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Study Opportunities

Are you interested in a career in our industry?

First take a look at our careers page.

The next step is to explore the various courses, qualifications and learnerships offered by our academic partners. A person who wants to embark on a career in pulp and paper technology must have a basic knowledge of mathematics and science, and an aptitude for solving problems logically.

There are various study opportunities into the sector as well as career development opportunities.

Qualifications and Study Paths

The South African Government has introduced a single unified national qualification framework for education in South Africa that applies to higher education institutions and improves the ability of students to move easily and more effective from one qualification to the next, as well as between institutions.

National Certificate (Vocational)

The Process Plant Operations [Pulp and Papermaking] National Certificate (Vocational) or NCV is offered from NQF levels two to four at the TVET colleges of Umfolozi in KwaZulu-Natal and Ekurhuleni East in Gauteng.

Qualification: NCV level 4, equivalent to a technical matric – allows learners university entry after completion.

Duration: Three years

Content:  Through the course, students acquire the necessary skills to control sophisticated equipment, machinery and systems used in the pulp manufacturing process. The course sets a benchmark for other sectors, including the sugar, petrochemical and chemical processing industries, and facilitates entry into various career paths.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Ekurhuleni East TVET college

Umfolozi TVET college

QCTO Certificates

PAMSA is the Development Quality Partner (DQP) for six qualifications in the pulp and paper sector under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The new curricula will encompass the occupational profile, knowledge modules, practical modules, work experience modules and the assessment specification.

Currently all of the new qualifications are registered and work is under way for development and implementation. With the exception of the tissue qualification, PAMSA intends to pilot the qualifications in 2022.

View QCTO Qualifications

Name of Qualification

Part Qualification 

QCTO Status

Pulp Process Controller

No Part

  • 118088 Pulp Process Attendant
  • 118085 Pulp Process Operator

Pulp Process Operator

Pulp Process Attendant

  • 118088 Pulp Process Attendant
  • 118085 Pulp Process Operator

Paper Process Controller

No Part

118120

Paper Process Operator

Paper Process Attendant

  • 118096 Paper Process Control Attendant
  • 118094 Paper Control Process Operator

Paper & Packaging Collector

  • Self-employed recycling materials collector
  • Collaborative Recycler
  • Small recycling business owner
  • 103283 Paper and Packaging Collector
  • 103284 Self-employed re-cycling materials collector
  • 103274 Collaborative Recycler
  • 103275 Small recycling business owner

Tissue Converter Machine Operator

  • Backstand Operator
  • Core Winder
  • Winder Operator
  • Packaging Attendant
  • 105019 Tissue Converter Machine Operator
  • 105014 Tissue Core Winder
  • 105018 Tissue Packaging Attendant

Diploma: Pulp and Paper Technology

Qualification: Diploma (formerly known as National Diploma)

Duration: Depending on the institution, 24-30 months of theoretical tuition and 12-18 months of appropriate industrial training (work-integrated learning).

Content: Pulp and Paper Technology is a specialist field of chemical engineering which involves the study of the principles required for the processing of raw materials such as wood, into pulp and paper products. The opportunity to study for a Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology is available at UNISA on a part-time basis and the Durban University of Technology (DUT) full time.

Click below for more information.

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Click here for more information on DUT’s Chemical Engineering Department

UNISA

Please note that this information is simply a summary and certain terms, conditions and additional criteria may apply with each institution. Please contact the relevant institution for further information.

Advanced Diploma: Pulp and Paper Technology

On completion of a Diploma or degree in engineering or science, a candidate may enrol for the Advanced Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology at Durban University of Technology. This programme is designed to prepare students for positions in technical management or as process technologists. The degree is presently offered on a two-year part-time basis.

N: Dip and B: Tech will be phased out over time but have been replaced by Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas and Postgraduate Diplomas.

Click here for more information.

Career Pathways

If you are a school leaver, you can:

If you are already studying pulp and paper technology, you can:

If you are BSc chemical engineering final year student or graduate, you can:

If you are an existing paper industry employee wanting to improve skills and qualifications, you can:

If you are a school leaver, you can:

  • Apply at Umfolozi or Ekurhuleni TVET college for a National Certificate (Vocational) in Process Plant Operations [Pulp and Papermaking].
  • Apply at Durban University of Technology for a diploma in pulp and paper technology (formerly a national diploma).

If you are already studying pulp and paper technology, you can:

  • Apply for an NCV process plant operations and then proceed towards a diploma in pulp and papermaking technology.
  • Apply for an NCV pulp and papermaking technology and then proceed towards a diploma in pulp and paper technology.
  • If you have a diploma (previously National Diploma), you can work towards your Advanced Diploma (previously BTech).

If you are BSc chemical engineering final year student or graduate, you can:

  • Apply to be part of the annual PAMSA Masters of Engineering research and bursary programme.
  • Pursue a Masters in Engineering Degree.

If you are an existing paper industry employee wanting to improve skills and qualifications, you can:

  • Enrol with UNISA for part-time study towards a diploma in pulp and paper technology (application criteria apply).
  • Enrol for an advanced diploma (application criteria apply).
  • Enquire with the Pulp and Paper Centre of Excellence about options available to you.
  • Enquire about our tutoring programme.
  • Apply at Umfolozi or Ekurhuleni TVET college for a National Certificate (Vocational) in Process Plant Operations [Pulp and Papermaking].
  • Apply at Durban University of Technology for a diploma in pulp and paper technology (formerly a national diploma).
  • Apply for an NCV process plant operations and then proceed towards a diploma in pulp and papermaking technology.
  • Apply for an NCV pulp and papermaking technology and then proceed towards a diploma in pulp and paper technology.
  • If you have a diploma (previously National Diploma), you can work towards your Advanced Diploma (previously BTech).
  • Apply to be part of the annual PAMSA Masters of Engineering research and bursary programme.
  • Pursue a Masters in Engineering Degree.
  • Enrol with UNISA for part-time study towards a diploma in pulp and paper technology (application criteria apply).
  • Enrol for an advanced diploma (application criteria apply).
  • Enquire with the Pulp and Paper Centre of Excellence about options available to you.
  • Enquire about our tutoring programme.