Weft Knitting Machine Operator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Weft Knitting Machine Operator. A Weft Knitting Machine Operator loads weft knitting machines with raw material, threads, operates and monitors weft knitting machinery and equipment to produce good quality weft knitted products at maximum efficiency. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare and operate weft knitting machines and yarn for production. • Monitor weft knitting processes in accordance with company requirements and stopping the process in the event of irregular process conditions. • Maintain continuity of weft knitting processes to ensure production capacity optimisation and unaccountable downtime minimisation. • Monitor and inspect weft knitted products during a weft knitting process. • Document all relevant aspects of the production process in order to give a true reflection of the production process and achievement of production targets.

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 Weft Knitting Department.

• Prepare weft knitting machines for production, as per product specification.
• Start the weft knitted process with the adherence to accepted procedures.
• Monitor weft knitting processes in accordance to best inspection practice.
• Maximise weft knitting processes in order to ensure process continuity to achieve maximum machine utilisation.
• Inspect conformity of weft knitted products against specified knitted patterns with the objective to identify and rectify any non-conformance.
• Monitor weft knitted products for conformance during weft knitting processes in order to minimise the extent of the non-conformance.
• Record the weft knitting process 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 weft knitting process in accordance to the company production requirements.