Speciality Yarn Assembly Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to be able to perform duties as a Speciality Yarn Assembly Machine Operator. A Speciality Yarn Assembly Machine Operator loads machines with raw material, threads, operates and monitors the machinery and equipment to produce good quality air intermingling covering or conventional covering yarn at maximum efficiency. Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate speciality yarn assembly machines during air intermingling covering or conventional yarn covering processes 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. A learner 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 air intermingling covered or conventional covered yarn. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare relevant speciality yarn assembly machines and raw material for operations. • Operate speciality yarn assembly machines. • Patrol and monitor speciality yarn assembly processes ensuring optimum machine efficiency and product quality. • Comply with health, environment and safety standards during operation.

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 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 textile yarn assembly or spinning production plant.

• Prepare and set up a speciality yarn assembly machine according to product specifications.
• Operate (start, run, stop, doff) a speciality yarn assembly machine.
• Patrol speciality yarn assembly machines to ensure continuous production and maximum efficiency.
• Inspect and maintain the quality of end-products according to product specification and waste control measures for a speciality yarn assembly process.
• Apply all safety, housekeeping and record keeping standards for a speciality yarn assembly process.