Warp Knitting Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Warp Knitting Machine Operator. A Warp Knitting Machine Operator loads warp knitting machines with raw material, threads, operates and monitors the machinery and equipment to produce good quality knitted products at maximum efficiency. A qualified learner will be able to: • Load and operate warp knitting machines and beam-sets for production. • Monitor warp knitting processes in accordance with company requirements and stop the process in the event of irregular process conditions. • Monitor and inspect warp knitted fabric or warped knitted articles during the warp knitting process. • Document all relevant aspects of the production process, i.e. production, and non-conformance to specification and machine stoppage and record down-time cause, and reactivation time.

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' workplace experience in a Warp Knitting Department.

• Prepare warp knitting machines for production, as per product specification.
• Start the warp knitted process with the adherence to accepted procedures.
• Monitor warp knitting processes in accordance with best inspection practice.
• Maximise warp knitting processes in order to ensure continuity of the process to achieve maximum machine utilisation.
• Inspect the conformity of the warp knitted product against specified requirements with the objective to identify and rectify the non-conformance.
• Monitor warp knitted products for conformance during warp knitting processes in order to minimise the extent of non-conformance.
• Record warp knitting processes and product non-conformance in order to effect accurate production and product non-conformance statistics and data compilation.
• Identify, understand and calculate production targets to monitor and maintain the warp knitting process in accordance with the company production requirements.