SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Diploma in Clothing Production

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118444	Diploma in Clothing Production
ORIGINATOR
Stadio (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)	Field 02 - Culture and Arts		Design Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-11-18	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

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 the qualification is to develop graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the clothing production field. The graduate will gain experience in applying such knowledge and skill in a workplace context. Learners will acquire depth and specialisation of knowledge, workplace experience and will be able to access specific career paths including, fashion design, manufacturing/production, pattern making, and entrepreneurship.

The qualification is designed to develop the practical skills, application and/or theoretical competency, including methodologies and principles to operate as a fashion practitioner for all vocational or professional fashion contexts that constitute the world of fashion work. The selection and arrangement of modules and learning content ensure that adequate provision is made for the progression of learning and in support of the achievement of exit level outcomes.

The qualification will allow learners to produce a range of apparel to be showcased in a curated online or physical fashion show. Learners must demonstrate competence in creating problem solving for the purpose of design and garment construction to achieve the functional and practical elements relating to the development of a final range. Learners will acquire the competence to use design techniques and apply the production and manufacturing skills to ensure that the garments are styled and merchandised for the year-end event in a manner that demonstrates the culmination of skill and knowledge as the learner prepares for access into the workplace or fields of higher learning.

Graduates have individual attributes that are sought after in the occupational field and include:

Creative and critical thinking.

Problem-solving abilities.

Technical skillsets for the design and creation of apparel.

Trend forecasting abilities.

Production and supply skills.

Pattern making skills.

Digital software skills.

This qualification will prepare learners for careers in the fashion industry. Graduates will add value to the industry by applying their knowledge of all aspects of clothing design and manufacture. The qualification will help the industry/organisation to gain a competitive market advantage, against a very informed understanding of the processes supporting and underpinning fashion design, pattern making, apparel construction, manufacturing, and supply chain processes.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to display competence in the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities associated with a career within the clothing and related industries. This includes:

Clothing product development.

Clothing production.

Clothing retail.

Rationale:
The clothing manufacturing industry in South Africa is of considerable economic importance, given that it contributes to around one-third of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to fashion retail. The qualification is designed to produce graduates who will be able to take up positions in the fashion industry (either in the formal or informal sectors) that relate to pattern making, garment construction, clothing design, apparel production, and manufacturing and supply chain processes.

The South African Technology Innovation Agency (TIA, 2008) and the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA's) documented statement that Materials Engineering Technologist (OFO 214908) is a scarce skill in the sector FP&M SETA: Demand of Skills and Scarce- and Critical Skills, 2014). Thus, the qualification addresses the issue of scarce skills stated in the cited documents.

Furthermore, stakeholders in the Clothing and Textiles Retail Sector as well as related Manufacturing stakeholders highlighted the need for highly skilled and suitably qualified Clothing and Textile technologist/technicians who can work in the clothing, textiles, and retail sectors. The institution's engagement with, the fashion retail sector in South Africa over, the past 26 years provided the institution with an understanding of their need for fashion designers, pattern makers and seamstresses who have the skills to meet the requirements of the fast-fashion industry. The need for this qualification was further made evident when the industry was engaged with at the 2019 fashion show as well as by the experts and academics who were used for the purpose of external moderation. A survey was conducted with internal and external stakeholders early in 2020 to gather insight into the need for such a qualification. This qualification aims to help fill the need for capable and skilled fashion production practitioners in the fashion industry.

The skills and knowledge areas incorporated into the qualification have been identified by industry specialists as critical components required to develop the knowledge and competence to achieve the outcomes and objectives of the programme. The learners who graduate from this qualification will be accomplished in the art of fashion design and the marking of aligned patterns for garment construction. These learners will have the knowledge of digital software used in industry for the purpose of creating technical packs and the corresponding patterns and garments. These learners will create individual ranges that are on-trend and produced in a manner that is suited to consumers and aligned to the quality expectations of the industry. They will be accomplished at choosing fabrics for drape and fit and will be able to grade garments.

The typical learner profile is creative and artistic. This learner loves to work with his/her hands and create artefacts that are both beautiful and marketable. This learner loves texture and working with different media. It is this learner who has a love of clothes and apparel and has, more than likely, made clothing at home during childhood. This learner may also be an adult learner who already works in the fashion design industry and wants a formal qualification. This learner must be able to solve problems creatively. This learner is often one who is described as thinking 'out of the box'.
Career opportunities for graduates exist in/as:

Pattern makers.

Garment constructionists.

Clothing manufacturers.

Fashion designers.

Seamstresses.

Digital graders.

Entrepreneurs

Production line managers

The 21st Century skills that aim to be achieved with this qualification include:

Negotiating

Use of technology

Time management

Teamwork

Change management

Ambition

Determination

Learners graduating from this qualification will be both employable within the fashion design and retail industry and will have sufficient skills to be entrepreneurial and launch their own clothing brand as part of a start-up enterprise. Learners will gain knowledge and skills to create artefacts that are marketable and produce these garments for either individual consumers or retail partners. These learners will be able to generate income for themselves and, eventually, employ others in society.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

The principle of recognising (through evaluation/verification and/or assessment) learning that has already taken place will be applied to qualification level, whole qualification courses (i.e. multiple levels) and the whole qualification. The application of RPL within the institution will comply with the regulations as stipulated by the CHE (August 2016): Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education.

The qualification may be achieved through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. Recognition of Prior Learning is applied in terms of policy and criteria of the institution in accordance with the national imperatives of widening access.

RPL for access:

The qualification provides alternative routes of access to higher education.RPL for access is applied to earners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

Advanced standing may be granted.

RPL for exemption from module:

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification.

For a learner to be exempted from a module and the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credits:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
Or

Higher Certificate in Clothing Management, NQF Level 5.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits:

Academic Literacy, 10 Credits.

Digital Literacy, 10 Credits.

Fashion and Culture 1A, 10 Credits.

Fashion and Culture 1B, 10 Credits.

Textile Theory and Application, 10 Credits.

Apparel Design and Production 1A, 20 Credits.

Apparel Design and Production 1B, 20 Credits.

Visual Communication, 15 Credits.

Introduction to Business Processes, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits:

Digital Practices 2A, 15 Credits.

Digital Practices 2B, 15 Credits.

Design Thinking, 10 Credits.

Entrepreneurship for Fashion, 10 Credits.

Apparel design and Production 2A, 30 Credits.

Apparel Design and Production 2B, 30 Credits.

Styling and Merchandising Practice, 10 Credits.

Supply Chain Processes 3A, 10 Credits.

Supply Chain Processes 3B, 10 Credits.

Digital Design Practice 3A, 10 Credits.

Digital Design Practice 3B, 10 Credits.

Apparel Design and Production 3A, 40 Credits.

Apparel Design and Production 3B, 40 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Contribute to the clothing development production strategies and processes that are cognisant of design trends and requirements of the fashion industry.
2. Assist with the application of business strategies for the production, merchandising and distribution of fashion products.
3. Evaluate and apply textile and fabrication knowledge and computer processes to the design and production of apparel.
4. Apply technical skills for pattern and garment construction based on industry requirements to enhance efficiency.
5. Develop an understanding of innovation and conceptualisation processes for apparel design.
6. Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology for apparel design and production.
7. Create apparel ranges that demonstrate the application of design and production processes.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyse and apply knowledge of clothing production strategies to produce various types of apparel.

Apply different clothing production strategies and supply chain mechanisms to the process of garment construction.

Identify current and future trends and utilise this information to inform production strategies.

Apply production strategies in the completion of a final-year apparel range.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply the various business strategies that are employed by designers and retailers for the production and dissemination of apparel to own range creation.

Apply the skill set of merchandising for the purpose of consumerism and investigate Procurement and Merchandising systems in Textiles and Clothing.

Explain the supply chain and distribution strategies employed by designers and retailers in South Africa and apply these to own range production.

Apply a chosen strategy for the production and merchandising on a final-year range of apparel.

Use knowledge of production, merchandising and distribution in the fashion industry for the preparation and curation of the final-year apparel range.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify different textiles and how they are used to produce apparel.

Integrate product development and manufacturing knowledge and skills in projects both manually and through use of computers.

Demonstrate the ability to use different textiles for drape and fit.

Cost textiles effectively for production purposes.

Use appropriate digital software applications for design, fit, flare, and finishes.

Use appropriate digital software for the creation of technical packs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Create technical drawings and patterns for the purpose of garment construction.

Use tailoring skills as part of range creation.

Use blocks for the creation of patterns.

Use computer-aided software for the creation of designs and patterns.

Effectively use specialised sewing machines and attachments for a garment.

Design, cut and assemble complex garments.

Effectively use specialised construction methods for the completion of garments.

Shape patterns and establish appropriate pattern principles and techniques based on individual styling and fabric.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate the ability to solve problems using design thinking processes.

Identify innovation within the fashion industry and apply same to individual range process.

Translate innovation into apparel design and creation.

Demonstrate the ability to conceptualise an individual range that is realistic, marketable, and achievable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use Lectra software including, Modaris and Diamino.

Use Lectra 3D modelling.

Select and use digitising equipment for creative design and pattern construction.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Create the designs for a 3-garment range demonstrating an understanding of trends and consumerism.

Develop a narrative that underpins the creation of the individual range.

Create designs that are appealing and sufficiently complex to demonstrate the ability to operate professionally in the workplace.

Demonstrate an understanding of production processes in a manner that enables the manufacturing of an individual range.

Create a range that is effectively merchandised and styled.

Undertake all processes related to the production cycle thereby completing an individual, ready-to-show range.

Manufacture garments as part of a range that is fit-for-purpose and demonstrates the ability to design creations that are on-trend and marketable.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Best practices have been identified from leading institutions locally and abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and addresses the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Central Saint Martin's
Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Fashion
Purpose: Graduate Diploma in Fashion
Central Saint Martin's is a world-renowned art and design college with both undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications all which ensure close connections to the industry and cultural resources of London. One of their primary faculties is that of Fashion and includes the following courses and pathways:
Undergraduate:
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion: Fashion Design with Knitwear/Marketing/Menswear/Womenswear
Postgraduate:
Graduate Diploma in Fashion
Various MA Fashion qualifications.

Qualification structure:
The qualification consists of the following modules:

Textile Technology.

Polymer Technology.

Colour Science.

Fabric Manufacture.

Advanced Performance Evaluation of Functional Apparel.

Textile Project Development.

Advanced Performance Evaluation of Functional Apparel.
There is a similarity in the Textile Technology, Advanced Performance Evaluation of Functional Apparel.

Comparison:
The Bachelor of Arts in Fashion (with the various pathways) is the one most closely aligned to the Diploma in Clothing Production. This qualification aims to develop fashion specialists who can solve problems creatively and become an innovative designer. The qualification is formulated to provide a microcosm of the professional fashion design world and provides learners with valuable insight into their future roles in the industry. Central Saint Martin's qualification, much like the South African qualification focuses on the following skill-sets:

Creative development

Technical skills

Cultural history and theories

Positioning and professional preparation.
The assessment methods and teaching and learning methods are aligned. The main differentiator is that Central Saint Martin's fashion qualification includes a research component with a dissertation.

Country: United States of America
Institution: Parsons Art and Design School
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Fashion Design
This world-renowned school of design offers an undergraduate qualification in Fashion Design (BFA). According to their school prospectus, this qualification has trained five generations of designers who have shaped the global fashion industry. The qualification, similar to the proposed qualification, employs design thinking strategies whereby learners explore form, silhouette, material, and process to create apparel. The Parson's qualification encompasses 2D, 3D and 4D processes whereby learners learn to balance hand-making and digital skills with an integrated approach to design. Similar to the South African qualification, Bachelor of Fashion Design includes visual communication, writing skills, culture contextualisation, business studies, design, and production modules.

Conclusion:
The international comparability reveals that there has always been a growing need in Clothing and Textile Technology specifically the modules within the Diploma. Globally, qualifications have been supporting the fact that there is an undying need for clothing as a necessity of a human being to a fashion statement. Hence their modules are upgrading and modifying keeping the societal context of clothing and textiles in mind from a developmental perspective and not based on business context. However, the limitation found during this comparison is that most of these international qualifications are Degrees or Honours Degree, and not Diploma. Many international institutions offer a country-specific curriculum. For example, if they have a big functional manufacturing industry, then it is covered in-depth and detail whereas the other institutions focus on retail and consumer behaviour.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Diploma in Fashion, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing and Media, NQF Level 6.

Diploma: Fashion Production, NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Fashion, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Apparel Technology, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce in Fashion, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Arts: Fashion Design, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Fashion, NQF Level 7.

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.

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