Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader. A Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader produces patterns, prototypes, master specifications, tests and tooling for footwear based on designs provided by the designer and execute administrative processes, they also grade footwear patterns. A qualified learner will be able to: • Produce and engineer footwear patterns for a range of footwear styles and functionalities. • Produce prototypes and master specifications for a range of footwear styles and functionalities. • Produce graded patterns for a range of footwear styles and functionalities. • Facilitate tooling process for a range of footwear styles and functionalities. • Apply computer-aided design (CAD) footwear pattern making and grading software.

Currently, there are no similar qualifications registered on the NQF. Therefore, this qualification is crucial in the construction of footwear. An absence of well-qualified Pattern Makers and Graders could potentially lead to ill-fitting footwear causing a number of physiological problems and even permanent deformities in humans. A Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader performs a crucial role in the manufacturing of quality footwear and without this role the impact on the quality and financial viability of the footwear product will be detrimental. By applying standardised skills and competencies, they will ensure wearability, comfort and aesthetic appearance and quality fit of footwear. A Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader is the professional that translates the ideas of the designer into a product. The main responsibility is the engineering of the patterns for uppers, bottomstock and linings. Footwear Pattern Makers and Graders study footwear blueprints or designs and prepare master patterns of shoe uppers and bottomstock. They cut footwear patterns into individual component parts and indicate markings, such as cone, back seam, or shank edge onto a sized last. A qualified learner will apply knowledge and understanding of materials, footwear construction and manufacturing capabilities of factories to compile manufacturing specifications for each footwear product, indicating requirements for processes, materials, trims and so forth applying a thorough understanding of the development of the shoe last and of all the bottom components such as insoles, soles and heels and the different materials that can be used in production such as leathers, synthetics and fabrics.. Typical learner target groups are school leavers or unemployed persons wanting to pursue a career in the footwear manufacturing industry or employees currently employed as Footwear Pattern Makers and Graders but without formal qualifications in this field. This qualification will contribute to the economy by creating suitably qualified persons that can fill important roles in the footwear industry. It will create progression in terms of learning, leading to multi-skilled employees. Furthermore, supporting the footwear industry to reduce defects and reworks leading to more profits. Footwear manufacturing companies will benefit from employing qualified Footwear Pattern Makers and Graders since they fulfil an important role in the footwear manufacturing process and as such will contribute to the quality and cost effectiveness of the footwear manufacturing process and product. The pattern making techniques are fundamental to the design process that leads to the creation of a footwear collection or range. Without a proper pattern, the manufacturer will not be able to produce good quality footwear. Qualified learners could find employment in any footwear manufacturing company and/or footwear design institutions as: • Sample chasers. • Pattern graders. • Footwear Pattern Makers and Graders. This qualification has been developed with the support, contribution and sign off from the following footwear stakeholders: • Footwear & Leather Industries Cluster (FLIC). • National Union of Leather and Allied Workers (NULAW). • SA Clothing & Textile Workers Union (SACTWU). • National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry of South Africa • Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). • Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA Quality Assurance (FP&M SETA QA) • South African Footwear & Leather Industries Association (SAFLIA). Professional registration is not required for the Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader since no professional body exists.

• Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL. • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. 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. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 3 qualification.

• Read, understand, and interpret footwear design and manufacturing specifications, styles and construction and select correct last and other raw material based on a design specification.
• Create an accurate and neat master standard with relevant lasting allowances applicable to the specific last and footwear construction.
• Grade footwear standard with lines (one size up and one size down) and produce a neat, accurate and well labelled set of patterns.
• Understand the construction of and produce bottom stock (insole and sole) patterns and drop-in patterns.
• Compile a technical specification including a drawing for the manufacturing of the specific footwear using an understanding of the construction and assembly of footwear.
• Apply sizing systems and accurately apply during the grading of footwear standards.
• Apply tooling and footwear pattern making and grading principles to produce specifications for the ordering of dies and knives to specifications and achieve optimum efficiency.