Manufacturing and production are key components of the Southern African economy. Sustained production stimulates the generation of revenue and economic growth. A strong economy attracts local and overseas investment which in turn contributes to sustainable employment impacting the various market sectors such as manufacturing, mining and minerals, chemical, food, and beverages.

The qualification reflects the needs of the manufacturing and production sectors, represented by employers, employees, and training providers, for learners to develop the skills and competencies for Production Process Controllers.

Production Process Controllers are found across a wide range of industries in the production and manufacturing sector. The qualification has, therefore, been developed in a generic format. The curriculum can be contextualised for production, manufacturing, mining and minerals, chemical, energy, and water sectors as well as for the food and beverage production. As the skills and competencies have been specified generically, this qualification will be portable across a wide range of operations.

This qualification will train and equip the qualifying learner with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to ensure that a production plant is monitored and controlled productively and safely. Improved standards of training and assessment will lead to more productive operations and improved safety. The general application of the qualification will improve mobility of employment across various sectors. Most learners entering the qualification will already be employed. The career progression for Production Process Controllers will be to other operator specialisations and to related occupations in operations, engineering, or training.