Non-woven Needlepunch Production Machine Operator

The purpose of this elementary qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Non-woven Needlepunch Production Machine Operator. A Non-woven Needlepunch Production Machine Operator operates the relevant non-woven needlepunch production machines at required efficiency rates and waste levels as per company standards to produce non-woven needled products that comply with quality specifications. The learner will be expected to operate one of the following machines and processes: needling process or structuring process which includes a pre-needling process. A qualified learner will be able to: • Operate relevant non-woven needlepunch machines to achieve optimum output levels. • Monitor relevant non-woven needlepunch machines, products and processes to identify and take corrective actions on any deviations. • Inspect relevant needlepunched products at exit points for faults and take appropriate corrective action. • Apply health, safety and waste control measures and housekeeping practices in compliance with regulations during the relevant needle punch processes.

Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate nonwoven needlepunch 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 nonwoven needlepunched products. Learners will be able to efficiently monitor the relevant textile non-woven process, namely the needling process or structuring process which includes the pre-needling process. 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 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 Program (CTCP) was introduced in 2009 and is subdivided into the Competitiveness Improvement Program (CIP) and Production Incentive Program (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 elementary 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 several 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 ongoing 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 elementary 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): • 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 credited for modules through 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. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • An NQF Level 1 qualification with communication.

• Prepare relevant needlepunch production machines and load with required raw materials as specified in the product specifications to ensure that the machines is/are fully prepared for the efficient operation of the production process.
• Operate relevant needlepunch production machines adhering to all safety rules and regulations by starting, stopping, and inching the relevant machines and doffing the completed product to achieve smooth machine operation and achieve optimum output levels.
• Patrol and monitor the relevant needlepunch production machines and processes regularly to identify and take corrective action timeously on any machine and process abnormalities.
• Inspect and monitor the quality of relevant needlepunch products being produced during production processes and at the exit point of one of the needlepunch production machines and take corrective action on all defect products to maintain the quality of needlepunch products as specified in product specification.
• List and apply the safety, housekeeping and waste control procedures and practices in compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation and adhere to company policies and procedures in the relevant needle punch production departments.