SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

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What do Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders do?

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders are specialized workers who operate and tend to the machinery used in the manufacturing of footwear. They play a crucial role in the production process, overseeing the machinery that constructs shoes from various materials. These operators are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and monitoring the performance of machines designed for cutting, stitching, and finishing shoe components. They ensure that the machines run efficiently and produce high-quality products while adhering to safety standards and operational procedures.

The work of Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders involves reading and interpreting blueprints or production orders, which guide them in setting up the machinery to produce the required designs and specifications. They may adjust machine settings to accommodate different shoe sizes and styles, regularly inspecting items during the manufacturing process to detect defects or irregularities. In addition to operating the machinery, these workers are also tasked with troubleshooting and resolving any mechanical issues that may arise, conducting routine maintenance to keep machines in optimal working condition, and ensuring that production timelines are met. Overall, the role of Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders is essential in the footwear industry, contributing to the efficient and quality-driven manufacturing of various types of shoes.

What the work actually is

  • Inspect finished products to ensure that shoes have been completed according to specifications.
  • Align parts to be stitched, following seams, edges, or markings, before positioning them under needles.
  • Operate or tend machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
  • Remove and examine shoes, shoe parts, and designs to verify conformance to specifications such as proper embedding of stitches in channels.
  • Switch on machines, lower pressure feet or rollers to secure parts, and start machine stitching, using hand, foot, or knee controls.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Knowledge

  • Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Less than high school diploma
High school diploma or equivalent or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
  • Industrial control software Production control software
  • Document management software Adobe Acrobat

Tools

  • Sewing machines Industrial sewing machines · Patch machines
  • Blade sharpener Knife sharpeners · Scissor sharpeners
  • Shoe shining machine Shoe cleaning machines · Shoe shine machines
  • Staple guns Automatic staple guns
  • Screwdrivers Multipurpose screwdrivers

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders earn in South Africa?

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders do?

Inspect finished products to ensure that shoes have been completed according to specifications, Align parts to be stitched, following seams, edges, or markings, before positioning them under needles and Operate or tend machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.