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: Sewing Machine Mechanics |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
65651 | National Certificate: Sewing Machine Mechanics | |||
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 | 122 | 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 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2024-06-30 | 2027-06-30 |
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 is replaced by: |
Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
102582 | Occupational Certificate: Apparel and Related Manufacturing Machine Mechanic | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 576 | Complete |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The qualification is applicable to people across the CTFL sector as the fundamental, core and elective components deal with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes required by all sewing machine mechanicians in the sector. Learners will deal with specific sewing machine maintenance and repair processes through the chosen elective area. The purpose of the qualification is to build the sewing machine mechanician competence at NQF Level 3 to be able to: This qualification will allow a learner to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in sewing machine mechanician processes at NQF Level 3. It will set a standard for proficiency and assist in reducing high costs related to unnecessary 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: Rationale: The National Certificate in Sewing Machine Mechanician Processes at NQF Level 3 is designed to meet the needs of learners who are involved in sewing machine repair and maintenance processes or who enter the CTFL sector. This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs across the sector. The current and future need for competent sewing machine 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 progress into qualifications in Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather manufacturing processes. To that end 24 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 a range of different sewing machine types and allied processed. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that the learner is already competent in:
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. Access to the Qualification: This Qualification is open for everyone who are in possession of: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This National Certificate in Sewing Machine Mechanics at NQF Level 3 comprises of unit standards, which are fundamental, core and elective. The qualification will have a minimum of 122 credits of which 36 credits are fundamental, 54 credits are core and 32 credits are in the elective component.
In this qualification the credits total a minimum of 122 credits and are allocated as follows: Credits for the fundamental component: All of these unit standards are compulsory. Credits for the core component: The unit standards classified as Core describe the generic sewing machine mechanician competence applicable to the CTFL sector and are all compulsory. Credits for the elective component: Learners are required to select a minimum of 32 credits, ensuring that a minimum of 2 different machine types are selected. Note: In order to progress to the NQF Level 4 Lockstitch and/or Chainstitch elective unit standard/s, the learner must have demonstrated competence at NQF Level 3 on the Lockstitch and/or Chainstitch elective unit standard/s. |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Describe and identify raw materials, lubricants and chemicals commonly used in the CTFL industry.
2. Describe sewing machine mechanician requirements for the various production sectors, end users and role players in the CTFL sector. 3. Use and maintain a range of hand or power tools applicable for sewing machines. 4. Comply with quality and waste reduction practices. 5. Demonstrate understanding of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical and electronic concepts. 6. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of relationships and ensuring sound communications when interacting with various forums. 7. Perform calculations relevant to different processes in a CTFL sewing environment. 8. Maintain a range of sewing machinery. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
1.1 Raw materials, lubricants and chemicals are identified by common use requirements. 1.2 Alternative products that could be used to perform the same task are identified and contrasted in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. 1.3 Reasons for selecting specific products are explained in relation to the short and long term impact on the equipment. 1.4 Practices are described that will minimise waste of consumables and ensure durability of equipment. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2: 2.1 End users and roleplayers in the CTFL sector are identified and described in terms of the functions they perform and their specific requirements. 2.2 Functions that can be performed by various level mechanicians are identified and classified according to relevant skills levels. 2.3 Methods of achieving required outcomes are described to relevant personnel in accordance with industry accepted terminology. 2.4 New or innovative methods for achieving required results are identified and researched in terms of strengths and weaknesses for a given application. 2.5 Required changes within the sector are identified as technology changes are implemented that will ensure end user requirements are not compromised. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3: 3.1 Tools required for a specific job are selected from a range of available tools. 3.2 Tools are confirmed to be in correct working order prior to use. 3.3 Broken or damaged tools are identified and corrective action is taken in accordance with organisational procedures. 3.4 Alternative tools that can be used to perform the same task are identified and contrasted in terms of strengths and weaknesses. 3.5 Specific legislation is defined in terms of the impact on a given work task. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4: 4.1 Material usage is optimised for a given project. 4.2 Waste is within acceptable industry standards. 4.3 Work is conducted in accordance with acceptable SHE and workplace requirements. 4.4 Work is conducted in accordance with acceptable timeframes. 4.5 Quality of the workmanship is in accordance with industry acceptable standards. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5: 5.1 The mechanical process of sewing is described using industry accepted terminology and the level is appropriate to the target audience. 5.2 The method of supplying power to the mechanical process is described for electrical and pneumatic processes. 5.3 The use of electronics to control the type of results achieved is described in terms of the principles of electronics. 5.4 Safety precautions when working with electricity are identified and described in accordance with standard operating practices. 5.5 Safety precautions when working with pneumatics are identified and described in accordance with standard operating practices. 5.6 Electronic settings are selected to achieve the required output for a given project. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6: 6.1 End users and roleplayers in the CTFL sector are identified and described in terms of the information they require to be able to function as a coherent process. 6.2 Communication with workplace colleagues is appropriate and facilitates good working relationships. 6.3 Relevant information that should be communicated is identified in terms of the content and recipients. 6.4 Information is communicated in accordance with workplace timeframes and procedures. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7: 7.1 Raw materials, lubricants and chemicals required for a given project or work task are calculated to within acceptable tolerances in accordance with industry accepted methods. 7.2 Shapes and dimensions of required materials are optimised for a given quantity of raw material. 7.3 The importance of manipulating shapes and dimensions is explained in terms of minimising wastage. 7.4 Wastage is ensured to be in accordance with industry acceptable wastage. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8: 8.1 Routine maintenance requirements are identified from manufacturer specifications and workplace requirements. 8.2 Maintenance is conducted in accordance with work schedules. 8.3 Tools are used in accordance with their design. 8.4 Faults are identified and corrected in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 8.5 The importance of regular maintenance is explained in terms of prevention of breakdowns and maintaining production targets. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
This qualification was benchmarked against sewing machine mechanician and/or equivalent qualifications in other countries, and was found to be comparable with other qualifications at this level, in terms of the outcomes and assessment criteria.
New Zealand: > Training Advisor. > Apparel, Footwear Sectors. > bruce@atito.org.nz. Bruce Tollemache the training advisor for the apparel and footwear sectors of The Apparel and Textile Industry Training Organisation provided useful input in terms of the New Zealand qualifications for clothing and textile personnel. The qualifications are divided for clothing, footwear, industrial textiles, leather and machine knitting. The qualification identified to be the closest match to this qualification was the National Certificate in Clothing Manufacture (Elementary Sewing Skills) (Level 2), with the following broad outcomes: Scottish Qualifications Authority: There are currently no qualifications provided by the SQA related to Sewing Machine Mechanicians. The closest they come is a National Certificate in Home Economics, which incorporates the use of a sewing machine for sewing textiles. Various training units were identified that could be applicable to this qualification, as follows: African Qualifications. An extensive search for similar qualifications for clothing machine mechanicians on the African continent proved to be fruitless. Countries looked at were: All parties corresponded with indicated that sewing machine manufacturers provide specific training in using and maintaining the machine, but no qualification is required. Indian Qualifications: The Apparel Training and Design Centre in India provides a 4 month qualification for a sewing machine mechanic. They were registered as a Society under Societies Registration Act on February 15, 1991 at New Delhi with the mission to upgrade the technical skills of the human resource employed in Garment Industry. The Society is Sponsored by Apparel Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The Chairman of Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) is also the Chairman of Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC). The Society in turn has opened a number of training centres, with the same name. Presently Society has more than 39 Centres, also called Apparel Training & Design Centres (ATDCs). Keeping in view the growing demands of the apparel industry several ATDCs have been set up at different parts of the country where the garment industry is concentrated. Currently there are 39 ATDC cenres functioning at Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Kanpur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Trivandrum, Tirupur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Silvassa, Indore Surat, Tronica City-Ghaziabad, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi including 16 Sewing Machine Operation (SMO)-Satellite centres at Domjur, Santoshpur, Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) , Pamidi, Rayadurg, Gundlapochampally (Andhra Pradesh), Mewat (Haryana), Dharmapuri, Parambalur(Tamil Nadu), Kolar, Tumkur, Ram Nagar, Chikkaballur, Bellary, Hubli (Karnataka) & Chhindwara(Madhya Pradesh). In continuation of its commitments for the development of skilled human resources ATDC is spreading its wings with the opening of a few more centres at various locations. Indonesia: The skills of a qualified sewing machine are recognised as a "Skilled Worker" category, but there is no indication that any particular qualification must be achieved. United States of America: The position of a sewing machine mechanic does not have a qualification standard attached; therefore requirements must be developed locally. These will be included in a vacancy announcement or job posting to indicate the requirements which all applicants or bidders must meet. Sri Lanka: The Ministry of Vocational and Technical training in Sri Lanka have identified the following skills for a sewing machine mechanic: Fiji: The Apprenticeship Scheme in Fiji is administered by the National Apprenticeship Training Department (NATD) of the Training & Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF). The position of a sewing machine mechanic has been identified as an apprenticeship and a course has been put together to meet these specific needs. The Fiji Institute of Technology provides the apprentices with the necessary theoretical training how ever, the National Apprenticeship Training Department is responsible for: The National Apprenticeship Training Department is responsible for ensuring the quality and standard of practical training to apprentices in accordance with the prescribed on-the-job training guides. Inspections and consultations are therefore carried out at least 3 times a year on all apprentices in the country. The apprentices are inspected on the job site to ascertain the type of job situation they are working in and how effectively the different aspects of their training guide is covered. Detailed discussions with relevant personnel are held to ascertain an apprentice's progress at work. A report with appropriate recommendation is then made available to the apprentice, employer and a copy kept at the TPAF for records. With the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) being developed by TPAF it has been necessary to introduce the Competency Based Training (CBT) format for the Apprenticeship Scheme. This new training concept is based more on the individual's ability and competence to achieve the desired results and output which allows for accreditation and certification at a given qualification level in the NQF; from Level 1 Basic to Level 4 Trade Certificate. The NQF will also help identify individual skills gap, when compared to the different qualification levels in the Framework. The CBT format is such that training is not time-based, as currently stipulated for 4-5 years in the current Apprenticeship Scheme, but conducted at a pace suitable to the individual's capacity for learning and training until achievement of the qualification. The required practical training for each trade is more specific as to the tasks allocated, repetition of tasks completed, hours spent on the job and the assessment of performance and competence shown. Theoretical and technical training will be conducted according to the individual skills gap that has been identified. Foe employers, the CBT levels of qualification will provide a more accurate assessment of abilities to do work. Conclusion: There is a definite need in various countries for the skills required of a sewing machine mechanic, but these skills are generally provided by manufacturers in the form of a short course rather than a full qualification. Where qualifications have been identified, they are generally at full apprentice level and include various aspects of mechanical operations not included for sewing machines only. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification has been designed and structured as part of a progressive route in the manufacturing and sewing processes industry so that qualifying learners can move from one level to the next.
The use of generic unit standards in this qualification opens new avenues for the learner to progress from one qualification to another in related fields of study beyond sewing machine mechanician. Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately. This qualification builds on the National certificate in CTFL Manufacturing Processes at NQF Level 2 and leads to the National certificate in Sewing Machine Mechanicians Processes at NQF Level 4. Learners may also decide to further their career in one of the following fields: Learners who have achieved this qualification have achieved generic skills that would enable them to follow a career in electrical or mechanical engineering. This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation This qualification articulates with the following qualifications: Horizontal articulation exists with: Vertical articulation exists with: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
> Interpersonal skills. > Subject matter. > Assessment. > Plan and conduct assessment of learning outcomes NQF Level 4. > A similar qualification at the level with a minimum of 6-12 months field experience after he/she has completed the qualification. > The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning. |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
N/A |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 114605 | Carry out soldering and de-soldering procedures | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Core | 246471 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of plant equipment | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 6 |
Core | 115230 | Demonstrate knowledge of electrical and electronic components | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Core | 7427 | Use and maintain hand tools and equipment | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
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 | 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 | 123468 | Explain and apply quality control procedures | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Core | 13139 | Install, test and maintain a basic pneumatic system | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 10 |
Core | 116446 | Maintain positive employer / employee practices | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Core | 117171 | Manage time effectively to enhance productivity and enable a balanced lifestyle | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 2 |
Core | 14962 | Select, set out and maintain materials, tools and equipment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Fundamental | 119472 | Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed 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 | 119457 | 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 | 119467 | Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes | 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 | 119465 | Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 262518 | Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of industrial sewing equipment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
Elective | 262527 | Install sewing machine attachments, guides and folders | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
Elective | 262524 | Maintain and repair Chainstitch sewing machines | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 12 |
Elective | 262523 | Maintain and repair Overlock sewing machines | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 12 |
Elective | 262529 | Repair and maintain fabric cutting equipment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Elective | 262521 | Repair and maintain Lockstitch machines | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 12 |
LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement. |
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. |
1. | Mnambithi TVET College |
2. | Trade Call Investments Apparel (Pty) LTD |
3. | Trade Call Investments Apparel (Pty) Ltd (Mobeni) |
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. |