Tufting Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Tufting Machine Operator. A Tufting Machine Operator operates tufting machinery and equipment to produce textile tufted products that comply with quality specification to achieve a required efficiency rate and waste levels as per company standards. A qualified learner will be able to: • Operate tufting machines (start, stop, inch, load, doff) to achieve optimum output levels. • Patrol and monitor tufting machines, processes and products to identify deviations and take necessary corrective actions. • Inspect tufting products at an exit point for faults and take necessary corrective action. • Apply health, safety and waste control measures and housekeeping practices to ensure compliance with regulations.

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 domestic 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 qualification will support the above national strategies. Two distinct target groups have been identified. Firstly, new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification or adults with limited basic schooling, and 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 very well suited to promote employment in capital intensive sub-sectors in the textile industry in general. The qualification will contribute in improved productivity, efficiency and quality, increase labour stability, reduction in accidents, and the extended life of the production machinery and equipment. Qualifying against the new curriculum standard due to its multi-skilling nature and structure of learning will increase job security and improve employability in this occupation as well as in related operational activities. In addition, the qualification will also assist towards qualifying for career advancement, particularly into a supervisory or artisanal role.

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: • Level 1 with communication. Or • 3 years of workplace experience in a tufting department.

• Describe details of product specifications for tufting processes and identify correct raw materials.
• Describe and apply machine pre-start-up checks and operating procedures for production of tufted products.
• Identify and apply the monitoring checks of a tufting machine, tufted products and the tufting process.
• Evaluate factors affecting required machine efficiency and output rate.
• Describe and observe inspection procedures related to quality of tufting products.
• State principles of tufting processes.
• Apply health, safety, housekeeping and waste control practices and procedures.