Footwear Cutting Machine Operator

The purpose of this Qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Footwear Cutting Machine Operator. A Footwear Cutting Machine Operator prepares, sets up and operates footwear clicking or cutting machinery and equipment to cut and produce leather/non-leather material component parts for complete footwear uppers. A qualified learner will be able to: • Receive, sort and prepare leather and non-leather material and workstation for the footwear cutting process. • Set up, test and adjust footwear clicking/cutting machinery and equipment for the cutting process of the footwear component parts according to standard operation procedures. • Cut footwear leather/non-leather material component parts by hand and machine to specifications. • Assemble the cut footwear leather and non-leather component parts for despatch to the next process.

National Strategies: In a public release dated 23 July 2014, the Minister of Trade and Industry declared his support to the Leather and Footwear industry by allocating R290 million through its Competitiveness Improvement Programme in order 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 exports orientation which are low. Areas that have received attention were the Footwear, Leather, Leather Goods, General Goods, Handbags and Luggage sectors, which are domestic market oriented, whilst the Crocodile leather, Ostrich leather, and Taxidermy sub-sectors are dominantly export - oriented, offering potential for enhancing export revenue generation through international luxury goods markets. According to the Programme Guideline document (Department of National Treasury) 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 Critical Infrastructure Programme CIP aims, through the cluster approach- is to create a group of globally competitive companies that would ensure a sustainable business environment able to retain and grow employment levels. This qualification will support the above national strategies. Typical Learners/Target Group: Two distinct target groups have been identified. Firstly, existing employees who have been operating in the industry for a number of years without receiving appropriate recognition for the competencies acquired in the workplace and who are operating without the necessary underpinning knowledge. Secondly, new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification, but with no experience in the industry can also enrol. Owing to the unique nature of the raw material, especially leather and the processing of the product, learners will acquire the skills through the practical skills and workplace experience components of the qualification. Possible Employment: 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. Benefits to the employer: Since the government seeks to stimulate exports, in which case employers will increasingly have to conform to international standards and requirements. Thus maintaining quality and productivity are some of the important aspects which are addressed in the qualification. Benefits to the learner: Through this learning, the learner/employee will be better skilled and competent in performing his/her function in the workplace and meeting productivity and quality targets. This will instil a feeling of self-worth and confidence in the learner.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the integrated assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by a Statement of Results. RPL for entry requirements to access the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: NQF Level 1 with Mathematics.

• Categorise leather in terms of the concepts and principles of footwear upper component cutting (substance, shades, etc.).
• Describe the characteristics and purpose of non-leather material in the footwear upper cutting process.
• Explain the effect of material requirements and the footwear upper component part requirements on the setting and adjustment of the footwear cutting press.
• Justify footwear upper component part cutting principles.
• Apply the footwear upper component part cutting process correctly to produce quality component parts.
• Prepare and assemble cut footwear upper component parts for despatch.