SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Printing Machine Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101367	Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Printing Machine Operator
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FPMSETA (MAN)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	168	Not Applicable	NQF Level 02	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-07-01	2025-12-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30		2029-12-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Textile Wet Process Printing Machine Operator.

A Textile Wet Process Printing Machine Operator operates a textile printing machine to apply localised dyes to one side of a textile fabric (knitted, woven or carpet) to generate a pattern or design. (Fabric or carpet is hereafter referred to as the substrate).

A qualified learner will be able to:

Assist with preparation and delivery of different printing mediums to textile printing machines according to customer specifications.

Assist with setting-up and loading of textile printing machines and design change-over according to product specifications and to maximise productivity.

Prepare to run a sample to confirm that all colour, design and registration parameters are satisfied.

Assist in running a production line after approval of a sample by monitoring quality, identifying and reporting printing faults, minimizing unnecessary waste and applying all safety standards and housekeeping practices.

Shift hand over or complete a printing batch and complete all necessary production documentation for monitoring, identification and costing purposes.

Rationale:
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. 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 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.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning:
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 wet processing printing department.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
Knowledge Modules:

715401002-KM-01, Textile Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 8 Credits.

715401002-KM-02, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715401002-KM-03, Applied English Literacy for the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715401002-KM-04, Textile Wet Printing Process Technology, Level 2, 24Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

Practical Skill Modules:

715401002-PM-01, Accurately mix and weigh powders, liquids and paste according to pre-set printing formulae, Level 2, 6 Credits.

715401002-PM-02, Assist with setting up of textile printing machines in order to produce printed fabric or carpets, Level 2, 10 Credits.

715401002-PM-03, Produce required printed textile sample length, Level 2, 10 Credits.

715401002-PM-04, Monitor quality operation of textile printing machines and possible printing faults by reporting to supervisor, Level 2, 22 Credits.

715401002-PM-05, Accurately record production information, Level 2, 2 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 50.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

715401002-WM-01, Textile colour kitchen operations, Level 2, 6 Credits.

715401002-WM-02, Strike-off or bulk textile printing preparation processes, Level 2, 12 Credits.

715401002-WM-03, Textile printing sampling procedure, Level 2, 12 Credits.

715401002-WM-04, Strike-off or bulk production of printed fabric, Level 2, 44 Credits.

715401002-WM-05, Recording and reporting of print production batch, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 78.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Accurately interpret typical textile printing recipes identifying all important requirements.
2. Prepare textile printing machines and equipment to comply with requirements for a specific textile product.
3. Operate textile wet printing machines whilst ensuring optimisation of production processes.
4. Monitor textile wet printing processes to identify and typical textile printing faults and take corrective action or report via the appropriate channels.
5. Apply key safety requirements related to chemicals, dyes and wet processing hazards.
6. Fulfil all necessary administrative duties in a textile printing department.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Recipe requirements for a textile printing process are identified and selected according to customer or company specific specifications.

Chemicals, print pastes and dyestuff used in the textile printing department, their functions and safety considerations are named and described.

Chemicals and print pastes are handled and stored in a safe manner ensuring prevention of incidents and accidents.

Chemicals and print pastes are measured and prepared using appropriate methods to recipe specifications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Cleaning procedures are outlined, explained and applied using correct cleaning agents and cleaning methods.

Textile wet printing machine maintenance checklists are explained and applied to determine work readiness of textile printing machines.

Substrates and print pastes or dyes are loaded and quantities of each are checked to ensure availability for a production run.

Textile wet printing machines pre-start requirements are listed and applied in textile printing machine preparation activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Safety checks are conducted before start up to ensure the safe and correct running of textile wet printing machines.

The correct start up procedures are implemented to ensure the optimal and safe operation of textile wet printing machines.

Standard operating procedures are followed during operation to ensure safety of personnel and quality of product.

The patrolling and monitoring sequence is executed and the importance of following this process is explained.

Sampling procedures and readings of tests such as temperature, pH levels, viscosity are applied and the reasons for such sampling and readings are explained.

Standard operating procedures dealing with spillages, waste and effluent are applied to ensure safe working conditions.

Substrate is off-loaded implementing safe standards and according to job specification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

The consequences of product faults along with their causes are explained.

Corrective actions are grouped into actions under operator control or actions outside of operator control and appropriate responses are described.

Product sample faults are visually identified and analysed to determine appropriate corrective action or notification of a supervisor.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Material safety data sheet (MSDS) requirements are achieved and explained.

Personal protective equipment types, usage and care is identified, explained and correctly used during all textile printing processes.

Machine safety components such as guards, safety valves, emergency stops and sensors are identified, their functions explained and checked to ensure correct settings or proper function.

Chemical and dye safety procedures, hazards and risks are explained and procedures are followed when working with chemicals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

All information pertaining to a production run is recorded and reasons for doing so are explained.

Downtime and reasons are recorded ensuring all significant details are adequately summarised.

Non-conformance reports are completed.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Printing Machine Operator has been compared to National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector in India and applicable units from the Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate) (LMT20107) of the Australian Government and Industry Skills Council.

The Indian National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector focuses on specific processes in textile wet process printing where the responsibility varies according to the specific machine used in printing process. The National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector applicable to this qualification are:

TSC/Q5204: Printing Machine Operator.

TSC/Q5206: Screen Preparation Operator.

TSC/Q5205: Dyestuff and Chemical Preparation Operator.

The content of the three National Occupational Standards from India cover compulsory activities such as shift hand-over, operating machinery, machine cleaning and maintenance, working in a team, health and safety in the workplace, compliance with standard operating procedures, conformity to production and quality standards, completion of admin / reporting records, communication with supervisors and so forth. They have components referring to knowledge and understanding, as well as workplace requirements and organisational context. However, there is no reference to the practical skills that the learner will acquire.

Credits and duration have not been determined and no comparison could be performed. The National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector are at NSQF Level 4.

Performance criteria, which will serve for the purpose of assessment for different textile printing machines have been developed consisting of performance criteria with assigned marks proportional to its importance.

Units from the Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate) (LMT20107) covers various generic aspects related to occupational safety, general working practices such as teamwork, computer operation, productivity, sustaining process improvements and competitiveness. It also includes aspects related to generic machine operation such as machine safety, materials handling, product quality, minor machine maintenance, changeover activities, raw material identification and description, fault finding and access and use of textile production information. The units specifically relating to textile printing operations are:

LMTTX2015B: Handle and prepare chemicals, dyes or other substances used in textile production.

The content of this module covers compulsory occupational standards such as operating machinery, machine cleaning and maintenance, working in a team, health and safety in the workplace, compliance with standard operating procedures, conformity to production and quality standards, completion of admin/reporting records, communication with supervisors and so forth. It includes knowledge aspect related to procedures and guidelines for safe operation of printing equipment; typical fault conditions and related fault finding procedures; printing principles; machine and tank minor maintenance and repair techniques; technical specifications manuals; quality standards and practices; OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures; workplace practices; recording and reporting practices as well as skills aspects related to check safety equipment and evacuation procedures; handle dangerous chemicals; correctly use personal protection equipment; report any faults; accurately measure quantities for dye mix; select and use the correct liquid and solids measuring instruments and equipment; prepare yarn or fabric for printing; recognise, rectify and report faults or problems; clean machines and tanks as required; check machine maintenance records; confirm compliance to operational specifications; read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material; maintain accurate records; communicate within the workplace; sequence operations meet specifications; clarify and check task-related information; carry out work according to OHS practices.

Entry requirements are not specified in the Australian Qualification. Therefore it is unclear whether the prerequisites would in fact refer to entry level requirements or other prerequisites.
No credits or weighting of skills and knowledge are specified in the Australian units, neither is the duration.

The Australian qualification is set at Level 2 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), whereas the South African qualification is set at NQF Level 2 on the South African National Qualifications Framework.

The Australian qualification specifies assessment in the Evidence Guide. In addition the document mentions that assessment may occur "on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment" and it may be "assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units".

Conclusion:
The content of these qualifications regarding the skills and knowledge needed by an operator of a printing machine are similar and covers various textile printing contexts and processes. It can be concluded that these qualifications compares well and that the South African qualification is on par with the requirements of the National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector as well as the Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate) (LMT20107).

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification articulates horizontally with:

National Certificate: N2 Technical Dyer/Printer/Finisher (SAQA ID: 67409), Level 02.

National Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging (SAQA ID: 57900), Level 02.

This qualification articulates vertically with:

National Certificate: N3 Technical Dyer/Finisher (SAQA ID: 67531), Level 03.

National Certificate: N3: Printer/Finisher (SAQA ID: 67532), Level 03.

National Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging (SAQA ID: 57899), Level 03.

This qualification also articulates horizontally with qualifications currently in the registration process:

Textile Wet Process Dyeing Machine Operator, Level 1.

Textile Wet Process Finishing Machine Operator, Level 1.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:
In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers:

Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

The curriculum title and code is: 715401002: Textile Wet Process Printing Machine Operator.

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification.

Part Qualifications:

None.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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