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: Footwear Pattern Grader

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118787	Occupational Certificate: Footwear Pattern Grader
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-FPMSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	26	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0522/24	2022-02-03	2025-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31		2029-12-31

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 part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Footwear Pattern Grader. A Footwear Pattern Grader produces graded patterns for a range of footwear styles and functionalities.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Read, understand and interpret footwear design and manufacturing specifications, styles and construction and select correct last and other raw material based on a design specification.

Apply sizing systems for grading of footwear standards.

Grade footwear standard with lines (one size up and one size down) and produce a neat, accurate and well labelled set of patterns.

Rationale:
There are no similar registered qualifications on the NQF. Therefore, the Footwear Pattern Grader performs a crucial role in the manufacturing of quality footwear and without this role the impact on the quality and financial viability of the footwear product will be detrimental. This is a crucial and much needed part in the construction of footwear. An absence of well-qualified Pattern Makers and Graders could potentially lead to ill-fitting footwear causing a number of physiological problems and even permanent deformities in humans.The footwear pattern grader is the professional that transforms the original, finalised, standard size pattern that will be used to produce footwear patterns in the various size ranges required. . The main responsibility of the Footwear Pattern Grader is the grading of the patterns for uppers, bottomstock and linings into the various size ranges as required. Footwear Pattern Graders take the original, finalised, standard size pattern and grades them into various sizes larger and smaller than the standard pattern size.

Qualified learners apply knowledge and understanding of materials, footwear construction and manufacturing capabilities of factories to compile manufacturing specifications for each footwear product, indicating requirements for processes, materials, trims and so forth applying a thorough understanding of the development of the shoe last and of all the bottom components such as insoles, soles and heels and the different materials that can be used in production such as leathers, synthetics and fabrics.

Typical learners for the qualification are school leavers wanting to pursue a career in the footwear manufacturing industry and/or employees currently employed as Footwear graders but without formal qualifications in this field. Learners completing this part-qualification successfully could find employment in any footwear manufacturing company and/or footwear design institutions as Pattern graders.

This part-qualification will contribute to the economy by creating suitably qualified persons that can fill important roles in the footwear industry. It will also create progression in terms of learning, leading to multiskilled employees. Furthermore, the qualification will support the footwear industry to reduce defects and reworks leading to sustainability. Footwear manufacturing companies will benefit from employing qualified Footwear Pattern Graders since they fulfil an important role in the footwear manufacturing process and as such will contribute to the quality and cost effectiveness of the footwear manufacturing process and product. The pattern grading techniques are fundamental to the design process that leads to the creation of a footwear collection or size range. Without a proper graded pattern, the manufacturer will not be able to produce good quality footwear to the correct size.

The Footwear Pattern Graders are recognised by the industry, are recruited by employers and will find employment in the industry. The part-qualification thus provides an exit point into employment. The footwear industry recognises the Footwear Pattern Grader occupation as a standalone occupation. Therefore, such a qualification is required by the footwear industry.

This part-qualification has been developed with the support, contribution and sign off from the following footwear stakeholders:

Footwear & Leather Industries Cluster (FLIC).

National Union of Leather and Allied Workers (NULAW).

SA Clothing & Textile Workers Union (SACTWU).

National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry (NBCLI).

Department f Trade and Industry (DTI).

Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA Quality Assurance (FP&M SETA QA).

South African Footwear & Leather Industries Association (SAFLIA).

Professional registration is not required for this qualification since no professional body for the industry exists.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners will gain access to the part-qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.

Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted from modules through RPL.

Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF.

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.

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

NQF Level 2 Footwear related qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This part-qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

683202-002-00-KM-01, Footwear Pattern Grading, Level 4, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 3

Practical Skill Modules:

683202-002-00-PM-01, Grade Patterns for Footwear Uppers and Bottomstock for a Range of Footwear Styles and Functionalities, Level 4, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 8

Work Experience Modules:

683202-002-00-WM-01, Footwear Pattern Grading, Level 4, 15 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 15

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Read, understand, and interpret footwear design and manufacturing specifications, styles and construction and select correct last and other raw material based on a design specification.
2. Apply sizing systems for grading of footwear standards.
3. Grade footwear standard with lines (one size up and one size down) and produce a neat, accurate and well labelled set of patterns.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Read and interpret footwear design and manufacturing specifications.

Demonstrate and apply an understanding of construction and assembly of footwear during the footwear pattern grading processes.

Select correct last and other raw materials based on a specification.

Inspect and measure last, ensuring it conforms to specifications.

Select and use relevant tools and equipment for footwear pattern grading activities and verify and confirm accuracy of measuring tools are verified and confirmed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate an understanding of different footwear sizing systems.

Perform the application of different sizing systems.

Apply conversion tables.

Grade footwear standards for footwear uppers and bottomstock.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Dissect patterns from the standard ensuring all pattern sections are produced.

Grade footwear standards accurately (one size up and one size down) and ensure patterns adhere to constant grade and restrictions standards.

Apply lasting, underlay and seam allowances, and demonstrate the understanding of the underpinning principles.

Accurately apply the springing technique according to relevant footwear pattern grading principles for aspects such as better fit, when pattern intersect two axes, etc.

Label and inspect the full set of patterns to ensure conformance to master standard of the footwear style.

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 together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated summative assessment
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant qcto assessment quality partner is required for the issuing of this part-qualification. the external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Occupational Certificate: Footwear Pattern Grader was compared to the qualifications offered by ARSUTORIA. ARSUTORIA Institute is based in Milan, Italy as well as the Indian occupational standards and the Indian Occupational Standards for Pattern Cutter (Footwear) (LSS/Q2102) qualification offered by FDDI of India.

Italy
The Footwear Pattern Making and Prototyping Diploma presented by the ARSUTORIA Institute which is based in Milan, Italy, focuses on shoes and bags pattern making and design. The qualification is offered over a duration of 13 weeks. The entry requirements for this qualification is experience in a formal footwear establishment and individuals with footwear designing capabilities.

Learning Outcomes include:

International measurements systems of shoe sizes and width.

Materials and components: those visible that contribute to the aesthetic of a shoe but also hidden ones that make the difference in the quality of the construction.

Equipment, processes, and constructions to manufacture shoes.

Edge finishing and reinforcing.

Hand lasting sessions exposing participants to the toe, back and side lasting operation.

Prototype making in the sample room.

Visits to footwear manufacturing plants, leather tanneries, last making facilities, heel makers and sole manufacturers.

Exposure to shoe finishing laboratory.

Lectures by selected specialists from leading Italian companies.

Analysis of foot, last, upper, middle and bottom components of footwear.

An analysis of footwear materials includes but it is not limited to:

> Types of lasts and relationship with different styles, sizes, and measures, the last as one of the tools in the manufacturing process.

> Analysis of different materials used for uppers and linings (leather, fabrics, and synthetics).>> Overview of the leather tanning process, leather finishing.

> Upper edge finishing as part of the footwear pattern making and grading and preparation process.

> Hidden components: role and function of insoles, toe boxes, and back stiffener.

> Traditional outsoles (leather and rubber), heels, units, platforms.>> Chemical sole-units: rubber, TPR, PVC, PU, TPU, EVA.

The final assessment integrates all the subjects covered during the course and to assess the progress in skills and knowledge. It takes the entire week, and it includes a fit testing session on learner's prototypes, a written test, a practical exercise, and an interview.

Similarities
The content of the two qualifications is very similar and includes similar outcomes, knowledge, and competencies.

Differences
The Occupational Certificate: Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader includes a work experience component of 33 credits and a Pattern Grader part qualification of 26 credits, but the Footwear Pattern Making and Prototyping Diploma does not. This also accounts for the difference in duration where the duration of the Footwear Pattern Making and Prototyping Diploma is only 13 weeks. Entry requirements for the Footwear Pattern Making and Prototyping Diploma states experience at established manufacturers and design capabilities while the South African qualification requires an NQF Level 3 qualification.

India
The Indian Occupational Standards for Pattern Cutter (Footwear) (LSS/Q2102) qualification offered by FDDI of India is at NSQF level 4 and entry requirements include footwear manufacturing experience of 2-3 years. The duration is 200 notional hours. This qualification focusses on the performance criteria, knowledge, understanding, and skills and abilities required to create the pattern pieces in the form of pattern blocks, pattern bases or pattern dummies to determine the final appearance of the footwear. It includes:

Ensure the work area is free from hazards as per the safety norm of the organization.

Ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the workplace as per the organizational standards.

Obtain and check the data on the specification sheet and carry out functions in line with the responsibilities of job role.

Draw patterns as per design specification.

Set the machine parameters as per the manufacturer's instruction, if using CAD/CAM machine for drawing of patterns.

Adjust the pattern specification as per the product standards and allowances required.

Cut the patterns as per specifications.

Ensure the cut patterns are free from production and handling damages and handed over to the concerned person.

Organise/ maintain work areas and activities to ensure tools and machines are maintained as per norms.

Comply with health, safety and security requirements at the workplace and covers procedures to prevent, control and minimize risk to self and others.

Comply with industry, regulatory and organizational requirements at the workplace.

The final assessment includes a theoretical as well as a practical demonstration with a pass mark of 50%.

Similarities
The content of the two qualifications is very similar and includes similar outcomes, knowledge, and competencies.

Differences
The Occupational Certificate: Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader includes a work experience component of 33 credits and a Pattern Grader part qualification of 26 credits, but the Indian Occupational Standards for Pattern Cutter (Footwear) (LSS/Q2102) does not. This also accounts for the difference in duration where the duration of the Indian Occupational Standards for Pattern Cutter (Footwear) (LSS/Q2102) is only 200 hours. Entry requirements differ, the Indian Occupational Standards for Pattern Cutter (Footwear) (LSS/Q2102) states NSQF level 4 and footwear manufacturing experience of 2-3 years. The entry requirements for the Occupational Certificate: Footwear Pattern Grader are NQF 2 Footwear related qualifications.

Conclusion
The Occupational Certificate: Footwear Pattern Grader compares favourably with the two international qualifications and in terms of content coverage.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This part-qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Pattern Making Assistant, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Apparel Pattern Maker and Grader, NQF Level 5.

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment:
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 QCTO website.

The curriculum title and code: Footwear Pattern Grader: 683202-002-00-01.

Encompassed Trades
This part-qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD.

None.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)

Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA (FP&M SETA).

Parent Qualification

Footwear Pattern Maker and Grader, NQF Level 4.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION
None.

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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