Footwear Finishing Production Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Footwear Finishing Production Machine Operator. A Footwear Finishing Production Machine Operator performs stuck-on footwear finishing machine and hand operations to ensure completed footwear meets customer specifications. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform footwear finishing operations by machine to finish stuck-on type footwear and prepare for distribution to customers. • Perform footwear finishing operations by hand to finish stuck-on type footwear and prepare for distribution to customers. • Perform footwear finishing final inspection operations for stuck-on type footwear for distribution to customers.

The Footwear Industry is under pressure from countries such as China, Korea and the like which haves entered the South African market with mass produced goods for the footwear sector. This competition has implications for the bottom line of each organisation with the effect that profit margins have shrunk to a minimum and organisations have opted for the development of skills in order to enhance productivity and quality of products and as such be able to survive as viable businesses. 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 (CIP) 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 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 industry 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) dated 26-03-2013, the aim of the CIP 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. This qualification will support the above national strategies. 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 work place and who are operating without the necessary underpinning knowledge. Secondly, typical learners could be 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 for employment (entry) in this sector and/or career advancement, however 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 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. Government initiatives seek to stimulate exports, in which case employers will increasingly have to conform to international standards and requirements. Maintaining quality and productivity are some of the important aspects which are addressed in the qualification. 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. Apart from the possible progression, learners qualified against this qualification will also be able to further qualify for entrepreneurial activities and starting their own 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: • Level 1 with Communication.

• Interpret the work ticket to determine the scope of work in the footwear finishing processes.
• Accurately identify the construction and process flow relevant to the finishing process in footwear manufacturing.
• Operate a range of machinery and equipment relevant to the finishing of stuck-on footwear products.
• Evaluate the importance of applying correct production methods in terms of meeting production targets.
• Perform the finishing process relating to heels, soles, insoles and uppers to specification.
• Apply safety procedures when working with chemicals and machines.