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: Weft Knitting Machine Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101374	Occupational Certificate: Weft 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 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.

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 Weft Knitting Department.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

715204001-KM-01, Textile Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 8 Credits.

715204001-KM-02, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715204001-KM-03, Applied English Literacy for the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715204001-KM-04, Weft Knitting Technology, Level 2, 24 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

Practical Skill Modules:

715204001-PM-01, Load, thread and start/stop weft knitting machines by correctly applying starting and off-loading procedures, Level 2, 34 Credits.

715204001-PM-02, Continuously monitor weft knitted fabrics/products to identify and minimise defects or imperfections, Level 2, 6 Credits.

715204001-PM-03, Patrol weft knitting machines for optimum continuous production, Level 2, 20 Credits.

715204001-PM-04, Monitor and observe machine operation at optimum efficiency as per company standards by keeping down-time to minimum, Level 2, 6 Credits.

715204001-PM-05, Accurately reflect all production information per batch, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 70.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

715204001-WM-01, Weft knitting operations, Level 2, 18 Credits.

715204001-WM-02, Continuously monitor weft fabrics/products to identify and minimise defects or imperfections, Level 2, 14 Credits.

715204001-WM-03, Weft knitting process patrolling and monitoring, Level 2, 14 Credits.

715204001-WM-04, Weft knitting process optimisation, Level 2, 14 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 60.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

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

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Raw material used in the weft knitting process is identified according to the product specifications.

A weft knitting machine creel or bobbin board is assembled and loaded with raw material.

Correct threading of yarn to the yarn feeder is performed according to the specified knitted pattern.

Yarn position in the feeder is checked ensuring that the feeder engages with the needles for correct stitch formation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

All machine safety mechanisms are checked to ensure functionality.

Machine stop motions are tested to ensure they are operational.

Start-up procedures for the weft knitting process are applied.

Needles are checked to ensure that all needles are forming stitches.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Weft knitting yarn paths are monitored for conformance.

All yarn contact points in the weft knitting machine are checked for cleanliness and abrasive surfaces.

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

Weft knitting machines are monitored to ensure that the fabric takedown is operating correctly.

A total weft knitting process is explained and the importance of continuous monitoring is justified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Consistent monitoring frequencies are applied to reduce machine downtime.

Weft knitting machines are observed for operating at the correct speed.

Re-occurring machine stoppages are identified.

Availability of sufficient raw material for continuous production is ensured throughout the production cycle.

The importance of machine maximisation is justified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Variations and irregularities in production of weft knitted products are identified and all deviations from approved and specified samples are identified and reported.

Causes of identified faults are explained.

Corrective action is taken to rectify identified faults.

Yarn package non-conformances are identified and corrective action is taken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Methods employed to monitor the weft knitted product to minimise the quantity of non-conformance is explained.

Methods to segregate and identify non-conforming products from first grade products to prevent non-conforming products being processed as first grade products, is explained.

The frequency of monitoring required in order to minimise non-conforming products is calculated.

Methods of observation are described and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Production information relevant to the weft knitting process 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 criteria.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Occupational Certificate: Weft Knitting 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 focus on two specific operations in a weft knitting department to run different weft knitting machines efficiently so as to get maximum output with minimum defects giving due importance to safety and environmental aspects. The National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector applicable to this qualification are:

TSC/Q4101: Knitting Machine Operator - Circular Knitting.

TSC/Q4102: Knitting Machine Operator - Flat Bed Knitting.

The content of these National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector cover compulsory occupational aspects 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.

The National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector are structured to group all Weft Knitting occupational requirements individually per type of machine and includes 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 weft 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) 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 weft knitting operations are:

LMTTX2007B: Perform knitting operations.

The Australian Unit LMTTX2007B Perform knitting operations covers both weft and warp disciplines. The qualification is process driven and not machine specific. The Australian unit 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 of a weft knitting machine operator.

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 weft knitting machine are similar and covers weft knitting contexts and processes. It can be concluded that these qualifications compare favourably 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 also articulates horizontally with qualifications currently in the registration process:

National Certificate: Warp 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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