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: Man-made Fibre Extrusion Machine Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
103146	Occupational Certificate: Man-made Fibre Extrusion 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	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 02	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-09-12	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 equip a learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as a Man-made Fibre Extrusion Machine Operator.

A Man-made Fibre Extrusion Machine Operator loads the extrusion machine with raw material, threads and operates the machine and equipment at maximum efficiency and monitors the extrusion process to produce good quality man-made extruded filament.

Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate man-made fibre extrusion machines to full capacity as required by the company, detect deviations in set standards and react appropriately to address such deviations related to the machine operation, conversion process and product quality. They will have a thorough understanding of the importance of achieving and maintaining quantity standards related to aspects such as machine efficiency and minimising machine down-time as well as quality standards for man-made extruded filament products.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Prepare and operate the man-made fibre extrusion machine for filament production.

Monitor and patrol the man-made fibre extrusion process ensuring safety compliance.

Maximise man-made extruded yarn production ensuring continuity of extrusion processes to achieve maximum machine utilisation.

Monitor and inspect the extruded filament during the man-made fibre extrusion process in order to minimise the extent of the non-conformance.

Document all relevant aspects of the man-made fibre extrusion 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 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

The textile 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 Programme (CTCP) was introduced in 2009 and is subdivided into the Competitiveness Improvement Programme (CIP) and Production Incentive Programme (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 groups have been identified. Firstly, new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification or adults with limited basic schooling, and 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 on-going 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 well suited to promote employment in capital intensive sub-sectors in the textile industry in general. The qualification will contribute to improved productivity, efficiency and quality, increase labour stability, reduce accidents, and extend the life of production machinery and equipment.

Qualifying against the new qualification will increase job security and improve employability in this occupation as well as in related operational activities. In addition, the qualification will assist towards qualifying a learner for career advancement, particularly into a supervisory or artisanal role.

Various employer organisations and a trade union participated in the process of developing this qualification by identifying representatives to participate in the working groups and supplying input and comment during the consultation processes. These are:

South African Cotton Textile Processing Employers' Association (SACTPEA).

South African Carpet Manufacturing Employers' Association (SACMEA).

National Manufactured Fibres Employers' Association (NMFEA).

National Association of Worsted Textile Manufacturers (NAWTM).

Narrow Fabric Manufacturers Association (NFMA).

South African Wool and Mohair Processors Employers' Organisation (SAWAMPEO).

National Textile Manufacturers' Association (NTMA).

South African Home Textiles Manufacturers Employers' Organisation (HOMETEX).

South African Blankets Manufacturers Employers' Organisation (SABMEO).

South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) (Trade Union).

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:

NQF Level 1 qualification with Communication.
Or

3 years of workplace experience in a Man-Made Fibre Extrusion Department.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules:

715103-001-00-00-KM-01, Man-made Fibre Extrusion Process Technology, Level 2, 24 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-KM-02, Textile Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 8 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-KM-03, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-KM-04, Applied English Literacy for the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

Practical Skill Modules:

715103-001-00-00-PM-01, Prepare and Operate Extrusion Machines for Filament Production, Level 2, 24 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-PM-02, Monitor and Patrol Extrusion Processes to Ensure Production Capacity Optimisation and Minimisation of Unaccountable Downtime, Level 2, 22 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-PM-03, Monitor Extruded Filament Quality to Reduce Product Non-conformance and Waste, Level 2, 22 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-PM-04, Document all Relevant Aspects of an Extrusion Process, Level 2, 7 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 75.

Work Experience Modules:

715103-001-00-00-WM-01, Man-made Fibre Extrusion Operations, Level 2, 26 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-WM-02, Man-made Filament Extrusion Process Continuity, Level 2, 21 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-WM-03, Extruded Man-made Fibres Product Quality, Level 2, 15 Credits.

715103-001-00-00-WM-04, Man-made Fibre Extrusion Production Recording and Reporting Processes, Level 2, 3 Credits.
Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 65.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Prepare the man-made fibre extrusion machine for production, as per product specification.
2. Start and operate the man-made fibre extrusion machine to optimum output levels.
3. Patrol and monitor the man-made fibre extrusion machine and process and maximise man-made extruded yarn production ensuring continuity of extrusion processes to achieve optimum machine utilisation.
4. Inspect, monitor and maintain the extruded filament for conformance during the process in order to minimise the extent of the non-conformance.
5. Perform safety, housekeeping and waste control and maintain accurate records for the extrusion machine.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Raw material used in the fibre extrusion process, such as polymer chips, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyester (PES) and pigments is identified according to the filament specifications.

The procedure to assemble and load machine with raw material is explained and accurately applied.

Procedures for threading the yarn to the take-up package is described and applied adhering to machine specifications.

Man-made fibre extrusion machine components and ancillary equipment are identified and their respective functions are described.

Basic maintenance, routine cleaning and housekeeping of the man-made fibre extrusion machine and working environment are performed.

A pre-start-up sequence of the man-made fibre extrusion machine is performed according to a checklist applying company specific safety requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Man-made fibre extrusion machine start-up procedures are performed.

Thread lines are checked for correctness in line with the specifications prior to machine start-up.

A man-made fibre extrusion machine is operated.

A man-made fibre extrusion machine is stopped at the end of the production run and routine doffing is performed as required.

Calculate and achieve production targets.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

The man-made fibre extrusion machine patrolling sequence is performed according to requirements applying patrolling and inspection techniques.

The control panel of the man-made fibre extrusion machine is monitored.

The machine stopping procedure is conducted in the event of non-conformance or at completion of the production run by performing the production run completion sequence.

The yarn path is continuously checked for conformance.

The machine is continuously checked to ensure it is free from contamination such as foreign fibre, etc.

Yarn contact points are checked for cleanliness and abrasive surfaces.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

The product is inspected and compared against specified requirements with the objective to identify and rectify the non-conformance.

The methods employed to monitor the extruded filament to minimise the quantity of non-conformance is explained and applied.

The method to segregate and identify non-conforming extruded filament from first grade product to prevent non-conforming product being processed as first grade product is explained.

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

Methods of observation during monitoring and patrolling processes are described and applied;

The process and product non-conformance is recorded in order to effect accurate production and product non-conformance statistics and data compilation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Identify and adhere to man-made fibre extrusion machine safety requirements including the use and care of PPE.

Reduce waste material in compliance with company waste control measures.

Document man-made fibre extrusion machine performance by accurately recording machine stoppage, down-time, causes and reactivation time.

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

This qualification has been compared with National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector in India and applicable units from the Australian Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate).

India:
The Indian National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector focus on a range of jobs within yarn production covering key processes such as spinning, winding and twisting so as to minimise machine stoppages and to achieve maximum production. The following Indian National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector have been identified for comparison with the South African Qualification:

Ring Frame Tenter.

Ring Frame Doffer.

Open-End Spinning Tenter.

The content of the three (3) National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector from India cover compulsory occupational aspects such as: shift hand-over; operating machinery; machine cleaning and maintenance; piecing of broken yarn; doffing activities; 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. The National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector are structured to reflect the occupational requirements for specific operations in spinning separately and have components referring to knowledge and understanding, as well as workplace requirements and organisational context. There is however, no reference to the practical skills that the learner will acquire. The inclusion of aspects related to numeracy, literacy and basic production concepts in a textile manufacturing environment, is lacking.

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

Performance criteria, which will serve the purpose of assessment for different man-made fibre production machines, have been developed consisting of performance criteria with assigned marks proportional to its importance.

Australia:
Units from the Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate) 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; handling of materials; product quality; minor machine maintenance; changeover activities; raw material identification and description; fault finding and access and use of textile production information. The unit specifically relating to man-made fibre production operations is:

Perform spinning operations.

Entry requirements are not specified in the Australian Qualification. It is therefore 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 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 man-made fibre extrusion machines is similar and covers spinning contexts and processes. It can be concluded that the South African qualification compares well with the National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector as well as the Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate).

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:
This qualification articulates horizontally with the:

National Certificate: N2 Spinning Machine Mechanician; Level 2.

Occupational Certificate: Man-made Fibre Texturing Machine Operator; Level 2.

Vertical Articulation:
This qualification articulates vertically with the:

National Certificate: N3 Spinning Mechanician: Short Staple - Cotton; 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 records.

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: Man-made Fibre Extrusion Machine Operator: 715103-001-00-00.

Encompassed Trades:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD):

This is not a trade qualification.

Qualifications related to the Textile Dry Finishing Machine Operator Occupation:

715103-001-00-00, Occupational Certificate: Man-made Fibre Extrusion Machine Operator, Level 2, 180 Credits.

715103-002-00-00, Occupational Certificate: Man-made Fibre Texturing Production Machine Operator, Level 2, 180 Credits.

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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