as they are ready. This allows learners to benefit from the content immediately rather than waiting for the entire set to be finalised.
Once the pilot is complete, we will transition to selling the Learner Guides as a complete set. At that point, individual purchases will no longer be available
Why Full set sales? To fully cover the curriculum, learners must complete the entire set of Learner Guides. Each guide builds on the content of the previous one, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience.
This phased approach ensures timely access to materials during the pilot while maintaining the integrity of the full curriculum upon completion.
To place your order of The Bricklayer Occupational Certificate Learner Guides, email sales@dlonra.co.za. For more information on the release dates of The Electrician Occupational Certificate Learner Guides and QCTO-related learning material, contact support@dlonra.co.za.
DLonra is excited to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople with comprehensive, industry-relevant learning materials.
