GB flag iconENCN flag iconZH

Webinars and Online Resources

SATRA SAFT course to be held in the UK

Reservations are now being taken for the forthcoming programme.

Successful modern manufacturing processes rely on accurate practical information and the ability of staff to understand and apply such information. In a global and competitive marketplace, knowledge and skills are increasingly important. To address this issue, SATRA has designed the internationally renowned SATRA Accredited Footwear Technologist (SAFT) training course for all technologists involved in any aspect of footwear production.

The next opportunity for delegates in the UK to learn on the SAFT course is March 2nd to 17th 2020. This will be held in Kettering, with modules covering the key areas of footwear production. Each of these is taught over two days of intensive training by SATRA experts, and comprehensive documentation is provided in addition to some practical sessions. Delegates to these sessions can take any or all of the modules being taught, and once the course has been completed, there is an opportunity later to take optional written examinations.

Passes must be achieved in five of the six modules for students to receive a SAFT accreditation. There is no need for all five examinations to be taken at one time, however, passes in all the papers must be obtained within two years to obtain accreditation.

The SAFT award gives clear evidence that the recipient is a footwear technologist with a proven range of knowledge.

The modules

Module one is a core section which covers lasts, fitting and comfort, and focuses on footwear from the customers’ perspective – what they expect from their shoes in terms of fit and comfort, and how the manufacturer can satisfy these expectations, to thus maximise sales and develop brand loyalty. This section investigates foot structure, function and foot health, biomechanics and the gait cycle, comfort factors such as cushioning and sweat management, shoe size systems used around the world, last design, construction and shape assessment, and fit assessment.

The second module – also a core part of the course – helps the student to understand materials (considering the key materials and components used in footwear), and construction – investigating common processes and less well-known methods.

Module three is on the testing of footwear. It starts with a discussion on ‘what is testing?’ and ‘why is testing important?’, as well as the use of specifications, accurate and detailed test reports and standard test methods. The module also provides an overview of the key tests which are carried out on footwear and materials, such as for upper and lining materials, solings and footwear components, in addition to whole shoe tests.

The fourth module covers product design – in which delegates will tape up a last, flatten the shell and produce inside, outside and mean forms, as well as making their own examples of graded patterns. The process of shoe costing will also be discussed, examining the way materials, labour and expenses are calculated to produce a final selling price. Module 4 also considers all aspects of lean manufacturing, covering implementation and techniques involved, including value-added and non-value-added processes, pattern engineering, the assessment of leather usage, shoe sizing/grading, stitching efficiency and ergonomics.

The final core part of the course is module five. This investigates risk assessment associated with product liability when the footwear fails or causes injury (or damage to property) in wear, with practical exercises in assessing the risks of specific footwear items. It also considers quality assurance, and will provide participants with an understanding of the purpose, organisation and content of a quality management system, in addition to an appreciation of how to apply this to the student’s own company needs.

The sixth module looks at the requirements of industrial footwear as outlined in all the major industrial footwear specifications and standards. It will contrast and compare the various requirements, such as impact resistance and slip resistance, and review common faults and failures, as well as the precautions to be taken to avoid this happening.

How can we help?

SAFT will also be run in the USA in September/October 2020 and again in the UK in November. Please visit www.satra.com/events or email training@satra.com for further information on the value of training to become a SATRA Accredited Footwear Technologist.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 30 of the February 2020 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

Other articles from this issue ยป