Footwear Bottomstock Production Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Footwear Bottomstock Production Machine Operator. A Footwear Bottomstock Production Machine Operator prepares, sets up and operates footwear bottomstock machinery and equipment for the processing of footwear insole and sole component parts and heels and/or heel lifts to produce and marry and/or assemble footwear bottomstock for further processing. A qualified learner will be able to: • Cut bottomstock component parts (insoles, soles, heel lifts and heels) by operating a cutting press and performing relevant hand processes to work ticket specifications. • Process cut insole, soles, heels and/or heel lifts components to work ticket specification by operating a range of machines and performing relevant hand processes. • Assemble and/or marry prepared bottomstock components to produce bottomstock to work ticket specification by operating a range of machines and performing relevant hand processes.

The Department of Trade and Industry declared its support to the Leather and Footwear industry by allocating R290 million through its Competitiveness Improvement Programme (CIP) to enhance the competitiveness of the industry by establishing five sector clusters. The aim of this initiative is to reverse the lack of sector development infrastructure, skills and institutional investment in design innovation and to uplift the domestic market share and increase exports, which are low. Areas that received attention were the Footwear, Leather, Leather Goods, General Goods, Handbags and Luggage sectors which are domestic market oriented, and the Crocodile leather, Ostrich leather, and Taxidermy industry sub-sectors which are predominantly export oriented. The latter offer potential for enhancing export revenue generation through international luxury goods markets. The aim of the Competitiveness Improvement Programme is to build and improve capacity in the manufacturing and related value chain of the clothing, textile, footwear, leather and leather goods sectors in South Africa and to improve global competitiveness. The CIP aims, through the cluster approach, to create a group of globally competitive companies that would ensure a sustainable business environment able to retain and grow employment levels. Two distinct target groups have been identified for this qualification. The first group comprises existing employees who have been operating in the industry for a number of years without receiving appropriate recognition for the competencies acquired in the work place and who are operating without the necessary underpinning formal knowledge. The second group comprises new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification, but no experience in the industry. Learners will benefit from this qualification as it prepares them to enter employment in this sector and/or for career advancement. Due to the unique nature of the raw material, especially leather and the processing of the product, new entrants have to acquire the skills through the practical skills and workplace experience components of the qualification. Because of the ongoing support by government, the sector is in a growth phase and new employment opportunities are being created. Employment will be mainly with footwear manufacturing companies and government initiatives. However, self-employment is another possibility which could lead to a sustainable small business.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Any NQF Level 1 qualification with Communication and Mathematics.

• Interpret the footwear bottomstock production work ticket to determine the scope of work.
• Identify the construction and process flow relevant to the bottom stock product being manufactured.
• Operate a range of machinery and equipment relevant to bottom stock manufacturing.
• Understand and describe all footwear bottomstock production processes required to achieve product according to the work instruction.
• Evaluate the importance of correct production methods in terms of meeting production targets.
• Produce manufactured bottom stock, heels, soles and insoles to specification.
• Apply safety procedures when working with chemicals.