Man-made Fibre Extrusion Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as a Man-made Fibre Extrusion Machine Operator. A Man-made Fibre Extrusion Machine Operator loads the extrusion machine with raw material, threads and operates the machine and equipment at maximum efficiency and monitors the extrusion process to produce good quality man-made extruded filament. Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate man-made fibre extrusion machines to full capacity as required by the company, detect deviations in set standards and react appropriately to address such deviations related to the machine operation, conversion process and product quality. They will have a thorough understanding of the importance of achieving and maintaining quantity standards related to aspects such as machine efficiency and minimising machine down-time as well as quality standards for man-made extruded filament products. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare and operate the man-made fibre extrusion machine for filament production. • Monitor and patrol the man-made fibre extrusion process ensuring safety compliance. • Maximise man-made extruded yarn production ensuring continuity of extrusion processes to achieve maximum machine utilisation. • Monitor and inspect the extruded filament during the man-made fibre extrusion process in order to minimise the extent of the non-conformance. • Document all relevant aspects of the man-made fibre extrusion process, i.e. production, and non-conformance to specification and machine stoppage and record down-time cause, and reactivation time.

In 2013, the Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) industry accounted for about 14% of manufacturing employment and represented South Africa's second largest source of tax revenue. The industry facilitates an estimated 80 000 jobs and contributes around 8% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. The textile industry can be found mostly in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with some activity taking place in Gauteng. Owing to technological developments that are closing the major product gaps, local textile production has evolved into a capital-intensive industry, producing synthetic fibres in ever-increasing proportions. In July 2007, Cabinet endorsed the first Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) that detailed key action and timeframes for the implementation of the policy. The textile sector was selected for support due to its strategic importance for its contribution to employment and the desire to retain the core capabilities that had been developed in the industry. The Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness Programme (CTCP) was introduced in 2009 and is subdivided into the Competitiveness Improvement Programme (CIP) and Production Incentive Programme (PIP). Both CIP and PIP make provision for skills development, aimed at addressing the persistent skills deficits and mismatches that continue to hamper individual and technological development. This qualification will support the above national strategies. Two distinct groups have been identified. Firstly, new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification or adults with limited basic schooling, and secondly, existing employees/operators 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. The textile industry is in a growth phase due to the on-going support by government with new employment opportunities being created in specialised textiles. The replacement of an ageing workforce approaching retirement will create employment opportunities. The qualification is well suited to promote employment in capital intensive sub-sectors in the textile industry in general. The qualification will contribute to improved productivity, efficiency and quality, increase labour stability, reduce accidents, and extend the life of production machinery and equipment. Qualifying against the new qualification will increase job security and improve employability in this occupation as well as in related operational activities. In addition, the qualification will assist towards qualifying a learner for career advancement, particularly into a supervisory or artisanal role. Various employer organisations and a trade union participated in the process of developing this qualification by identifying representatives to participate in the working groups and supplying input and comment during the consultation processes. These are: • South African Cotton Textile Processing Employers' Association (SACTPEA). • South African Carpet Manufacturing Employers' Association (SACMEA). • National Manufactured Fibres Employers' Association (NMFEA). • National Association of Worsted Textile Manufacturers (NAWTM). • Narrow Fabric Manufacturers Association (NFMA). • South African Wool and Mohair Processors Employers' Organisation (SAWAMPEO). • National Textile Manufacturers' Association (NTMA). • South African Home Textiles Manufacturers Employers' Organisation (HOMETEX). • South African Blankets Manufacturers Employers' Organisation (SABMEO). • South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) (Trade Union).

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: • NQF Level 1 qualification with Communication. Or • 3 years of workplace experience in a Man-Made Fibre Extrusion Department.

• Prepare the man-made fibre extrusion machine for production, as per product specification.
• Start and operate the man-made fibre extrusion machine to optimum output levels.
• Patrol and monitor the man-made fibre extrusion machine and process and maximise man-made extruded yarn production ensuring continuity of extrusion processes to achieve optimum machine utilisation.
• Inspect, monitor and maintain the extruded filament for conformance during the process in order to minimise the extent of the non-conformance.
• Perform safety, housekeeping and waste control and maintain accurate records for the extrusion machine.