So far, I managed to answer the following questions:
'What is the Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) factories?' and
'What are the GCC factories requirements from the Department of Employment & Labour' to be accepted as a GCC factories candidate eligible to write the exams.
The next step is to submit your application with the Department of Employment and Labour. In this post, I will describe the GCC factories application process.
I will also include the description of the supporting documentation required by the Department of Employment and Labour from GCC factories applicants. Click here for a complete guide on how to complete the application documentation.
The GCC factories application process will entail the following steps:
Step 1 - Complete the GCC factories application form
The Department of Employment and Labour guidelines stipulate that all candidates shall apply to write the GCC factories exams. The Department has an official form that needs to be completed by GCC Factories applicants.
Step 2 - Complete the letter of sobriety and get it signed by the employer
One of the Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) factories requirements is that you need to demonstrate sobriety while carrying out your maintenance & operations duties in a factory.
Put simply, are you able to make reasonable maintenance & operation decisions that will not endanger the health and safety of persons?
This question is answered by completing a letter of sobriety and getting your employer to sign it.
Examples of the persons (employer) who may sign are:
the engineering manager, or
your direct supervisor, or
your line manager, or
any such person that you report to.
The person who signs as your employer does not have to have the Certificate of Competency. They need to be persons who you directly report to or a person higher up in your reporting structure (i.e., your bosses' boss, or your bosses' bosses' boss, etc.)
In the context of the GCC factories application process, sobriety refers to the ability GCC candidate to make decisions that may be deemed to be appropriate. The reasonable Certificated Engineer test may then be used to evaluate the appropriateness of a maintenance & operation decision.
Palucraft has a letter of sobriety template you can use as a guide. All you need to do is replace the sobriety template with your company letterhead and include your relevant details.
It's important to note that the letter of sobriety also includes the confirmation of good conduct. You need to demonstrate good conduct while carrying out your maintenance & operations duties in a factory. Good conduct may refer to your ability to comply with your employer's health and safety requirements, amongst other things - put simply, are you a good employee?
Step 3 - Complete the record of qualifications & experience and get it certified by an appropriate person
The other GCC factories requirement is that the applicant needs to have the relevant qualification and experience. To demonstrate these facts, you need to complete the record of qualification and experience form.
NOTE: Read GCC factories requirements from the Department of Employment & Labour to recap the requirements.
The GCC factories' record of qualification and experience form needs to be signed by the applicant and applicant's employer.
Examples of the persons (employer) who may sign are:
the engineering manager, or
your direct supervisor, or
your line manager, or
any such person that you report to.
The person who signs as your employer does not have to have the Certificate of Competency. They need to be persons who you directly report to or a person higher up in your reporting structure (i.e. your bosses' boss, or your bosses' bosses' boss, etc.)
NOTE: You may consider making use of a commissioner of oaths where it is impractical to obtain a signature from the employer. For example, it could be because the company closed down, or you run your own business, or the current employer is not comfortable attesting to some of your experience, etc.
Step 4 - Complete your record of experience letter for the GCC factories application process
The record of experience letter is like a "mini curriculum vitae (CV)" you submit to the Commission of Examiners. The purpose of this letter is to elaborate on the summary of the experience you included in the record of qualification and experience form.
This is an opportunity to convince the Commission of Examiners that you do have the appropriate maintenance and operation experience.
The GCC factories' record of experience letter needs to be signed by the applicant and applicant's employer.
Examples of the persons (employer) who may sign are:
the engineering manager, or
your direct supervisor, or
your line manager, or
any such person that you report to.
The person who signs as your employer does not have to have the Certificate of Competency. They need to be persons who you directly report to or a person higher up in your reporting structure (i.e. your bosses' boss, or your bosses' bosses' boss, etc.)
NOTE: You may consider making use of a commissioner of oaths where it is impractical to obtain a signature from the employer. For could because the company closed down, or you run your own business, etc.
NOTE: It is allowed to have multiple records of experience letters for each employer that you served. You may consider making use of a commissioner of oaths where it is impractical to obtain a signature from the employer.
NOTE: Attaching the service records from previous employers may also be an option to demonstrate your experience. Provided that the service record sufficiently captures your maintenance & operation experience.
Palucraft has a record of experience letter template you can use as a guide. All you need is to insert your company letterhead and include your relevant details.
Step 5 - Collate and certify your qualifications, statement of results & identity document
The other GCC factories requirement is that the applicant needs to have the appropriate qualification and must be above the age of 23. To demonstrate this fact, you need to complete provide certified copies of your qualifications and identity document.
I the case of routes 2 and 3, you need to also provide certified copy of your statement of results. Remember that routes 2 and 3 applicants need to have obtained at least 50% on their subjects.
Make sure that any foreign qualification is evaluated by the Department of Education and you have an evaluation certificate.
Step 6 - Complete your GCC factories application cover letter
We would advise that you attach a cover letter with your application. This letter must be on your company letterhead. The cover letter only needs to be signed by the applicant.
A cover letter is a good way of demonstrating to the Commission of Examiners the documents and information you have included with your application. It makes evaluating your application easier.
Your cover letter will detail the contents of your GCC factories application. You can also detail some additional information or explanations related to any of your supporting documentation.
Step 7 - Pay the GCC factories application fee
You need to pay the application fee of R130.00. The easiest way to pay the fee is by depositing the amount into the Department of Employment and Labour bank account. The account details are included in the official application form.
Make sure you include the proof of payment in your application documents. If you did a direct deposit from the bank, we advise that you submit a certified copy of the deposit slip.
Step 8 - Submit GCC factories application to the Department of Employment & Labour Commission of Examiners
Finally, you can collate all your documents from steps 1 to 7 and submit them to the Department of Employment & Labour Commission of Examiners.
The Department of Employment & Labour postal address:
The Secretary
Commission of Examiners Department of Labour
Private bag X117
Pretoria
0001
The Department of Employment & Labour physical address:
215 Francis Baard Street
Pretoria Central
Pretoria
0001
Some tips when submitting your application documents:
The South African Post Office at times, has challenges with delivering mail. We would advise you to courier your documentation.
We would also advise that you make three copies of every document you submit with the Department of Labour. For example, have three original signed sobriety and experience record letters.
Do not submit originals of any of your supporting documents except the sobriety, experience record, and exemption letters.
Always submit certified copies of the other supporting documents.
BONUS: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the GCC factories application process
Can I submit exemption or concession requests to the commission of examiners?
Yes.
It may sometimes be necessary to request an exemption from the Commission of Examiners. For example, you may have done your studies 20 years ago and are missing one or two required subjects.
You must provide reasons why the Commission of Examiners should grant the exemption.
When can I expect a response to my GCC factories application?
Under normal conditions, the Department of Employment and Labour takes approximately 2 to 8 weeks to provide a response. The time taken depends on the quality of your application. It also depends on the timing of your application.
How can I follow up on my GCC factories application?
You can follow up on your application from Leema (leema.mofokeng@labour.gov.za). We found that he is accomodating and friendly.
Remember, the Department of Employment and Labour deals with numerous applications. So, be patient when you have submitted your application.