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: Textile Drawframe and Speedframe Machine Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103221  Occupational Certificate: Textile Drawframe and Speedframe 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  159  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 prepare a learner to operate as a Textile Drawframe and Speedframe Machine Operator.

The Textile Drawframe and Speedframe Machine Operator prepares and operates drawframe and speedframe machines to process fibres into required drawn sliver or roving according to specifications for yarn production processes.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Prepare textile drawframe and speedframe machines and raw material for continuous production and machine optimisation as per product specifications.
  • Operate, patrol and monitor textile drawframe and speedframe machines to produce drawn sliver or roving.
  • Identify and adhere to safety requirements including the use and care of personal protective equipment (PPE).

    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 learners will have acquired the competencies to operate textile drawframe and speedframe 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 drafted sliver and roving products.

    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:
  • Level 1 with communication.
    Or
  • 3 years of workplace experience in a Drawframe and Speedframe Department. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 715101-002-00-00-KM-01, Drawframe Process Technology, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-KM-02, Speedframe Process Technology, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-KM-03, Textile Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-KM-04, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-KM-05, Applied English Literacy for the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 33.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 715101-002-00-00-PM-01, Operate Drawframe Machines to Achieve Continuous Regulated Drafted Sliver Production, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-PM-02, Patrol and Monitor Drawframe Machines and Processes for Formation of Drafted Sliver as Required, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-PM-03, Monitor Quality of Drawframe Drafted Sliver Products according to Quality Specifications, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-PM-04, Apply all Safety, Housekeeping and Waste Control Standards to Drawframe Processes, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-PM-05, Operate Speedframe Machines to Achieve Continuous Roving Production, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-PM-06, Patrol and Monitor Speedframe Machines for Formation of Roving as Required, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-PM-07, Monitor Quality of Speedframe Roving Produced according to Quality Specifications, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-PM-08, Apply all Safety, Housekeeping and Waste Control Standards to Speedframe Processes, Level 2, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 62.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 715101-002-00-00-WM-01, Continuous Drawframe Production, Level 2, 12 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-WM-02, Drawframe Process Patrolling and Monitoring, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-WM-03, Maintain Quality Standards for Drawframe Products, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-WM-04, Drawframe Safety Standards and Housekeeping Practices, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-WM-05, Continuous Speedframe Production, Level 2, 14 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-WM-06, Speedframe Process Patrolling and Monitoring, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-WM-07, Maintain Quality Standards for Roving Production, Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 715101-002-00-00-WM-08, Safety Standards and Housekeeping Practices in Speedframe Department, Level 2, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 64. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare the textile drawframe and speedframe machines for production of sliver and roving (select raw material, load, conduct pre-start inspection).
    2. Operate (start, stop and doff) the textile drawframe and speedframe machines to achieve continuous production.
    3. Patrol and monitor the textile drawing and roving processes for the blending of sliver and production of roving to optimise production of both the drawing and roving processes.
    4. Monitor quality of blended fibre sliver and roving to ensure products conform to product specification requirements.
    5. Apply all safety, housekeeping and waste control standards to textile drawframe and speedframe machine processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Correctly interpret product and raw material specifications to ensure the correct blend of fibre is presented in the commencement of the drawing and roving processes.
  • Check all machines to ensure they are functional and safe to use for drawing and roving processes.
  • Conduct pre-start-up sequence ensuring safety mechanisms are functional and moving parts of drawframe and speedframe machines are in good working order.
  • Ensure that sufficient raw material is available to ensure continuity of supply after start-up of machines for drawing and roving processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply the start-up sequence of drawframe and speedframe machines.
  • Operate drawframe and speedframe machines to achieve continuous production of drawn sliver and roving.
  • Perform stopping and doffing procedures as required for drawframe and speedframe machines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the correct patrolling system and monitoring process for achieving the correct product quality and production for drawing and roving processes.
  • Apply appropriate production procedures and identify any non-conformances in drawframe and speedframe machines and machine parts which may result in inferior product being produced for drawing and roving processes.
  • Observe the drawing and roving process ensuring there is no interference with machine production flow.
  • Ensure machine efficiency is optimised and take corrective action to address any non-conformances identified on both drawframe and speedframe machines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Monitor the blending of slivers with the objective to identify and rectify non-conformances in drawing and roving processes.
  • Ensure quality by the monitoring of the correct formation of the sliver and roving for drawing and roving processes.
  • Identify appropriate quality requirements and any non-conformances in the blending of slivers and production of roving and take corrective action for drawing and roving processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Perform safety checks when starting machines and during operation for drawframe and speedframe machines.
  • Apply good housekeeping practices including the segregation of various types of waste for drawing and roving processes.
  • Accurately record and report incidents (safety) and occurrences for drawing and roving processes.
  • Observe and report changes in the environment for drawing and roving processes.

    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: Textile Drawframe and Speedframe Machine Operator was compared with National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector from India and applicable units from the New Zealand National Certificate in Textile Manufacture (Operations) (Level 2).

    Indian:
    The Indian National Occupational Standards focus on a range of jobs within the textile fibre preparatory sub-sector production covering key processes such as drawframe and speedframe operations. These NOS refer to the fibre preparatory department and operators are expected to operate the machines in sequence. The context of operation also includes the continuous feed of fibre from the drawframe machines to the speedframe machine.

    The following Indian textile occupational standards have been identified for comparison:
  • Speedframe Operator-Tenter and Doffer.
  • Drawframe Operator.

    The contents of the two National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector from India 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 admin/reporting records, communication with supervisors and so forth.

    Content which is specific to carding operations includes operating the drawframe and speedframe machines, piecing-up of sliver, roving and drafted fibre, doffing procedures, monitoring quality of the sliver being produced, attending to machine stoppage, segregating waste, and so forth.

    Content which is specific to drawframe and speedframe operations includes operating the machines, which includes: cleaning; maintenance and material handling activities; ensuring proper feeding of drafted sliver, roving or fibre; piecing-up of sliver on breakage; doffing the sliver and transport the delivery cans to the storage area. It is also expected from the operator to carry out tenting and monitoring quality of the sliver.

    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 its importance.

    New Zealand:
    The New Zealand National Certificate in Textile Manufacture (Operations) (Level 2) is structured to cover a number of strands in the textile industry from which the learner could select from categories of elective units as appropriate to the work context. Not all units within the qualification are therefore applicable to the carding and drawframe machine departments and operations.

    Units cover various generic aspects related to occupational safety and general working practices such as productivity, product quality, 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, raw material identification and description, fault finding and access and use of textile production information.

    The units specifically relating to carding machine operations were selected from the Core Yarn Processing, Top-Making, Semi-Worsted and Worsted Processing, Woollen Yarn Processing and Wool Scouring categories and include:
  • Gill sliver or top on a gilling machine.
  • Process sliver or top in a backwash.
  • Process slivers on a roving machine.

    These units cover concepts of skills development, performance criteria acquisition of skills and a sound basis of technical knowledge. The essential skills and knowledge are listed, however the level purported to be specified, is absent. The New Zealand qualification is set at Level 2 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) but entry requirements are not specified. It is therefore unclear whether the prerequisites would in fact refer to entry level requirements or other prerequisites.

    Conclusion:
    The qualifications have similarities in the content of the qualifications regarding the practical skills, knowledge needed by an operator and operational context and processes. It can be concluded that the South African qualification is on par with the National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector as well as the National Certificate in Textile Manufacture (Operations) (Level 2). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the:
  • Occupational Certificate: Carding and Drawframe Machine Operator, Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the:
  • National Certificate: N3 Spinning Mechanician: Long Staple - Worsted, Level 3. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.