Carry out complex lasting and making operations for orthopaedic and bespoke footwear

This standard is about carrying out complex lasting and making operations for orthopaedic or bespoke footwear manufacture.

This includes receiving and interpreting prescriptions and specifications, identifying components, handling materials, carrying out lasting and making, complying with quality requirements, sorting and placing completed work in safe locations.  

This standard is for those who carry out complex lasting and making operations for orthopaedic or bespoke footwear manufacture.

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1. make sure the work area is free from hazards at all times
2. interpret requirements from prescriptions and specifications
3. clarify requirements with prescribers or specifiers when required
4. check that components are available and meet appropriate quality standards before starting work
5. select and use appropriate equipment and tools for lasting and making operations
6. use handling methods during manufacture which maintain quality of materials
7. make appropriate adjustments to equipment settings during manufacture
8. carry out lasting and making in line with accepted processes
9. work in ways that minimise waste at all times
10. complete work to appropriate quality standards
11. sort work in appropriate order for following production stages
12. place completed work in locations that minimise risk of damage
13. carry out closedown procedures so work area is safe and secure
14. comply with written instructions relating to lasting and making
15. complete required forms, records and other documentation
16. work to legal requirements, standards and regulations, policies, procedures and professional codes

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1. basic anatomy and terminology of the foot
2. common foot conditions
3. relevant aspects of prescription and specification
4. how to carry out each stage of lasting and making processes including draft or plaster cast interpretation, selecting lasts, last making, cast rectification, cradles, preparing insoles, hand lasting, sole and heel building and orthopaedics
5. how to follow prescriptions for insoles, stiffening, adaptations to sole, heel building and correcting mechanical foot problems
6. how to use specific materials
7. how to set up and adjust equipment
8. how to make sure that footwear is processed as required,
9. the implications of lasting and making on production
10. the appearance of the final product
11. common faults that appear in components and how to deal with them
12. common characteristics of material being used
13. possible causes of incorrect lasting and how to deal with them
14. which sequences in operations fit with other operations
15. the organisation's policies about ethical production and sustainability
16. the effects of wastage on operations and sustainability
17. the impact on work flow of components and sundry items not being available
18. the importance of production targets and workflow levels
19. how to handle and minimise the risk of damage to lasted uppers during and after lasting and making operations
20. shoe room techniques including last slipping, polishing and cleaning, quality inspections, inserting inserts, socking, lacing, wrapping and packing
21. how to make the work area safe and secure
22. the organisation's rules, codes, guidelines and standards
23. the production quality standards required
24. equipment operating procedures and manufacturers' instructions
25. statutory responsibilities under health and safety and environmental legislation and regulations 
26. common hazards in the work area and workplace procedures for dealing with them

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5

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2025

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Current

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Original

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Creative Skillset

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SKSFW10

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Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Design Associate Professionals, Footwear Specialist, Manufacturing Technologies, Textile and Garment Trades

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5419

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Footwear; bespoke; orthopaedic; leather; lasts

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