Textile Wet Process Preparation Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with knowledge, skills and competencies to operate as a Textile Wet Process Preparation Machine Operator. A Textile Wet Process Preparation Machine Operator operates relevant textile wet process preparation machines to produce textile goods to required end-finishes to customer requirements and standards and ensure optimum machine and operator efficiency for two of the following textile wet product preparation processes: bleaching, mercerising, washing, desizing, scouring and milling. Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate textile wet process preparation machines during bleaching, mercerising, washing, desizing, scouring and milling 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. 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 improved condition of textile substrates for further processing. A qualified learner will be able to: • Interpret production specifications and batch card (work ticket) for a textile wet process preparation product and identify the correct substrate for the process. • Accurately define the mixing of chemicals for textile wet process preparation products. • Set up and operate textile wet process preparation machines selecting any two of the following processes: milling, washing, scouring, bleaching, mercerizing and de-sizing aiming to facilitate and improve the condition of textile substrates for further processing and to ensure optimum machine and operator efficiency. • Monitor and inspect all products during the production process for product faults, process faults and machine faults and take corrective action to achieve quality standards. • List and apply company safety, housekeeping and waste control measures for textile wet process preparation machine operations.

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 experience in business operations. Or • 3 years of workplace experience in a Wet Process Preparation Department.

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 Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Preparation Machine Operator is well suited to promote employment in capital intensive sub-sectors in the textile industry in general. This qualification will contribute to improved productivity, efficiency and quality, increase labour stability, reduce accidents, and extend the life of production machinery and equipment. 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. 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. 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. 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. This qualification intends to 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. Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate textile wet process preparation machines during bleaching, mercerising, washing, desizing, scouring and milling 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. 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 improved condition of textile substrates for further processing. 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 experience in business operations. Or • 3 years of workplace experience in a Wet Process Preparation Department.

• Interpret product specification and batch card (work ticket) and recipe and select and mix chemicals or additives in the correct sequence to achieve the required quality of product as per product specification for textile wet process preparation processes.
• Set up all necessary machine settings safely as specified on textile wet process preparation machines and prepare them for production as per required product specifications.
• Operate the textile wet process preparation machines by following all start up, inching and safety procedures in order to achieve smooth machine operation and to achieve optimum output levels for two of the following textile wet product preparation processes: bleaching, mercerising, washing, de-sizing, scouring and milling.
• Patrol and monitor the textile wet process preparation machine and process regularly in order to observe and take corrective action on any abnormalities.
• Inspect and monitor the quality of products being produced and take corrective action on all defect products in order to maintain the quality of products as specified for textile wet process preparation processes.
• 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.