Higher Certificate in Clothing Management

Persons achieving this qualification will be able to develop a limited range of sewn products, classify a range of raw materials and review production processes using relevant technical, interpersonal and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prior learning may be recognised for access.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 or equivalent.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes. The qualifications may be achieved in whole or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

1. Develop a specified range of products to sample stage through technical drawing; pattern adaptation and garment manufacture using appropriate methods and equipment.
2. Identify, classify and inspect basic raw materials (fabric, trims, outwork, direct packaging and other components) used in garment manufacture.
3. Review the manufacture of a range of products in bulk production using the relevant technical processes, equipment and methods through cutting, sewing and finishing and recommend the best methods.
4. Present a range of products, processes and findings through the use of effective oral, visual and written communication skills and demonstrate ability to access and process information.
5. Use fundamental entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills to develop a small enterprise showing an awareness of the clothing industry pipeline and company structure.

Specified Outcomes

• Develop a product, which illustrates the suitability of styling and raw materials for the requirements of the end product and customer requirements.
• Produce technical drawings and specification sheets.
• Adapt and make master patterns from appropriate basic blocks drafted using customer specifications.
• Manufacture samples of specific garments using appropriate methods and equipment, which comply with mass production manufacturing methods and quality standards.
• Calculate the cost of each product.
• Identify and classify a wide variety of basic raw materials used in garment manufacture.
• Relate fibre, yarn, fabric and finishing methods to properties, application and end use.
• Store, control and inspect stock of raw materials against specifications and in accordance with procedures.
• Recommend correct procedures for the application, use or attachment of relevant raw materials and the related equipment or machine part for garment production.
• Identify the processes and equipment for marker making, laying up, and cutting, handling, sewing and finishing.
• Produce production plans to meet customer demand and suit workplace production systems.
• Identify common quality problems and recommend solutions for corrective action.
• Apply work measurement techniques to establish standard times monitor performance against pre-determined standards.
• Recommend corrective and presentation action to enhance safety and health systems in the workplace.
• Investigate and recommend the implementation of a maintenance plan for basic machinery.
• Use clear and effective language confidently in written format and oral presentations to report on products, processes and findings.
• Use and construct numerical data and formulae in calculations and costing.
• Use computerised word processing and spreadsheets.
• Use visual presentation techniques in developing storyboards, product displays and simple cauterised graphical presentations.
• Access and process information through use of relevant research skills using a variety of media.
• Show the relation of the clothing industry structure to products, processes and customer needs.
• Use fundamental entrepreneurial skills to identify, analyse and develop entrepreneur qualities and to select various business opportunities.
• Design and present basic business plan for micro enterprise.
• Use interpersonal skills to effectively work in and supervise teams.
• Organise and manage oneself and ones activities.

Critical Level

• Identify and solve problems within time deadlines.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team and develop interpersonal skills.
• Organise and manage oneself responsibly through time management and personal development.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information for advancement of personal knowledge and skills.
• Communicate confidently and effectively using appropriate clothing terminology through oral, visual and written methods, academically and professionally.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the responsibility of the textiles and clothing sectors, towards the environment and health of others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the global textiles and clothing pipeline and recognise that problem-solving contexts are closely interrelated.

1. Products are developed showing an awareness of the clothing industry structure in relation to products, raw materials, processes and customer needs.
2. A Technical Drawing for each specified product is shown in an accepted medium, in proportion and specification sheets contain all relevant information.
3. The master pattern for each specified product is constructed according to customer specifications.
4. A sample for each specified product is manufactured to the level of quality required using appropriate methods and equipment.
5. The costing for each product is calculated and validated according to customer requirements.
6. Samples of specific raw materials used in garment manufacture are categorised according to fundamental textile and raw material knowledge.
7. The raw materials used in specific products are discussed in relation to properties, end use and construction of relevant components.
8. The fundamental requirements and methods of material storage, control and inspection are explained and deviations are recorded and explained.
9. The application, use or attachment of relevant raw materials and the related equipment or machine part is identified and correct procedures are recommended.
10. The relevant and acceptable processes for a range of specified products are discussed.
11. A production plan encompassing all appropriate constraints is developed.
12. Common quality problems are discussed and solutions are recommended for corrective action.
13. Standard times are determined for a given product and performance in a factory is monitored against these standards.
14. The current health, safety and security system in the workplace is audited and recommendations for corrective and preventative action to enhance the system are made.
15. The maintenance requirements for basic machinery are investigated and recommendations for the implementation of a maintenance plan for basic machinery are produced.
16. Reports include relevant terminology, logical structure, problem identification and recommendations and are professionally presented.
17. Numeric data and formulae is correctly used within suitable tolerances.
18. Word processing ability and fundamental knowledge of computers is demonstrated through presentation of basic business correspondence.
19. Storyboards and product displays for specified products will be professionally presented.
20. The accessing and processing of information from directed and self-sourced material from given references and a reference library will be demonstrated.
21. Reports show the relation of a range of specified products with the structure of the clothing pipeline.
22. Areas of personal and business potential are identified and assessed.
23. A basic business plan for micro enterprise is investigated and presented, using basic project management principles.
24. The ability to communicate with, work in and supervise a team showing tolerance for cultural differences is demonstrated.
25. Effective personal management skills are demonstrated in professional manner of conduct and presentation of all work.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Various appropriate methods of assessment are used to assess the development of the learner and indicate areas for improvement. Methods used will encourage problem-solving skills, integration of relevant learning material and ensure the purpose of the qualification is met. The knowledge, skills and values relating to academic and professional competencies will be assessed through tests, laboratory work, group projects and experiential learning placement assignments.

Summative Assessment

Various methods of assessment are used to assess the result of the learning and accredit the learner. These include portfolio submissions, written tests, presentations and panel interviews.