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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Apparel Pattern Designer Assistant 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115466  Occupational Certificate: Apparel Pattern Designer Assistant 
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  43  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 04170/20  2020-02-26  2025-02-26 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-02-26   2029-02-26  

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:
An Apparel Pattern Designer Assistant converts briefs and or garment designs into patterns, and tests and finalises the pattern for production.

Rationale:
This part-qualification equips learners with the necessary skills and competence to operate as an Apparel Pattern Designer Assistant. An Apparel Pattern Designer Assistant can test the pattern on the fabric by making and fitting the first sample garment. Qualifying learners will be skilled and capable of converting original briefs/designs of garments into patterns of separate parts, and testing and finalising the pattern for production, using both traditional and modern techniques, materials and fabrics to produce aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose consumer products.

Learners will find employment as Apparel Pattern Designer Assistants. These skills will also open opportunities for self-employment.

Target groups include school leavers with an NQF Level 4 qualification or persons working in the clothing industry without formal qualifications and has the desire to formalise their skills and knowledge.

Employers will benefit from appointing qualified workers in terms of increased productivity and the ability to be competitive in the international market and seek markets abroad, supplying quality manufactured apparel articles. 

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 4 with mathematical literacy and communication.
    Or
  • NQF Level 1 (AET Level 4) with a minimum of three years assessed experience as pattern grader or design room assistant. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
    Knowledge, 683202-003-00-00-KM-05, Garment Types and Respective Requirements for Pattern-making, Level 5, 15 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 15.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Practical, 683202-003-00-00-PM-04, Convert Original Briefs/Designs of Garments into Patterns of Separate Parts that can be laid out on a Length of Fabric, Level 5, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 20.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • Work Experience, 683202-003-00-00-WM-04, Garment Pattern Testing and Finalisation for Production, Level 5, 8 Credits

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 8. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Draft basic blocks and make basic patterns and produce a sample.
    2. Compile basic specifications and basic cost sheets. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Draft basic blocks and create samples using specified construction techniques and according to required measurements.
  • Make basic patterns and create samples using basic blocks and specified construction techniques, according to customer requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and list component parts (fabric, trims, construction processes, etcetera.) for specific products are identified and listed according to customer requirements.
  • Complete specifications for specific products accurately according to customer requirements.
  • Give specifications to sample department and produce samples according to customer requirements.
  • Complete basic cost sheets for specific product types according to company procedures.

    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:
    The relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner conducts an external integrated summative assessment 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 part-qualification compares with components of two qualifications, namely the:
  • Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology (Australia) (Level 5).
  • New Zealand Diploma in Apparel and Fashion Technology (Level 5).

    New Zealand:
    The New Zealand Diploma in Apparel and Fashion Technology (Level 5) is 120 Credits and prepares the learner for the apparel and fashion manufacturing sector with advanced technical skills in patternmaking and garment construction and production to meet the requirements of the company and the customer. Sewtec Fashion Academy offers the qualification.

    The comparison revealed that New Zealand and South African qualifications are similar in content, level, and complexity concerning the following qualification outcomes and related specified conditions:
  • Creating detailed specification sheets which may include: lay plan; garment description and accurate drawings; notions and trims; garment assembly instructions; costing and timings.
  • Applying knowledge of commercial garment assembly operations to write garment sequencing requirements.
  • Adapting flat patterns to create style variations.
  • Adjusting patterns to fit.
  • Making garment patterns.
  • Making lay plans.
  • Selecting fabrics and apparel componentry appropriate to the end-use for a range of structured and unstructured garments.
  • Knowledge of a range of fabric types including composition, properties, manufacturing methods and cost.
  • Selecting appropriate fabric and apparel componentry to meet garment end-use and customer requirements.

    Australia:
    A comparison with the Australian Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology (Level 5) revealed similarities in content and complexity of competencies. The Australian qualification that is offered by TAFE-NSW, includes the following aspects, which is similar to the South African qualification:
  • LMTCL201OB: Modify patterns to create basic styles.
  • LMTFD4004B: Calculate cost estimates for fashion products.
  • LMTFD4007B: Conduct quality assurance for patterns.
  • LMTFD5003B: Analyse fit model.
  • LMTFD5015B: Develop patterns for complex fashion garments.
  • LMTFD5018B: Determine and specify advanced construction processes.
  • LMTFD5019B: Analyse individual fit and make pattern alterations.
  • LMTGN2009B: Operate computing technology in a Textiles, Clothing and Footwear workplace.

    Conclusion:
  • This part-qualification compares favourably with the components of the compared qualifications in terms of content and complexity. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Pattern Grader, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications: currently being developed:
  • National Certificate: Clothing Production: Pattern and Garment Construction, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
  • In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules using statements of results and work experience records including.

    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 QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Apparel Pattern Maker: 683202001-000-00-03.

    Encompassed Trades:
  • This part-qualification is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Fibre, Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education Training Authority (FP&M SETA).

    REGISTERED PART-QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 683202-003-00-01, Pattern Making Assistant, Level 4.
  • 683202-003-00-02, Garment Pattern Development Assistant, Level 5.
  • 683202-003-00-04, Pattern Grader, Level 4. 
    		•

    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.