PSIRA GRADES ALIGNED TO SASSETA UNIT STANDARDS:

On 4 July 2005, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between SASSETA and PSIRA. This effectively transferred the quality assurance function of all Security Training in the Security Industry to SASSETA.

In other words training in the Security Industry is now the responsibility of SASSETA. This is in itself a great step forward to provide quality and professional training to the South African Private Security Industry.

What then transpired is that the PSIRA grades “E” to “A“ have now been aligned to the outcomes-based Unit Standards and Qualifications registered by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) and quality assured by SASSETA. This means that a new system of the training of Security Officers has come about, called Skills Programmes :

Skills Programme 1: Patrol Officer aligned to Grade “E”

Skills Programme 2: Access Control Officer aligned to Grade “D”

Skills Programme 3: Asset Protection Officer aligned to Grade “C”

Skills Programme 4: First Line Supervisor aligned to Grade “B”

Skills Programme 5: Security Supervisor aligned to Grade “A”

These programmes are significantly more intense than the PSIRA training standards and will not be possible to complete any of the Skills Programmes in the duration of a week as was the PSIRA norm.

To put it into proper context the full SASSETA Skills Programmes 1,2 and 3 (PSIRA grades “E” – “C”), if embarked on by a new learner entering the Security Industry, will take a minimum of 8-10 weeks. The learner is required to complete written assessments (Formative and Summative) and on-site practical training.

The RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process takes a minimum of two (2) weeks for each learner to complete each Skills Programme. This depends on the suitability of the individual as an RPL candidate.

 What is RPL?

“Recognition of Prior Learning is a process whereby, through assessment, credit is given to learning which has already been acquired in different ways.” – SAQA

RPL is a process that allows learners an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Learners undergo a series of assessments specifically designed to assist them to display their competence. At the end of the assessment process each learner is issued with credits for the learning that they have been able to display. These credits are linked to SAQA registered qualifications. Through RPL, a learner could earn credits for a few unit standards or a full qualification.

RPL recognizes any learning that the learner has acquired from previous training with certification. Should the learner be unable to produce certification, the learner will have to undergo a New Application process as per SASSETA requirements.

The RPL Solution

S.A. Crime Patrols will conduct the RPL process in the following ways:

• Assist your Company with the RPL process so that your existing employees receive recognition for their prior training.
• Implement a time sensitive and operationally acceptable RPL process
• Offer a process that is cost effective, within the guidelines whilst maintaining a high standard of training.
• Set your mind at ease in that the process is conducted by experienced Facilitators, Assessors and Moderators.
• Assist your Company to become compliant with the new statutory requirements.

As a professional Training Provider who is affiliated with SASSETA, S.A. Crime Patrols will always endeavour to conduct Quality Assurance Training.