Footwear manufacturer

The footwear manufacturing operative role and responsibilities. Escalation procedures.

Health, safety, and environmental practice: Health and Safety at Work Act, safe systems of work to minimise hazards and risks, isolation and emergency stop procedures, manual handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), situational awareness, and housekeeping.

The impact of footwear manufacturing operations on the environment. Sustainability principles: efficient use of resources to reduce environmental impact, re-use, and recycling.

Brand value, customer base and product range considerations.

Footwear construction terminology and its use in the workplace.

Footwear construction methods. Footwear sizes and the sizing of components in footwear manufacturing.

Footwear manufacturing processes: cutting, skiving, closing, lasting, attaching sole and heel, finishing, quality checking, and packing.

The manufacturing processes for different footwear product types.

Performance targets and data.

Work organisation and time management techniques.

Operating procedures (specifications, job sheets) – what they are and why they are important.

The characteristics, properties and behaviour of materials and components used in footwear construction and their suitable application.

Footwear manufacturing tools and equipment.

Stock requirements: control systems.

Footwear manufacturing standards.

Footwear manufacturing documentation requirements.

Equipment and machinery basic maintenance requirements.

Common faults and issues in footwear manufacturing: machinery, materials, and process error. Problem solving techniques.

Continuous improvement techniques.

Digital technology in the industry: management information systems and equipment digital interfaces, computer stitchers, and specialist software.

Information technology software. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security.

Principles of good team working.

Principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Communication techniques.

Read and interpret information. For example, specifications, manuals, production plans, handover notes.

Organise own work.

Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures in line with regulations, standards, and guidance.

Apply sustainability principles. For example, minimise energy usage, minimise waste, and recycle materials.

Follow operating procedures.

Identify and check resources. For example, material and components.

Select, check, and set up tools and equipment.

Use and operate tools and equipment to conduct footwear manufacturing processes. For example, cutting, skiving, lasting, stitching, forming, attaching, and finishing.

Apply footwear manufacturing processes.

Store tools and equipment.

Conduct in-process production quality checks.

Follow post-production procedure. For example, label and package.

Monitor own performance data.

Collect and record information.

Identify and segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.

Follow basic maintenance procedures. For example, clean, oil, and lubricate machinery.

Identify and resolve common faults and issues.

Escalate issues.

Apply continuous improvement techniques.

Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with cyber security and GDPR.

Apply team working principles.

Communicate with others using footwear terminology. For example, colleagues, customers, and managers.

Complete and record learning and development activities.

Prioritise safe working practices.

Consider the impact on the environment when using resources and conducting work.

Take ownership for the quality of their work.

Team-focus to meet work goals.

Support an inclusive workplace. For example, respectful of different views.

Adapt to changing work demands.

Seek learning and development opportunities.