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 Bottomstock Production Machine Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
99232	Occupational Certificate: Footwear Bottomstock Production 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	112	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 prepare a learner to operate as a Footwear Bottomstock Production Machine Operator.

A Footwear Bottomstock Production Machine Operator prepares, sets up and operates footwear bottomstock machinery and equipment for the processing of footwear insole and sole component parts and heels and/or heel lifts to produce and marry and/or assemble footwear bottomstock for further processing.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Cut bottomstock component parts (insoles, soles, heel lifts and heels) by operating a cutting press and performing relevant hand processes to work ticket specifications.

Process cut insole, soles, heels and/or heel lifts components to work ticket specification by operating a range of machines and performing relevant hand processes.

Assemble and/or marry prepared bottomstock components to produce bottomstock to work ticket specification by operating a range of machines and performing relevant hand processes.

Rationale:
The Department of Trade and Industry declared its support to the Leather and Footwear industry by allocating R290 million through its Competitiveness Improvement Programme (CIP) to enhance the competitiveness of the industry by establishing five sector clusters. The aim of this initiative is to reverse the lack of sector development infrastructure, skills and institutional investment in design innovation and to uplift the domestic market share and increase exports, which are low. Areas that received attention were the Footwear, Leather, Leather Goods, General Goods, Handbags and Luggage sectors which are domestic market oriented, and the Crocodile leather, Ostrich leather, and Taxidermy industry sub-sectors which are predominantly export oriented. The latter offer potential for enhancing export revenue generation through international luxury goods markets.

The aim of the Competitiveness Improvement Programme is to build and improve capacity in the manufacturing and related value chain of the clothing, textile, footwear, leather and leather goods sectors in South Africa and to improve global competitiveness. The CIP aims, through the cluster approach, to create a group of globally competitive companies that would ensure a sustainable business environment able to retain and grow employment levels.

Two distinct target groups have been identified for this qualification. The first group comprises existing employees who have been operating in the industry for a number of years without receiving appropriate recognition for the competencies acquired in the work place and who are operating without the necessary underpinning formal knowledge. The second group comprises new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification, but no experience in the industry. Learners will benefit from this qualification as it prepares them to enter employment in this sector and/or for career advancement. Due to the unique nature of the raw material, especially leather and the processing of the product, new entrants have to acquire the skills through the practical skills and workplace experience components of the qualification.

Because of the ongoing support by government, the sector is in a growth phase and new employment opportunities are being created. Employment will be mainly with footwear manufacturing companies and government initiatives. However, self-employment is another possibility which could lead to a sustainable small business.

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:

Any NQF Level 1 qualification with Communication and Mathematics.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

715603000-KM-1, Footwear Bottom Stock Production Technology, Level 2, 12 Credits.

715603000-KM-2, Basic Footwear Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 6 Credits.

715603000-KM-03, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Footwear Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715603000-KM-04, Applied English Literacy for the Footwear Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 26.

Practical Skill Modules:

715603000-PM-01, Cut bottom stock component parts from leather/non-leather materials and apply related cutting principles by performing hand and machine operations whilst conforming with safety requirements, Level 2, 8 Credits.

715603000-PM-02, Operate a range of machines and perform a range of hand operations to process cut insole component parts, Level 2, 10 Credits.

715603000-PM-03, Operate a range of machines and perform a range of hand operations to process cut soles, Level 2, 10 Credits.

715603000-PM-04, Operate a range of machines and perform a range of hand operations to process cut heels and/or heel lifts, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715603000-PM-05, Operate a range of machines and perform a range of hand operations to assemble and marry prepared bottom stock components, Level 2, 10 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 42.

Work Experience Modules:

715603000-WM-01, Bottom stock cutting process, Level 2, 8 Credits.

715603000-WM-02, Insole preparation processes in the rough stuff department, Level 2, 12 Credits.

715603000-WM-03, Sole preparation processes in the press room, Level 2, 8 Credits.

715603000-WM-04, Heel building and attaching process, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715603000-WM-05, Bottom stock production and dispatching process, Level 2, 12 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 44.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Interpret the footwear bottomstock production work ticket to determine the scope of work.
2. Identify the construction and process flow relevant to the bottom stock product being manufactured.
3. Operate a range of machinery and equipment relevant to bottom stock manufacturing.
4. Understand and describe all footwear bottomstock production processes required to achieve product according to the work instruction.
5. Evaluate the importance of correct production methods in terms of meeting production targets.
6. Produce manufactured bottom stock, heels, soles and insoles to specification.
7. Apply safety procedures when working with chemicals.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The footwear bottomstock production work ticket is accurately interpreted and all the aspects are identified and described.

The machinery and equipment relevant to the footwear bottomstock production work ticket are identified.

The materials, consumables and components relevant to the footwear bottomstock production work ticket are identified.

The product style as specified in the work ticket is identified.

The relevant footwear bottomstock production process and operations are identified.

Sizes and quantity per size are established according to the work ticket.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Types of bottom stock related to the product being manufactured are described.

The various bottom stock components are identified.

The construction of various bottom stock relative to construction types are described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Safe working practices are applied to ensure compliance with safety requirements.

Footwear bottomstock production machines and equipment are set and adjusted in order to produce a product which meets the quality requirements of the work ticket.

Footwear bottomstock production machinery is operated to process product.

All mechanical problems are timeously identified and reported to prevent unnecessary down-time and delays.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Insole manufacturing processes are described according to the process flow.

Sole manufacturing processes are described according to the process flow.

Heel manufacturing processes are described according to the process flow.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

The roles of temperature, pressure and dwell times in bottom stock manufacturing processes are assessed.

The importance of the correct preparation of surfaces for the application of adhesives on both leather and non-leather material for bonding is justified.

The importance of the correct application of primers, solvents and adhesives and their relevant curing and drying times is evaluated.

The necessity of correct shaping of the insole and shape retention with reference to bevelling, profiling (moulding) and shank attaching is argued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Bottom stock is manufactured to specification.

Heels are manufactured to specification.

Soles and insoles are manufactured to specification.

Quality standards are continuously attained.

The bottom stock component parts are inspected for flaws, defects, stretch direction, etc. according to the quality standards.

Productivity targets are achieved.

Recording of production is accurate and up to date.

Safety rules and regulations are adhered to.

All bottom stock components are prepared and assembled for dispatch according to the applicable dispatching procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Relevant chemicals are selected according to the manufacturing processes.

Safety measures for the handling, usage and storage of chemicals are defined and applied.

Safety risks are recognised and possible preventative measures are identified.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated formative assessment:
Skills development providers 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 Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment will be conducted through a theoretical and practical assessment by an assessor registered by the AQP at approved assessment centres combined with a moderation of the work experience by a moderator registered by the AQP at the workplace.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification has been compared with the following international qualifications from New Zealand and England.

The National Certificate in Footwear in New Zealand.

Similarities:
Content: The content of the two qualifications is similar, and they have the same learning components such as communication skills, team work, writing in the workplace, and all the technical machine operations such as bottomstock cutting and interlocking techniques, insole construction, shank board attaching, moulding and ranting. Thus making the level of complexity in the two qualifications is the same.

Differences:
There are differences in the structure of the qualifications such as the elective section of the New Zealand qualification includes other aspects of the shoe manufacturing process such as Footwear Closing and Footwear Lasting and Making. In South Africa these sections have been developed as separate qualifications based on the structure of the Organising Framework for Occupations where these are listed as individual occupations, as well as on the manner in which operations are structured in the various companies. The structure also differs since the New Zealand qualification is a unit standard based qualification.

In England the NVQ Certificate in Footwear and Leather is offered. This qualification also includes a footwear manufacturing component as well as a leather manufacturing component and includes both aspects as elective unit standards from which the learner will select whichever is appropriate. In the footwear manufacturing component the focus areas are similar to the South African qualification. Furthermore this qualification quantifies the work experience components and thus gives a directive to the learner and the work place on the activities the learner should perform.

Conclusion:
This qualification compares very well with the two qualifications cited above in terms of the content and the level of complexity. These qualifications also share the same purpose.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification has both horizontal and vertical articulation pathways.

It articulates horizontally with the following qualifications still under development:

Occupational Certificate: Footwear Lasting and Making Production Machine Operator (Still to be developed).

Occupational Certificate: Creative Footwear Pattern Maker (Still to be developed).

Occupational Certificate: Footwear Designer (Still to be developed).

It articulates vertically with:

National Certificate: N3 Clothing Production, Level 3 (ID 67475).

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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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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