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: Rotor Spinning and Yarn Packaging Machine Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103152  Occupational Certificate: Rotor Spinning and Yarn Packaging 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  162  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 Rotor Spinning and Yarn Packaging Machine Operator.

A Rotor Spinning and Yarn Packaging Machine Operator prepares and operates rotor spinning and relevant yarn packaging machines (re-winding or twisting or doubling) to process sliver into required yarn and yarn packages according to specification and customer requirements as part of yarn production.

Qualifying learners will have acquired the competencies to operate rotor spinning and yarn packaging machines during yarn spinning and yarn re-winding, twisting or doubling processes 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 rotor spun and re-wounded, twisted or doubled yarn products ensuring correct cone/cheese and bobbin formation processes.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Prepare rotor spinning and relevant yarn packaging machines and raw material for operations.
  • Operate rotor spinning and relevant yarn packaging machines.
  • Patrol and monitor relevant yarn production processes ensuring optimum machine efficiency and product quality.
  • Comply with health, environment and safety standards during yarn production operation.

    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 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 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 Rotor Spinning Production Department. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 715102-002-00-00 KM-01, Rotor Spinning and Yarn Packaging Process Technology, Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-KM-02, Textile Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-KM-03, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Textile Industry Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-KM-04, Applied English Literacy for the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 32.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 715102-002-00-00-PM-01, Load, Thread, Start, Stop, Control and Doff relevant Rotor Spinning Machines for Production, Level 2, 15 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-PM-02, Patrol and Monitor Rotor Spinning Processes to Ensure Continuous and Correct Yarn Package Formation, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-PM-03, Monitor Rotor Spun Product Quality according to Specification within Operator Control,, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-PM-04, Load, Thread, Start, Stop, Control and Doff relevant Yarn Packaging Machines to Ensure Rotor Spun Yarn is Packaged according to Customer Requirements, Level 2, 13 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-PM-05, Patrol and Monitor Yarn Packaging Processes to Ensure Correct Rotor Spun Yarn Packaging Formation, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-PM-06, Monitor Rotor Re-wound or Twisted or Doubled Yarn Product Quality to Ensure Conformance to Product Specification,, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-PM-07, Apply Safety, Housekeeping and Waste Control Standards when operating Rotor Spinning Machines and Yarn Packaging Machines, Level 2, 4 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 68.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 715102-002-00-00-WM-01, Rotor Spinning Machines Preparation and Operation, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-WM-02, Rotor Spinning Processes Continuity, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-WM-03, Rotor Spinning Products Quality, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-WM-04, Safety Standards and Housekeeping Practices in a Rotor Spinning Department, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-WM-05, Yarn Packaging Machine Preparation and Operation, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-WM-06, Rotor Spun Yarn Packaging Process Continuity, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-WM-07, Rotor Spun Yarn Packaged Product Quality, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715102-002-00-00-WM-08, Safety Standards and Housekeeping Practices in a Rotor Spun Yarn Packaging Department, Level 2, 2 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 62. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare and set up the rotor spinning machines and one of the yarn packaging (re-winding or twisting or doubling) machines for operations according to product specifications.
    2. Operate (start, run, stop, doff) the rotor spinning machinery and relevant yarn packaging machines to achieve continuous production.
    3. Patrol the rotor spinning machines and selected yarn packaging machines and monitor the spinning and re-winding, twisting or doubling processes to ensure continuous production and maximum efficiency.
    4. Inspect and maintain the quality of end-products according to product specification and waste control measures for the rotor spinning and selected yarn packaging (re-winding or twisting or doubling) process.
    5. Apply all safety, housekeeping and record keeping standards for the rotor spinning process and one yarn packaging (re-winding or twisting or doubling) process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Input materials and output products are identified by interpreting product specifications for rotor spinning process and yarn packaging (re-winding or twisting or doubling) process, for production.
  • Machines, machine parts, attachments, equipment and tools are identified, cleaned and verified as functional and safe for use for the rotor spinning machines and yarn packaging machines for production.
  • Assistance with preparing and setting machines for production and quality change requirements are provided for rotor spinning and yarn packaging processes.
  • Specified raw materials are loaded for processing in rotor spinning and yarn packaging operations.
  • Specified raw materials are threaded according to thread path for rotor spinning machines and yarn packaging machines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Start-up procedures are implemented for production on rotor spinning and yarn packaging (re-winding or twisting or doubling) machines.
  • Rotor spinning machines and selected yarn packaging machines are run and operated according to standard operating procedures for production in rotor spinning and yarn packaging processes.
  • Rotor spinning and yarn packaging machines are stopped according to procedures.
  • Doffing procedures are applied for rotor spinning and yarn packaging end-products.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Machines are patrolled to ensure continuous production for the rotor spinning process and one of the following yarn packaging (re-winding or twisting or doubling) processes.
  • Rotor spinning and yarn packaging machines are adjusted to prevent and correct machine faults and minimise machine down-time.
  • Processes and products of rotor spinning and yarn packaging (re-winding or twisting or doubling) processes are identified.
  • Process conditions for the rotor spinning and yarn packaging (re-winding or twisting or doubling) processes are monitored and observed.
  • Efficiency is maintained and optimum production is achieved for the rotor spinning process and re-winding or twisting or doubling processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Product quality faults are identified.
  • Corrective action is taken to address machine and process faults.
  • Waste control measures are applied to maintain process efficiency.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Compliance with safety standards relevant to the rotor spinning department and a yarn packaging department is achieved.
  • Good housekeeping practices are applied in the rotor spinning and yarn packaging departments.
  • Production records relevant to the rotor spinning and yarn packaging processes are accurately 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 
    India:
    This qualification has been compared with the National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector in India and a selection of units from the New Zealand National Certificate in Textiles Manufacturing (Operations) (Level 2).

    The Indian National Occupational Standards focus on a range of jobs within the yarn spinning sector covering key processes such as spinning, winding and twisting and on the responsibility to minimise machine stoppages as well as to achieve maximum production. The following Indian Textile Occupational Standards have been identified for comparison with the South African Qualification:
  • Ring Frame Tenter.
  • Ring Frame Doffer.
  • Open-end Spinning Tenter.
  • Autoconer Tenter.
  • Cone Winding Operator.
  • Two for One Twister.
  • Packing Checker (inspection of cone packages).

    The content of the seven National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector from India covers compulsory occupational standards such as shift hand-over, operating machinery, machine cleaning and maintenance, piecing of broken yarn and 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 Indian National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector reflect the occupational standards for specific jobs in spinning and post-spinning separately. They include 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. Credits and duration have not been determined and no comparison could be performed.

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

    New Zealand:
    This qualification aims at preparing people for employment as machine operators in the textile manufacturing industry. It is structured to include unit standards in all strands of the textile manufacturing industry, with compulsory unit standards aimed at core yarn processing information and skills which are then combined with a selection from elective units which are specific to the textile sub-sector in which the learner will seek employment.

    The compulsory section of the qualification covers aspects such as safe working practices and a general knowledge of textile manufacturing operations, processes and products. The elective section pertaining to the Occupational Certificate: Ring frame Spinning and Yarn Packaging Machine Operator includes aspects related to: demonstrating knowledge of the spinning process and equipment; preparing and operating spinning, winding and twisting machines and equipment, identifying and fixing operational and product faults and keeping the machine and work area clean. Units with skills more specific to spinning, twisting and winding include:
  • Twist yarn on a ring twisting machine.
  • Twist yarn on a 2 for 1 twisting machine.
  • Reel yarn.
  • Wind yarn.
  • Spin yarn on a woollen ring spinning machine.
  • Process yarn in a Twist set machine.

    Conclusion:
    The contents of these qualifications regarding the skills and knowledge needed by an operator of a yarn production machine are similar and cover yarn preparation contexts and processes. It can be concluded that the South African qualification compares well with the Indian National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector as well as the New Zealand National Certificate in Textiles Manufacturing (Operations) (Level 2). 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the:
  • National Certificate: N2 Spinning Machine Mechanician, Level 02.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the:
  • National Certificate: N3 Spinning Mechanician: Long Staple - Worsted, Level 03. 

  • 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: Rotor Spinning and Yarn Packaging Machine Operator: 715102-002-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Qualifications related to the textile dry finishing machine operator occupation:
    Curriculum Code, Title, Level and Credits:
    715102-001-00-00 Occupational Certificate: Ringframe Spinning and Yarn Packaging Machine Operator, Level 2, 168 Credits.
    715102-002-00-00 Occupational Certificate: Rotor Spinning and Yarn Packaging Machine Operator, Level 2, 162 Credits.
    715206-003-00-00 Occupational Certificate: Speciality Yarn Assembly Machine Operator, Level 2, 114 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.
     
    NONE 



    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.