Footwear Closing Production Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Footwear Closing Production Machine Operator. Footwear Closing Machine Operators operate machinery and equipment to prepare and assemble cut component parts to produce closed footwear uppers (closing process) to specifications. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform manual processes to prepare components for machine operations. • Operate footwear closing machinery and equipment to produce closed footwear uppers. • Perform manual processes to complete closed uppers after machining.

The Footwear Industry in South Africa is challenged by footwear producers from countries like China, Korea and the like which have entered the South African market with mass-produced goods for the footwear sector. This competition has implications for the staff at bottom levels in each organisation; as a result profit margins have declined. In this regard organisations have opted for the development of skills in order to enhance productivity and development of quality products, and that the business can be sustained throughout the challenges it faces. This qualification will replace the qualification 58227: National Certificate in CTFL Manufacturing Processes (NQF Level 2) which proved to be a very popular qualification within the industry through which 5628 learners had been trained over a period of 5 years (2003-2008 which was the reporting period on which the application for the development of this Qualification was based) which proved that there is a dire need for this training in the sector. This qualification prepares learners for employment and/or career advancement in the footwear industry. Career advancement opportunities include entering: • General or technical management. • Quality management. • Conceptual design of manufactured clothing, textile, sewing and leather products. • Advanced technology. On the successful completion of this qualification, learners will also be considered and recognised for entrepreneurial activities, like starting their own business. This qualification is in line with the sector's national strategies as it identifies critical and scarce skill in the Footwear Industry Sector Skills Plans of the Footwear Industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): 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 Results or certifying a Work Experience Record. Accredited providers and approved workplaces may Recognise Prior Learning against the relevant access requirements for access to this qualification. Entry Requirements: Learners are required to have NQF Level 1 with Mathematics at in order to be considered for admission.

• Produce closed footwear uppers using manual and mechanised processes.
• Identify faults, their causes, the impact of faults on subsequent processes, and implement corrective actions.
• Apply safe working procedures by complying with occupational health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Apply the closed footwear uppers process correctly to produce quality component parts.
• Explain the importance of productivity in the workplace.