Weaving Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Weaving Machine Operator. A qualified learner will be able to: • Assist with cleaning, preparing, setting-up and loading weaving machines (looms) and drawing the yarns according to product specifications and the yarn/thread path. • Operate relevant weaving machines (looms) to produce woven fabrics and/or carpets. • Patrol and monitor weaving processes to ensure maximum machine utilisation and minimise product and process non-conformance. • Inspect woven products against the specification, quality standards or approved sample and respond to quality deviations. • Apply all safety standards and housekeeping practices when operating weaving machines (looms) to minimise hazards and waste.

The Occupational Certificate: Weaving Machine Operator is designed to provide learners with basic operational knowledge of operating a weaving machine. A Weaving Machine Operator operates weaving machines (looms) to process textile yarns into woven fabrics or carpets according to specifications and output and quality standards. 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 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 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. This 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 Weaving Department.

• Understand and interpret weaving specifications to ensure woven products meet customer requirements and quality standards.
• Pre-production processes are conducted in order to prepare and set weaving machines (looms) for production.
• Operate and monitor weaving machines (looms) to convert yarn into woven fabric according to set standards.
• Identify and rectify deviations from specifications to ensure products meet customer and quality requirements.