First SAFT course held in Vietnam

Reporting on the first modules of SATRA’s world-renowned SAFT course to be delivered to members in one of the world’s major footwear manufacturing nations.

Three modules of the SATRA Accredited Footwear Technologist (SAFT) training course were delivered in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 3rd to 7th July 2023. The sessions were presented by SATRA’s footwear divisional manager Simon Courtney, Scott Jarvis (technical lead for footwear) and quality service technologist Darren Knight. This was the first event of its kind in Vietnam.

The training was delivered at the Caravelle Hotel in the city’s District 1, and was attended by SATRA members representing footwear brand owners, shoe manufacturers and tanneries. The modules delivered covered an introduction to materials, testing and laboratory management.

The programme delivered in Vietnam

Module 2 on ‘materials’ is a two-day unit which considers the key materials and components used in footwear, including leather, synthetic materials and textiles for uppers and linings. It also explores the characteristics of a wide range of soling materials, adhesives used for attachment and other components utilised in footwear construction.

‘Testing’ (Module 3) also lasts for two days, and starts with a discussion on ‘what is testing?’ and ‘why is testing important?’ It then provides an overview of key physical tests carried out on footwear and materials, and explains the importance of testing for the presence of restricted substances.

Module 8 on ‘laboratory management’ is a one-day session. This new addition for 2023 examines how a physical testing laboratory should be managed, starting with the importance of creating and following a quality system in order to ensure accurate test results.

The full SATRA SAFT training course is the most comprehensive and up-to-date of its kind and can lead to an internationally-recognised qualification within the footwear industry. In a global and competitive marketplace, knowledge and skills are increasingly important. SATRA has designed this member-only training course in order to assist technologists involved in any aspect of footwear production.

A positive first SAFT course

SATRA’s Simon Courtney was enthusiastic about these first sessions in Vietnam, saying: “It was exciting to take our modules of our SAFT course to Vietnam, which is an important location for footwear manufacture. The modules were carefully chosen to be the most interesting to SATRA’s members, and we felt that Vietnam was an ideal location to launch the new ‘laboratory management’ module. We will be looking to deliver further SAFT modules in Vietnam or in other APAC locations.”

The laboratory management module was designed to help SATRA members which have their own laboratories and may already have or may be planning to acquire accreditation against SATRA’s Laboratory Accreditation Programme QS1000 or other accreditation systems, such as those run by footwear brand owners. SATRA can also deliver this module as a standalone training package. Manufacturers with in-factory laboratories may wish to use Module 8 to train members of a team, and the session may be run alongside an audit visit.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 34 of the July/August 2023 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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