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: Warp Knitting Machine Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101371	Occupational Certificate: Warp Knitting 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	170	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 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.

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, 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.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

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.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

715204002-KM-01, Warp Knitting Technology, Level 2, 24 Credits.

715204002-KM-02, Textile Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 8 Credits.

715204002-KM-03, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715204002-KM-04, Applied English Literacy for the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

Practical Skill Modules:

715204002-PM-01, Load and operate warp knitting machines and beam-sets for production, Level 2, 26 Credits.

715204002-PM-02, Patrol warp knitting machines for optimum continuous production, Level 2, 20 Credits.

715204002-PM-03, Monitor and inspect knitted fabric or knitted articles during the warp knitting process, Level 2, 20 Credits.

715204002-PM-04, Accurately reflect all production information per warp knitting batch, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 70

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

715204002-WM-01, Warp knitting operations, Level 2, 18 Credits.

715204002-WM-02, Optimized warp knitting machine process, Level 2, 14 Credits.

715204002-WM-03, Warp knitting product quality, Level 2, 14 Credits.

715204002-WM-04, Production record keeping processes, Level 2, 14 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 60.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

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

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Raw material is identified according to yarn count and merges as specified in the work specification.

Warp knitting machines are assembled and loaded with raw material according to the knitting pattern.

Warp knitting machines are loaded and yarn is threaded as per specified to the guide bar and the guide.

The yarn is correctly positioned in the guides to engage with the needles to form stitches.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

All warp knitting machine safety mechanisms are checked ensuring they are functional.

All warp knitting machine stop motions are tested ensuring they are operational.

Start-up procedures for warp knitting machines are explained.

All needles are checked ensuring all needles are forming stitches.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Yarn paths are monitored for conformance.

All yarn contact points are checked for cleanliness and abrasive surfaces.

Warp knitting machines are monitored to ensure that fabric take down is operating correctly.

Warp knitting machines are checked to ensure they are free from contamination such as lint, etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Warp knitting machines are monitored at a frequency that will reduce machine downtime.

Warp knitting machine is observed for operating at the correct speed.

Re-occurring machine stoppages are identified.

Sufficient raw material availability for continuous production is ensured.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Yarn package non-conformance is identified and the effect on the end product is explained.

Fabric faults and the possible causes are identified and remedial action required to correct the non-conformance is taken.

Produced fabric is checked for conformity to specification, including checks for mass, width and visual appearance to determine conformance to stitch density and construction.

Yarn faults such as slub and filamentation are identified and categorised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Methods employed to monitor the warp knitted product to minimise the quantity of non-conformance are explained.

Methods to segregate and identify non-conforming products from a first grade product to prevent non-conforming products being processed as first grade product are applied.

Correct frequency of monitoring required in order to minimise non-conforming product is calculated.

Methods of observation are described and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Production information is recorded.

The importance of maintaining accuracy of production documentation is motivated.

Product faults are identified, allocated and documented against the correct fault code.

Production recording methods are explained and applied.

Legible records are produced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

The importance of achieving production targets is explained.

Methods of production target monitoring are explained.

Production calculations are explained and accurately performed.

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.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Occupational Certificate: Warp Knitting Machine Operator has been compared with the 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 focus on specific jobs in a warp knitting department to run different machines efficiently so as to get maximum output with minimum defects giving due importance to safety and environmental aspects. The National Occupational Standard for the Textile Sector applicable to this qualification is:

TSC/Q4103: Knitting Machine Operator - Warp Knitting.

This National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector covers the range of tasks of a warp knitting machine operator who is responsible for fabric production and includes compulsory occupational requirements 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 documentation/reporting records, communication with supervisors and so forth. It reflects all Warp Knitting Machine Operator occupational standards individually per type of Warp Knitting Machine such as large diameter single jersey, double jersey, hosiery and sock machine knitwear. These aspects are organised in components referring to knowledge and understanding, as well as workplace requirements and organizational 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 the purpose of assessment for different warp knitting 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) cover various generic aspects related to occupational safety, general working practices such as teamwork, computer operation, productivity, sustaining process improvements and competitiveness. They also include 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 warp knitting operations are:

LMTTX2007B: Perform knitting operations.

The qualification is process driven and not machine specific. It deals with the skills and knowledge required by a knitter to prepare, operate, monitor and adjust a knitting machine and these core skills correlate well to the occupational tasks and process knowledge defined for a Warp knitting Machine Operator.

The occupational tasks of the South African occupational qualification for a Warp knitting Machine Operator correlate to the elements in the Australian Unit LMTTX2007B Perform knitting operations. The practical skills activity and assessment criteria of the South African occupational qualification can be equated to the Australian performance criteria. However, the Australian Unit LMTTX2007B Perform knitting operations covers both Weft and Warp disciplines whilst South Africa has different qualifications for Weft Knitting and for Warp knitting.

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. Therefore no comparison could be made.

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 warp knitting machine are similar and covers warp knitting contexts and processes. It can be concluded that these qualifications compare 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:

SAQA ID: 67414; National Certificate: N2 Knitting Mechanician: Warp; Level 2; 40 Credits.

SAQA ID: 67415; National Certificate: N2 Knitting Mechanician: Weft; Level 2; 40 Credits.

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

National Certificate: Weft Knitting Machine Operator.

This qualification articulates vertically with:

SAQA ID: 67538; National Certificate: N3 Knitting Mechanician: Warp; Level 3; 40 Credits.

SAQA ID: 67539; National Certificate: N3 Knitting Mechanician: Weft; Level 3; 40 Credits.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

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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