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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) Mechanician Processes 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48973  National Certificate: Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) Mechanician Processes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FPMSETA - Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  130  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0695/12  2012-07-01  2015-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30   2019-06-30  

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 
The qualification is applicable to people across the CTFL sector as the fundamental and core and elective components deal with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes required by all mechanicians in the sector. Learners will deal with specific clothing, textile (dry) or textile (wet) processes through the chosen elective area.

The purpose of the qualification is to build the mechanician competence at level 3 to address the following:
1. The need for mechanicians to describe and identify raw materials, lubricants and chemicals.
2. The need for mechanicians to describe and relate the mechanician competence to the various production sectors, end uses and role players in the CTFL sector.
3. The need to use a range of hand or power tools, as well as a range of fastening devices and systems
4. The need comply with quality and waste reduction practices as well as the need to apply safety, house keeping, environmental practices and specific legal requirements.
5. The need to understand mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic and steam generating systems and concepts.
6. The need to maintain positive \ employee relationships and to interact with people within other CTFL processes.
7. The need to read and react to machine control variables.
8. The need to identify calculations, terms, concepts and materials.
9. The need for learners in a clothing environment to maintain a range of clothing machinery.
10. The need for learners in a textile dry process to maintain and care for machinery and to start up and shut down a textile dries process.
11. The need for learners in a textile wet process to maintain and care for machinery.

This qualification will allow a learner to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in mechanician processes. It will set a standard for proficiency and assist in reducing high costs related to machine and equipment maintenance and breakdown. It will also assist with attracting and retaining quality learners. This qualification will also provide for the recognition of prior learning by allowing learners to obtain credits for knowledge and skills that they already possess and so obtain the qualification in whole or in part through such recognition.

The qualification supports the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework in the following ways:
  • It provides an entry level learning opportunity at level 3 which will lead to qualifications for mechanicians at levels 4 and 5. It also meets the NQF principle of portability in that 21 credits are carried over to the manufacturing processes qualifications in clothing, textiles, footwear and leather. Furthermore, it gives the opportunity for learners to obtain official recognition for knowledge and skills that they possess in mechanicians processes the awarding of an officially recognised qualification.
  • The provision that the qualification may be obtained through recognition of prior learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in mechanicians processes, and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • The inclusion of the specified unit standards in the fundamental and core categories contributes to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large.

    Rationale for the qualification

    The National Certificate in CTFL Mechanician Processes at NQF Level 3 is designed to meet the needs of learners who are involved in mechanician processes or who enter the CTFL sector. This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs across the sector. The current and future need for competent mechanicians has been expressed by employers and employees, and is captured in this qualification. This qualification provides the learner with accessibility to be employed in manufacturing support processes and provides the flexibility in that learners accessing this qualification may move qualifications in Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather manufacturing processes. To this end 21 credits in this qualification are portable across to the manufacturing process qualification. This National Certificate is structured in such a way that it gives learners exposure to a broad set of core competencies while the electives may be chosen from either clothing, textiles (dry) or textiles (wet) processes. (Note: further work in developing elective standards in footwear and leather will complete the qualification for those specific elective areas). This qualification will allow for competence in the learner's current work environment or chosen future work environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners should be competent at NQF level 2 in Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather manufacturing Processes or equivalent.

    Recognition of prior learning

    This qualification may be achieved in part or in whole through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, credits and learning components assigned to the qualification

    This national certificate in CTFL mechanicians processes at NQF level 3 comprises of unit standards, which are fundamental, core and elective. The qualification will have a minimum of 149 credits of which 56 credits are fundamental, 64 credits are core and 29 credits are in the elective component.

    In this qualification the credits are allocated as follows:
    Fundamental 36 credits 38%
    Core 64 Credits 43%
    Elective 29 credits 19%

    Credits for the fundamental component:

    These unit standards are compulsory.

    Credits for the core component:

    The unit standards classified as core describe the generic mechanician competence applicable to the CTFL sector and are compulsory.

    Credits for the elective component:

    Learners are required to select electives that add up to 29 credits from unit standards in either the clothing, textile (dry) or textile (wet) processes. In the case of textiles (dry) processes further portability principles are enhanced because 12 of the 29 credits exist in the textile (dry) manufacturing process qualification at this level. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The outcomes are specified in terms of a combination of specific and critical cross-field outcomes as defined in the different unit standards. On achieving this qualification, a learner is able to:
  • Describe and identify raw materials, lubricants and chemicals relating these to common raw materials across the sector where problems are resolved through recognising suitability for end use.
  • Describe and relate the mechanician competence to the various production sectors, end users and role players in the CTFL sector where both written and verbal communication demonstrate sound interaction, use of electronic media and understanding the impact of competitor countries on the domestic market is demonstrated.
  • Use a range of hand or power tools, as well as a range of fastening devices and systems, and serviceability, alternatives and applicability \ appropriateness are recognised.
  • Comply with quality and waste reduction practices as well as the need to apply safety, house keeping, environmental practices and specific legal requirements where standards in the above are accurately interpreted and communicated to all role players.
  • Understand mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic and steam generating systems and concepts where the understanding of the technology of the concepts demonstrates appropriateness and safe use.
  • Maintain positive \ employee relationships and interact with people in other CTFL processes, understanding the importance of relationships and ensuring sound communications when interacting with various forums.
  • Read and react to machine control variables using technology, relating to gauges and / or computer monitors and ensuring information is accurately analysed and evaluated.
  • Identify calculations, terms, concepts and materials and ensure appropriateness of these to different processes in a CTFL environment.
  • Maintain a range of clothing machinery solving a range of problems which may be routine, fault identification, cleaning and lubrication and relating the importance of this to meeting production targets.
  • Maintain and care for machinery and to start up and shut down a textile (dry) process solving a range of problems which may be routine, fault identification, cleaning and lubrication and relating the importance of this to meeting production targets.
  • Maintain and care for machinery in a textile (wet) process solving a range of problems, which may be routine, fault identification, cleaning and lubrication, and relating the importance of this to meeting production targets. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessors should check that the learner can demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options, make decisions and apply the skills that relate to:
  • Raw materials, lubricants and chemicals in a range of manufacturing contexts which are accurately described and identified with particular reference to product specifications.
  • Hand and hand held tools that are prepared, operated, cleaned and stored to manufacturers' specifications and appropriate legislative and safety standards that are met.
  • A range of fastening devices and systems where the selection and use are to manufacturers' specifications.
  • Quality practices that are met as they relate to the CTFL sector specifically around mechanician processes.
  • Safety, housekeeping, environment and legal requirements which are explained accurately and that relevant equipment used as per related legislation.
  • Waste reduction practices relevant to mechanician process that are met.
  • Mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic and steam generating systems and concepts through working safely and accurately.
  • Positive employer / employee practices that meet organisational policies and procedures as well as obligatory rights of both parties.
  • Production sectors, end users and competitors to the sector that are accurately described and related as the sector changes to meet its needs
  • Machine control variables that are read, interpreted and reacted to.
  • The interaction of people through day-to-day communications, reporting and coaching.
  • Calculations, terms, concepts and materials that are identified in detail.
  • The care and maintenance of a range of CTFL machinery and equipment that are either cleaned, lubricated, stripped, assembled and / or repaired according to manufacturers' specifications.
  • The start up and shut down (of a textile dry process) including preparation of equipment and raw materials and the implementation of production plans ensures efficient start up and shut down.

    Integrated assessment

    The competence (practical, foundational and reflective competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner is able to achieve all the exit level outcomes of the qualification. The identification and solving of problems, working in a team, organising self, using data, understanding the implications of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems must be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies assessment methods and tools to determine the whole person development and integration of applied knowledge and skills in the field of management.

    Certain exit level outcomes are measurable and verifiable through assessment criteria assessed in one application. Competence will be assessed when conducting formative and summative assessment.

    Formative assessment:

    The assessment criteria for formative assessment are described in the various unit standards. Formative assessment takes place during the process of learning and assessors should use a range of assessment methods and tools that support each other to assess total competence.

    These tools include the following:
  • On-the-job observations where practical demonstration is required.
  • Role-play simulations where observation of people interaction competence is required
  • Structured group discussions that require communication and teamwork.
  • Knowledge tests, exams, case studies, projects, registers, logbooks, workbooks that applicable to specific contexts.
  • Verbal report backs (presentations) that require accuracy of information.
  • Portfolios of evidence that may be applicable to prior learning.
  • Projects especially relating to a complete process of either cleaning, lubricating, stripping, repairing and / or assembling.
  • Completed production related documentation, progress and variance reports.
  • Requisition documentation in terms of spares and / or equipment.
  • Costing documentation relating to appropriate spares and / or equipment.

    Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpins their demonstrated performance. Some assessments will be of a more practical nature others will be more theoretical. The assessment method and/or tools used by the assessor must be fair so as not to hinder or advantage the learner, valid in a sense that it measures what it intents to measure, reliable in a sense that it is consistent and delivers the same output across a range of learners and practical in a sense that it takes into account the available financial resources, facilities, equipment and time.

    The key to successful assessment in the field of mechanician processes lies in ongoing formative assessment. There will need to be a continuous process of evaluation of results achieved which will include the demonstration of all the outcomes in the context where learners are responsible for performing a range of mechanician operations.

    Summative assessment:

    Summative assessment is carried out at the end of the learning programme, under the direction of the appropriate ETQA/s, to assess the overall achievement of the learner. A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner.

    The overall integration of the fundamental and core unit standards with the elective unit standards in the learner's working context is critical, and will ultimately show the impact of the qualification on improving mechanician competence. At the point of the summative assessment co-operation between the sector and band ETQAs may be required.

    Assessors and moderators:

    Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Unit standards associated with the qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross-field outcomes. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was benchmarked against mechanician qualifications in Britain, Australia and New Zealand, and was found to be comparable with other qualifications at this level, in terms of the outcomes and assessment criteria. In addition, the existing internationally benchmarked textile trades, were used as input. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation possibilities:
  • The national certificate in General Textiles (NQF 2 and 4).
  • The national certificate in Clothing Manufacturing Processes (NQF 2 and 4).
  • The national certificate in Footwear Manufacturing (NQF 2 and 4).
  • The national certificate in Leather Manufacturing (NQF 2 and 4).
  • Any other manufacturing related qualifications. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessors must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderators must be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • The mechanisms and requirements for moderation should be applied in accordance with the requirements of the relevant ETQA.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors need experience in the following areas:
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Subject matter and
  • Assessment.

    The assessor needs to be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and in the design and development of assessments as described in the unit standards 'Plan and conduct assessment of learning outcomes NQF level 4'. Subject matter experience must be well developed within the different elected areas of the CTFL sector. The assessor must have completed:
  • A similar qualification at the level with a minimum of 6-12 months field experience after he/she has completed the qualification; or
  • The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.
    Assessors need to be registered with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  12037  Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12216  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  13234  Apply quality procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  116455  Apply safety, housekeeping, environment practices and legal requirements when working on machines and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  116452  Comply with waste reduction practices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  116450  Demonstrate a broad understanding of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and concepts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  10574  Demonstrate knowledge of Steam Generator design and application  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  116449  Describe and identify raw materials used including lubricants and chemicals  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  116442  Describe and relate to production sectors, end uses and competitors to the CTFL industry  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  116448  Identify and use a range of fastening devices and systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  116447  Interact with people in clothing, textiles, footwear and leather processes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  116446  Maintain positive employer / employee practices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  116441  Read and react to machine control variables  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  114406  Understand basic electronic theory and components  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  114758  Process electronic banking-related reports  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8975  Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  116445  Maintain a range of clothing machinery  Level 3  NQF Level 03  29 
    Elective  116443  Maintenance and care of machinery in the textile industry (dry processes)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  17 
    Elective  116444  Maintenance and care of machinery in the textile industry (wet processes)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  29 
    Elective  116435  Start up and shut down a textile dry process  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 


    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.