Training footwear technologists

SATRA has amended its footwear technologist training programme for 2012.

by Phil Shaw

SATRA launched the SATRA Accredited Footwear Technologist (SAFT) training programme in 1998 to assist members who had identified a need for better-trained footwear technologists. The globalisation of the industry, whereby Western European- and North American-based manufacturers closed their own factories to make use of global sub-contractors, had highlighted the need to develop personnel with a wide knowledge of shoemaking and supply chain practices.

The original concept consisted of an intensive training programme led by SATRA specialists. It comprised five modules, each of which required a two-day training workshop, coupled with additional reading. These five modules covered: i) lasts and fitting, ii) materials and constructions, iii) laboratory testing procedures, iv) product design, performance and risk assessment, and v) quality assurance and supplier auditing.
Participants had the opportunity to sit a written examination and, subject to a satisfactory result, received a certificate. If a ‘pass’ in all five subjects was achieved within a two-year period, the candidate was awarded the full SAFT accreditation.

New for 2012

As the industry has developed, changes to the SAFT concept have been discussed with members and finalised. Therefore, in 2012, SATRA will be amending the format to reflect these discussions.

The original five modules will be increased to six. The new module will cover aspects of safety footwear, and detail the requirements of all the major industrial footwear specifications and standards EN ISO 20345, ASTM F2412 and CSA Z195, as well as contrast and compare the various requirements such as impact and slip resistance. Common faults and failures will be reviewed, and precautions to be taken to avoid them happening will be covered. A review of current legislation outlining the requirements of the different markets will be included – for example, how a technical file is prepared in order to satisfy the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Directive.

In addition, participants wishing to achieve the full SAFT accreditation will have the choice of which subjects to study. They will be able to choose to sit examinations for any five of the six modules within the two-year timeframe.

The course is aimed at personnel within the footwear industry who wish for in-depth training on specific aspects of shoemaking, and also for those who have responsibility for designing, developing, manufacturing and the distribution of footwear. The interaction with SATRA specialists and the discussions that take place during the training provide a unique platform for participants to expand their expertise and also to network with other delegates in similar positions.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 32 of the January 2012 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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