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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 Cutting Machine Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96369  Occupational Certificate: Footwear Cutting Machine Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FPMSETA (MAN) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  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  130  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 Cutting Machine Operator.
A Footwear Cutting Machine Operator prepares, sets up and operates footwear clicking or cutting machinery and equipment to cut and produce leather/non-leather material component parts for complete footwear uppers.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Receive, sort and prepare leather and non-leather material and workstation for the footwear cutting process.
  • Set up, test and adjust footwear clicking/cutting machinery and equipment for the cutting process of the footwear component parts according to standard operation procedures.
  • Cut footwear leather/non-leather material component parts by hand and machine to specifications.
  • Assemble the cut footwear leather and non-leather component parts for despatch to the next process.

    Rationale:
    National Strategies: In a public release dated 23 July 2014, the Minister of Trade and Industry declared his support to the Leather and Footwear industry by allocating R290 million through its Competitiveness Improvement Programme in order 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 exports orientation which are low. Areas that have received attention were the Footwear, Leather, Leather Goods, General Goods, Handbags and Luggage sectors, which are domestic market oriented, whilst the Crocodile leather, Ostrich leather, and Taxidermy sub-sectors are dominantly export - oriented, offering potential for enhancing export revenue generation through international luxury goods markets.

    According to the Programme Guideline document (Department of National Treasury) 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 Critical Infrastructure Programme CIP aims, through the cluster approach- is to create a group of globally competitive companies that would ensure a sustainable business environment able to retain and grow employment levels. This qualification will support the above national strategies.

    Typical Learners/Target Group: Two distinct target groups have been identified. Firstly, existing employees who have been operating in the industry for a number of years without receiving appropriate recognition for the competencies acquired in the workplace and who are operating without the necessary underpinning knowledge. Secondly, new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification, but with no experience in the industry can also enrol. Owing to the unique nature of the raw material, especially leather and the processing of the product, learners will acquire the skills through the practical skills and workplace experience components of the qualification.

    Possible Employment: 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.

    Benefits to the employer: Since the government seeks to stimulate exports, in which case employers will increasingly have to conform to international standards and requirements. Thus maintaining quality and productivity are some of the important aspects which are addressed in the qualification.
    Benefits to the learner: Through this learning, the learner/employee will be better skilled and competent in performing his/her function in the workplace and meeting productivity and quality targets. This will instil a feeling of self-worth and confidence in the learner. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    RPL for access to the integrated assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related Curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Prior learning must be acknowledged by a Statement of Results.

    RPL for entry requirements to access the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 1 with Mathematics. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 715601000-KM-01, Basic Footwear Production and Manufacturing Concepts, NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 715601000-KM-02, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Footwear Industry, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 715601000-KM-03, Applied English Literacy for the Footwear Industry, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 715601000-KM-04, Footwear Upper Component Cutting Technology and Processes, NQF Level 2, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 34.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 715601000-PM-01, Ensure that upper material conforms to work ticket specifications, NQF Level 2, 16 Credits.
  • 715601000-PM-02, Ensure the correct setting of machines and equipment to cut footwear component parts according to work ticket specifications, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 715601000-PM-03, Operate footwear clicking/cutting machinery and hand-cutting equipment to produce cut leather/non-leather material component parts, including footwear upper parts, trims, linings and heel covers, NQF Level 2, 32 Credits.
  • 715601000-PM-04, Ensure that cut footwear upper components tally with work ticket specifications, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 54.

    This Qualification also requires the following compulsory Work Experience Modules:
  • 715601000-WM-01, Footwear upper material quality processes, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 715601000-WM-02, Footwear cutting machines settings and equipment preparation, NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 715601000-WM-03, Footwear upper component parts hand and machine cutting processes, NQF Level 2, 32 Credits.
  • 715601000-WM-04, Footwear upper cut component parts disposing processes, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 42. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Categorise leather in terms of the concepts and principles of footwear upper component cutting (substance, shades, etc.).
    2. Describe the characteristics and purpose of non-leather material in the footwear upper cutting process.
    3. Explain the effect of material requirements and the footwear upper component part requirements on the setting and adjustment of the footwear cutting press.
    4. Justify footwear upper component part cutting principles.
    5. Apply the footwear upper component part cutting process correctly to produce quality component parts.
    6. Prepare and assemble cut footwear upper component parts for despatch. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Characteristics and properties of leather (in relation to aspects such as directional cutting) are explained.
  • Leather defects and flaws are identified and the effect thereof on the cutting process is analysed.
  • Various types of leather are identified and categorised according to principles of cutting (e.g. substance, shade).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A variety of non-leather materials are identified according to its characteristics.
  • Uses of non-leather material and footwear component parts are described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The functional parts of the cutting press are identified and the purpose of each is explained.
  • The relevant cutting press adjustments (e.g. height of the beam, beam pressure) are identified and the purpose of each is explained and applied.
  • Flaws and defects in the cutting process and how it can be prevented are identified.
  • Possible causes for cutting process defects and flaws are identified, and adjustments to the cutting press to rectify the deviation are justified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The cutting principles of interlocking are described and justified in terms of productivity.
  • The cutting principles of maximum yield within the quantity allowance are described and justified as a contributing factor to productivity.
  • The importance of compliance with quantity standards in the footwear cutting process is justified.
  • Footwear upper component part cutting principles to ensure meeting quality standards are justified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Ways to achieve consistency in the cutting process are identified and analysed.
  • The importance of compliance with safety standards in the cutting process is justified.
  • Risks related to the footwear cutting process are analysed in relation to personal protective clothing and equipment.
  • The role of examining footwear upper component parts for flaws, defects, stretch direction, etc. in the achievement of correct and consistent product quality is evaluated.
  • The process and purpose of lining stamping are explained.
  • Methods to achieve lining and cut components match are evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Despatching procedures are identified and analysed for correctness and effectiveness.
  • The purpose of the dispatching method is explained according to work procedures.
  • The reason for quality compliance in the dispatching process is justified as it contributes to achieving targets.
  • The reasons for good housekeeping procedures are justified.
  • Disposal of residue leather and the effect on the environment are explained.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The 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 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.
    The assessment will include a practical demonstration as a phase test at an approved assessment site, conducted by an Assessor registered with the AQP. The external summative assessment will be conducted through a final theoretical assessment (oral or written) conducted in the workplace and evaluated by an Assessor registered with the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    As stated in the rationale, the Minister of Trade and Industry declared his support to the Leather and Footwear industry through its Competitiveness Improvement Programme in order to enhance the competitiveness of the industry by establishing five sector clusters. This led to an official comparability between South Africa and the Indian footwear industry. Subsequently the Occupational Certificate: Footwear Cutting Machine Operator has been compared with the Occupational Standards for Cutter (Footwear) in India. According to the National Skills Development Corporation (India), occupational standards describe what individuals need to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function. Such as functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding.

    The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) (India) is a one of its kind in India. It aims to promote skill development by catalysing creation of large, quality, for-profit vocational institutions. It provides funding to build scalable, for-profit vocational training initiatives. Its mandate is also to enable support systems such as quality assurance, information systems and train the trainer academies either directly or through partnerships.

    The NSDC was set up as part of a national skill 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.

    Similarities:
  • Content: The content of the two Qualifications are hugely similar, however the Indian qualification has a big focus on aspects such as child labour and forced labour which is not part of the South African Qualification.
  • Terminology: The terminology used in both qualifications is similar.
  • Complexity: The complexity of the two qualifications is similar.

    Differences:
  • Structure: The structure of the two qualifications is quite different. The Indian qualification groups all cutting competencies into a single task, whilst the South African qualification differentiates between the tasks related to receiving, sorting and preparation, the setting up of machines and equipment, the cutting of component parts, and the disposal activities. The Indian qualification differentiates tasks related to product quality, maintenance of machines and equipment, health and safety practices and compliance with requirements, whilst the South African qualification has all of these practices and requirements interwoven into all the occupational tasks, since they are of crucial importance to the operations.
  • Qualification components: The Indian qualification has components referring to knowledge and understanding, as well as workplace requirements and organisational context. However, there is no reference to the practical skills that the learner will acquire.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the international qualification in terms of content, and is probably an improvement in terms of assessment specifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically with similar or related qualifications currently in development.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Footwear closing production machine operator at NQF Level 2.
  • Footwear making production machine operator at NQF Level 2.
  • Footwear bottomstock manufacturing machine operator at NQF Level 2.
  • Footwear finishing production machine operator at NQF Level 2.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Footwear Production Team Leader/Supervisor at NQF Level 3.
  • Footwear Production Manager at NQF Level 3.
  • Footwear mechanic at NQF Level 3.
  • Creative Footwear Pattern Maker at NQF Level 3.
  • Footwear Designer at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order 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.

    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 is: Occupational Certificate: Footwear Cutting Machine Operator: 715601000.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    The following restrictions apply:
  • Colour blindness.
  • Inadequate vision.
  • Lack of dexterity.
  • Lack of hand/eye/foot co-ordination.
  • Special needs restrictions (customised machinery and equipment required). 
    		•

    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.