Non-woven Thermo-Bonding Textile Production Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as a Non-woven Thermo-Bonding Textile Production Machine Operator. A Non-woven Thermo-Bonding Textile Production Machine Operator operates the relevant thermo-bonding machine to produce bonded textile products that comply with quality specifications at required efficiency rates and waste levels as per company standards. Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate nonwoven thermo-bonding 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 thermo-bonded products. A qualified learner will be able to: • Interpret and apply information in product specification and product recipe to produce bonded textile products. • Operate and monitor thermo-bonding machines, bonded products and thermo-bonding processes to identify and take corrective actions on any deviations. • Inspect bonded 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 thermo-bonding processes.

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 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 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 Thermo-Bonding Department.

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