Crafted Furniture Assembler

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Crafted Furniture Assembler. A Crafted Furniture Assembler produces decorative joints, curved and laminated components and fit fixtures for crafted furniture using power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools. A qualified learner will be able to: • Assemble carcases and case goods and fit hinges, handles, runners and legs using power tools such as drills, routers, biscuit jointers, jig saws and mitre saws and hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, hand saws, etc. • Prepare the product for final finishing and perform the hand finishing and spray applications (conventional and pumps), performing colour matching to produce finished wooden furniture. • Produce decorative joints, curved laminated components and fit fixtures using power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools.

A shortage of higher-skilled workers, rising production costs, and poor domestic demand are affecting the performance of local furniture manufacturers negatively. The cost of labour, electricity, raw materials and transportation continue to shrink operating margins and make it difficult for furniture manufacturers to compete in local and international markets. The industry is also negatively affected by declining investment in capital equipment, insufficient research and development, and inadequate design improvement or new product development. Imported furniture is often cheaper than what is manufactured locally, and furniture imports grew beyond R7bn during 2019 (according to the Furniture Industry Master Plan, 2020). South African furniture manufacturers are also facing competition from Chinese furniture in their important export markets in Africa. With about 80% of the companies in the furniture manufacturing sector classified as small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), these challenges impose significant pressure on a large component of players in the industry. There are no other similar qualifications on the NQF other than those to be replaced by this qualification. The Furniture Industry Master Plan (FIMP) was established by the South African Government to set clear guidelines and targets for the furniture manufacturing industry, as well as guide public sector procurement as part of government's efforts to support and stimulate the industry. The furniture industry is one of the most labour-intensive industries, with a potential to contribute to the reduction of unemployment, and increase export and development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). It contributes to the geographical spread of economic activity, since the products can be developed in rural areas with minimal investment. The above identifies the importance to grow the furniture industry and signals the need for skilled and competent furniture makers at various levels of the furniture production process, whether big companies, or small enterprises or entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it clearly defines the benefits to the sector as well as the economy. The Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Crafted Furniture Assembler is designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to participate effectively in the furniture industry, whether in micro, small, medium or large operations. Learners may find employment as crafted furniture assemblers, furniture finishers or furniture assemblers. It includes two-part qualifications, namely the Elementary Occupational Certificate: Furniture Assembler and the Elementary Occupational Certificate: Furniture Finishers which will provide for intermediate exit points, where the learner has acquired a set of employable skills that could find them employment or self-employment in the industry. The competencies contained in this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the furniture manufacturing environment, whilst simultaneously improving the skills base of the furniture industry. This will enhance the international competitiveness of the furniture sector by means of improving productivity in the various furniture making departments and overall quality of products. The qualification: SAQA QUAL ID: 22305; National Certificate: Furniture Making: FET Phase; NQF Level 03; 122 Credits; Originator: Department of Education is registered on the NQF, however, cannot be regarded as similar, since it does not include work experience modules. Four distinct learner target groups have been identified, namely school leavers wishing to enter the furniture-making industry, persons currently employed in the furniture industry who have no formal qualification in furniture making, persons currently employed in the furniture industry who want to advance their skills or unemployed persons. No professional registration is needed for a Crafted Furniture Assembler to operate in the industry. Industry associations and labour unions consulted include: • Cape Furniture Manufacturers Association (CFMA). • KwaZulu Natal Furniture Manufacturers Association (KNFMA). • Allied Business Association (ABA). • Garden Route Employer Association (GREA). • Furniture Bedding and Upholstery Manufacturers Association (FBUMA). • The National Union of Furniture & Allied Workers SA (NUFAWSA). • The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers' Union (CEPPWAWU).

• Prepare for assembling and jointing operations to produce assembled and jointed components for crafted furniture.
• Produce decorative joints, curved laminated components and fit fixtures using power tools, pneumatic tools and hand tools.
• Design, manufacture, repair and modify formers, moulds and templates.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks for machines and power tools used in the assembling department to ensure serviceability of the equipment.
• Apply quality, productivity, health and safety in a work environment.
• Explain the key principles involved in the assembling of crafted furniture and producing a range of joints.
• Join and assemble cut furniture components.