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: Sewing Machine Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97238  Occupational Certificate: Sewing 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  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  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 necessary skills and knowledge to operate as a Sewing Machine Operator. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Interpret an in-company work instruction in order to determine the requirements of the tasks to be performed.
  • Plan work and prepare the workstation for sewing within the ambit of the team.
  • Set up the sewing machine and select the correct equipment, materials and work aids to meet the requirements of the customer specifications.
  • Maximise safety and productivity according to in-company standards.
  • Recognise processing faults and quality of finished sewn product and inspect them to avoid rework and rejects.
  • Perform a sewing operation that meeting customer standards.

    Rationale:
    The Sewing Machine Operator Occupational Certificate is designed for employees who have been operating in the industry without the recognition for competencies they have acquired in the workplace over a period of time. This qualification has been designed in line with the national government's initiative aimed at addressing the lack of infrastructure, skills and by investing in this sector in order to uplift the domestic market share and exports including global competitiveness. The government also aims to ensure sustainability of the business environment that is able to continuously retain and grow employment levels. Possible areas of employment include clothing, home textile, and leather goods manufacturing companies, including self-employment. 
    		•

    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 Results 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:
    The minimum entry requirements for the Occupational Certificate: Sewing Machine Operator qualification is NQF Level 1 or 3 years' experience as a Sewing Machine Operator. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is consists of compulsory modules made up of knowledge, practical and work experience modules at NQF Level 2 totalling 128 Credits.

    Knowledge Modules, Totalling 30 Credits:
  • 715301000-KM-01, Sewing machine technology, materials and operations, NQF Level 2, 15 Credits.
  • 715301000-KM-02, Basic clothing and textile production and manufacturing concepts, NQF Level 2, 7 Credits.
  • 715301000-KM-03, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Clothing Industry, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 715301000-KM-04, Applied English Literacy for the Clothing Industry, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 30.

    Practical Skill Modules, Totalling 39 Credits:
  • 715301000-PM-01, Inspect and prepare sewing machine, work aids, equipment and raw material for production, NQF Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 715301000-PM-02, Pick up, align and sew cut components and parts using a lock-stitch machine performing a minimum of two operations, NQF Level 2, 15 Credits.
  • 715301000-PM-03, Pick up, align and sew cut components and parts using an over-lock machine performing a minimum of two operations, NQF Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 715301000-PM-04, Pick up, align and sew cut components and parts using cover seam machine, NQF Level 2, 9 Credits.
  • 715301000-PM-05, Correctly dispose of joined component parts, NQF Level 2, 1 Credit.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 39.

    Work Experience Modules, Totalling 59 Credits:
  • 715301000-WM-01, Preparation of sewing machines and consumables for sewing of product parts according to company quality and quantity standards, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 715301000-WM-02, Production of sewn products or product parts according to company quality and quantity standards, NQF Level 2, 56 Credits.
  • 715301000-WM-03, Quality control and disposal of sewn products or product parts according to company quality and quantity standards, NQF Level 2, 1 Credit.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 54. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Interpret an in-company work instruction to determine the requirements of the tasks to be performed.
    2. Plan work and prepare the workstation for sewing within the ambit of the team.
    3. Set up the sewing machine and select the correct equipment, materials and work aids to meet the requirements of the customer specifications.
    4. Maximise safety and productivity according to the in-company standards.
    5. Recognise processing faults and the quality of finished sewn products by inspecting the sewn products in order to avoid rework and rejects.
    6. Competently operate any one of two machines, namely lock-stitch and over-lock machine, to produce sewn component parts.
    7. Perform a sewing operation that meets customer standards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The operation specified on the work instruction is correctly identified and all aspects of the operation are defined.
  • The quality and quantity of raw material are verified in accordance with the work instruction.
  • The method to be applied in the operation is correctly identified.
  • Key quality points relevant to the operation and method are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The work-flow of the production line is identified and the role and position of the respective operation is recognised.
  • The operation is planned taking into account the production targets of the team and the effect of bottlenecks, on the work flow and productivity.
  • In the event of a style change, the supervisor is notified well in advance of raw material, attachments and work aid requirements.
  • Any potential obstacles that could affect productivity are anticipated in advance and corrective action is taken.
  • Worn out or damaged needles are disposed according to safety procedures.
  • The work area is cleaned and tidied before, during, and after the operation, especially if the style change includes a colour change which might affect the quality of the sewn product.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The requirements of the current operation are correctly interpreted and the machine and equipment settings are set and adjusted accordingly.
  • Machine settings are set according to the threads and fabric types.
  • A test for correct stitching is performed and adjustments to the machine and equipment settings are correctly applied if necessary to ensure compliance with quality requirements.
  • The appropriate needle is chosen to suite the type of thread, type of stitch and type of material to be sewn.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Own time management is done according to the time and method of the operation and coordinate with the work flow of the production line.
  • Quantity targets set for the specific process are met.
  • Workstation are inspected for compliance with safety requirements prior to starting with work.
  • Deviations from the safety compliance requirements are identified and recorded.
  • Relevant Personal Protective Clothing (PPE) and reporting deviations are used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Full responsibility for the quality of the product at needle point is taken by identifying process faults, product faults and machine faults and taking the necessary steps to address those.
  • The completed work is inspected and recorded to verify that it meets the specified technical instructions and compliance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The speed of the machine is correctly controlled through the application of eye-hand-foot coordination.
  • Performance of the machine is monitored through regular checking of thread tension and other settings and inspection of stitching in finished product.
  • Safety standards are adhered to by applying correct PPE.
  • The work piece or component is correctly aligned to the machine.
  • The hazards and risks associated with the machine or process are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • A range of fabrics is handled.
  • The correct sewing method for the operation being undertaken is utilised.
  • The sewing operation according to the customer standards of quality, targets and score is performed.
  • A range of sewing faults which might occur during the sewing process is immediately identified and rectified.
  • Work is inspected to ensure that it is fault free before disposing to the next operation.
  • The product is disposed for the next operation by applying the requirements of the specified disposal method.
  • Production information is recorded according to company requirements.
  • Any other production information to the supervisor as required is communicated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated formative assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide the learners 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 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 
    Occupational Standards for Apparel, Made-ups and Home Furnishers:
    The Occupational Standards for Apparel, Made-ups and Home Furnishers are the standards set by the National Skills Development Corporation in India. These standards were set up as part of a national skills development mission to fulfil the growing need in India for skilled manpower across sectors and narrowing the existing gap between the demand and supply of skills. They describe what individuals need to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function in relation to occupations. These are performance standards that individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. The areas of focus also include, use of plain and other sewing machine types, sewing techniques in joining of components in constructing a garment, use of industrial folders, identification of fabric and trims, and application of quality systems and procedures. The range of machine types is with regard to sewing are identified and operations to be performed. The qualification is also designed to prepare individuals for employment in a garment making factory.

    Conclusion:
    The content of this qualification and these standards compare favourably as it covers vital areas needed in the sewing industry. They both include aspects such as, identification of machine parts and functions, preparation of the machine for operation, and identification and rectification of faults that could affect performance. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification presents potential progress horizontally and vertically into the following related qualifications.

    Horizontal:
  • National Certificate: Clothing, Textile and Leather Manufacturing Processes, NQF Level 2.

    Vertical:
  • National Certificate: Sewing Machine Mechanics, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Clothing Production: Pattern and Garment Construction, NQF 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.