SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Footwear Finishing Production Machine Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101674	Occupational Certificate: Footwear Finishing Production 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	138	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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
58227	National Certificate: Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Manufacturing Processes	Level 2	NQF Level 02	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Footwear Finishing Production Machine Operator.

A Footwear Finishing Production Machine Operator performs stuck-on footwear finishing machine and hand operations to ensure completed footwear meets customer specifications.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Perform footwear finishing operations by machine to finish stuck-on type footwear and prepare for distribution to customers.

Perform footwear finishing operations by hand to finish stuck-on type footwear and prepare for distribution to customers.

Perform footwear finishing final inspection operations for stuck-on type footwear for distribution to customers.

Rationale:
The Footwear Industry is under pressure from countries such as China, Korea and the like which haves entered the South African market with mass produced goods for the footwear sector. This competition has implications for the bottom line of each organisation with the effect that profit margins have shrunk to a minimum and organisations have opted for the development of skills in order to enhance productivity and quality of products and as such be able to survive as viable businesses.

In a public release dated 23 July 2014, the Minister of Trade and Industry declared his support to the Leather and Footwear industry by allocating R290 million through its Competitiveness Improvement Programme (CIP) in order to enhance the competitiveness of the industry by establishing five sector clusters. The aim of this initiative is to reverse the lack of sector development infrastructure, skills and institutional investment in design innovation and to uplift the domestic market share and exports orientation which are low. Areas that received attention were the Footwear, Leather, Leather Goods, General Goods, Handbags and Luggage sectors which are domestic market oriented whilst the Crocodile leather, Ostrich leather, and Taxidermy industry sub-sectors are dominantly export oriented offering potential for enhancing export revenue generation through international luxury goods markets.

According to the Programme Guideline document (Department of National Treasury) dated 26-03-2013, the aim of the CIP is to build and improve capacity in the manufacturing and related value chain of the clothing, textile, footwear, leather and leather goods sectors in South Africa and to improve global competitiveness. The CIP aims, through the cluster approach, to create a group of globally competitive companies that would ensure a sustainable business environment able to retain and grow employment levels. This qualification will support the above national strategies.

Two distinct target groups have been identified. Firstly, existing employees who have been operating in the industry for a number of years without receiving appropriate recognition for the competencies acquired in the work place and who are operating without the necessary underpinning knowledge. Secondly, typical learners could be new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification, but no experience in the industry. Learners will benefit from this qualification as it prepares them for employment (entry) in this sector and/or career advancement, however due to the unique nature of the raw material, especially leather and the processing of the product, new entrants have to acquire the skills through the practical skills and workplace experience components of the qualification.

Because of the ongoing support by government, the sector is in a growth phase and new employment opportunities are created. Employment will be mainly with footwear manufacturing companies and government initiatives. However, self-employment is another possibility which could lead to a sustainable small business.

Government initiatives seek to stimulate exports, in which case employers will increasingly have to conform to international standards and requirements. Maintaining quality and productivity are some of the important aspects which are addressed in the qualification.

Through this learning, the learner/employee will be better skilled and competent in performing his/her function in the workplace and meeting productivity and quality targets. This will instil a feeling of self-worth and confidence in the learner. Apart from the possible progression, learners qualified against this qualification will also be able to further qualify for entrepreneurial activities and starting their own business.

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.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

715605000-KM-01, Footwear stuck-on type finishing and shoe room production technology and craftsmanship, Level 2, 16 Credits.

715605000-KM-02, Basic Footwear Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 6 Credits.

715605000-KM-03, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Footwear Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715605000-KM-04, Applied English Literacy for the Footwear Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 30.

Practical Skill Modules:

715605000-PM-01, Finish leather and/or non-leather stuck-on type footwear using a range of relevant machines whilst conforming to safety requirements, Level 2, 40 Credits.

715605000-PM-02, Finish leather and/or non-leather stuck-on type footwear applying the relevant hand finishing operations whilst conforming to safety requirements, Level 2, 20 Credits.

715605000-PM-03, Conduct final inspections of finished stuck-on footwear to ensure compliance with customer and quality standards, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 64.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

715605000-WM-01, Stuck-on footwear finishing machine operations, Level 2, 24 Credits.

715605000-WM-02, Stuck-on footwear finishing hand operations, Level 2, 12 Credits.

715605000-WM-03, Quality compliance inspections and packaging operations, Level 2, 8 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 44.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Interpret the work ticket to determine the scope of work in the footwear finishing processes.
2. Accurately identify the construction and process flow relevant to the finishing process in footwear manufacturing.
3. Operate a range of machinery and equipment relevant to the finishing of stuck-on footwear products.
4. Evaluate the importance of applying correct production methods in terms of meeting production targets.
5. Perform the finishing process relating to heels, soles, insoles and uppers to specification.
6. Apply safety procedures when working with chemicals and machines.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The work ticket is accurately interpreted and all the aspects are identified and described.

The machinery and equipment relevant to the work ticket are identified.

The materials and consumables and components relevant to the work ticket are identified.

The product style as specified in the work ticket is identified.

The relevant production process and operations are identified.

Sizes and quantity per size are established according to the work ticket.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Types of finishing related to the product being manufactured are described.

The various finishing components are identified.

The various finishing techniques relative to construction types are described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Safe working practices are applied to ensure compliance with safety requirements.

Machinery and equipment are set and adjusted in order to produce a product which meets the quality requirements of the work ticket.

Machines are operated to process stuck-on footwear products.

Sound housekeeping procedures are justified.

All mechanical problems are timeously identified and reported to prevent unnecessary down-time and delays.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

The role of temperature, pressure and dwell times in the finishing manufacturing processes is assessed.

The importance of the aesthetic appearance of the finished footwear is motivated.

The importance of quality checking procedures to ensure the final product meets all specified quality standards is discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

All processes to achieve completed footwear product according to work instruction are understood and described.

Finishing processes as specified to heels, soles, insoles and uppers are performed to quality and productivity targets.

The outcomes of finishing processes are inspected for flaws, defects, etc. For compliance to quality standards.

Recording of production is accurate and up to date.

Safety rules and regulations are adhered to.

All finished footwear is prepared for despatch according to the customer specifications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Safety measures for the handling, usage and storage of chemicals are defined and applied according to MSDS requirements.

Safety risks are recognised and appropriate preventative measures are identified.

Safety equipment is correctly applied during the operation of machines, equipment and tools.

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: Footwear Cutting Machine Operator has been compared with the Occupational Standards for Finishing (Footwear) (LSS/Q3001) in India and the National Certificate in Footwear (Level 2) in New Zealand.

India:
According to the National Skills Development Corporation (India) occupational standards 'describe what individuals need to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function. Occupational standards are performance standards that individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding'.

The National Skill Development Corporation India (NSDC) is a one of its kind, Public Private Partnership in India. It aims to promote skill development by catalysing creation of large, quality, for-profit vocational institutions. It provides funding to build scalable, for-profit vocational training initiatives. Its mandate is also to enable support systems such as quality assurance, information systems and train the trainer academies either directly or through partnerships.

The NSDC was set up as part of a national skill development mission to fulfil the growing need in India for skilled manpower across sectors and narrow the existing gap between the demand and supply of skills.

Similarities:

Content: The content of the two qualifications is similar, however the Indian qualification has a big focus on aspects such as child labour and forced labour which is not part of the South African qualification.

Terminology: The terminology used in both qualifications is exactly the same.

Complexity: The level of complexity in the two qualifications is equal.

Structure: The various machine operations and hand operations are all distinctly demarcated and form separate NOS.

Differences:

Structure: The structure of the two qualifications is quite different. The Indian qualification distinctly demarcates the various tasks into different NOS, whilst, whilst the South African qualification groups all finishing competencies into a single module. The Indian qualification differentiates tasks related to product quality, maintenance of machines and equipment, health and safety practices and compliance with requirements, whilst the South African qualification has all of these practices and requirements interwoven into all the occupational tasks, since they are of crucial importance to the operations.

Qualification components: The Indian qualification has 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: Credits has not been determined and no comparison could be performed.

Duration: Not determined and no comparison could be performed.

Assessment: No reference is made to internal neither external assessment specification neither assessment criteria.

New Zealand:
Similarities:

Content: The content of the two qualifications are similar, and share aspects such as communication skills, team work, writing in the workplace, and all the technical machine operations.

Terminology: The terminology used in both qualifications is exactly the same.

NQF Level: Both qualifications are pitched at NQF 2.

Complexity: The level of complexity in the two qualifications is equal.

Differences:
Content: Even though the content is very similar, the most obvious difference is the hand operations which are included in the South African qualification.

Structure: The structure of the two qualifications is quite different. The elective section of the qualification includes other aspects in the shoe manufacturing process such as Footwear Closing and Footwear Bottomstock. In the South African qualification these sections has been developed as separate qualifications based on the structure of the Organising Framework of Occupations where these are listed as individual occupations as well as the manner in which operations are structured in the various companies. The structure also differs since the New Zealand qualification is a unit standard based qualification.

Qualification components: The New Zealand qualification has 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: The South African qualification has a total credit value of 138 whilst the New Zealand qualification has a credit value of 59. The difference in credit value is mainly due to the additional 68 credits for work experience, the emphasis on the acquisition of practical skills and the fact that the learner is expected to perform all lasting and making operations in support of multi-skilling to promote mobility where in the New Zealand qualification the learner selects a number of electives.

Assessment: No reference is made to an external assessment specification.

Conclusion:
This qualification compares favourably with the above qualification although this qualification is more comprehensive and more workplace directed.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:
This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:

Footwear Closing Production Machine Operator, Level 2.

Footwear Cutting Production Machine Operator, Level 2.

Footwear Bottomstock Manufacturing Machine Operator, Level 2.

Footwear Lasting And Making Production Machine Operator, Level 2 99259.

Vertical Articulation:
This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications currently being developed:

Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader, Level 3.

Footwear Designer, Level 3.

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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

The curriculum title and code is: 715605000: Footwear Finishing Production 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:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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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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