Textile Wet Product Finishing Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as a Textile Wet Product Finishing Machine Operator. A Textile Wet Product Finishing Machine Operator operates relevant textile wet product finishing machines to produce textile goods to required end-finishes to customer requirements and standards and ensure optimum machine and operator efficiency in any two of the following processes, sanforising, bleaching and resinating. Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate textile wet product finishing machines during sanforising, bleaching and resinating 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 required end-finishes of textiles. A qualified learner will be able to: • Interpret production specifications and batch card (work ticket) for relevant textile wet product finishing products and identify the correct substrate for the process. • Accurately define the mixing of chemicals for relevant textile wet product finishing products. • Prepare and operate relevant textile wet product finishing machines with the purpose to produce textile goods to required end-finishes to customer requirements and standards and ensure optimum machine and operator efficiency. • Monitor and inspect all products during the production process of relevant textile wet product finishing for product faults, process faults and machine faults and take corrective action to achieve and maintain quality standards. • List and apply company safety, housekeeping and waste control measures for relevant textile wet product finishing machine operations.

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 Textile Wet Product Finishing Department.

• Interpret product specification, 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 relevant textile wet product finishing processes.
• Set up necessary machine settings following safety procedures as specified on relevant textile wet product finishing machines and prepare them for production as per required product specification.
• Operate relevant textile wet product finishing machines by following all start-up, inching and safety procedures on textile wet product finishing processes in order to achieve smooth machine operation and to achieve optimum output levels for any two of the following processes, sanforising, bleaching and resinating.
• Patrol and monitor relevant textile wet product finishing machines and processes regularly in order to observe and take corrective action.
• Inspect and monitor the quality of relevant textile wet finished products being produced and take corrective action on all defect products in order to maintain the quality of products as specified for textile wet product finishing 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 relevant to textile wet product finishing processes.