The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to evaluate materials used in manufacturing and engineering for safety, economy and fitness for purpose.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

determine suitability of materials for manufacturing and engineering applications and processes

investigate sustainability implications for materials and related applications

determine and review material properties related to a range of applications

identify materials processing principles and techniques, including facilities, services, plant and tooling, and analysis techniques and software

evaluate WHS, regulatory and risk management compliance

report and document results.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Required skills

Required skills include:

determining context, specification and performance requirements of materials in manufacturing and engineering-related applications

investigating sustainability implications of materials in the context of their manufacturing and engineering-related use

identifying materials processing principles, techniques and requirements, including associated facilities, services, plant, tooling and software

identifying WHS, regulatory and risk management compliance

identifying materials and material use and processing for integration with:

lean manufacturing systems and techniques

manufacturing control software, such as system control and data acquisition (SCADA) software

applying systems thinking, continuous improvement, and constraint and contingency management to evaluation of materials in manufacturing and engineering applications

reporting and documenting results of evaluation

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

sources of technical and professional assistance

sustainability implications of materials and related manufacturing and engineering-related products and processes

WHS and regulatory compliance requirements and risk management practices related to materials, including use of material safety data sheets (MSDS)

software options for materials and process analysis

common materials, properties and structures in manufacturing and engineering, including:

mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, chemical and magnetic properties

ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys

polymers

ceramics

glass

composites

cold working of metals

metal heat treatment

processes for working, shaping and joining or materials, including:

metal machining

metal cutting

casting and moulding of metals

fabricating and welding of ferrous, non-ferrous metals and plastics

injection, compression and blow moulding of plastics

extrusion of plastics and metals

electroplating

powder coating

composite lay-up and moulding

sintering of plastic and metal powders

additive and rapid processes

casting of metals

stamping, drawing and roll forming of sheet metals

forging of metals

hot and cold rolling of billets, structural sections and coiled sheet

systems thinking, continuous improvement, problem solving and decision making, and constraint and contingency management principles and techniques

reporting and documentation requirements

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Appropriate technical and professional assistance

Appropriate technical and professional assistance may include:

technical support and advice relating to elements which have intrinsic dangers, such as:

high pressure

energised fluid vessels

high temperatures and heat energy capacity

wiring with high current control voltages above extra low voltage

professional support for technologies, such as:

specialist electric motor drives and controllers

specialist materials, plastics, metal alloys and nano materials

special processes, foundry, alloy welding, heat treatment, sealing and fastening

WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures may include:

WHS Acts and regulations

relevant standards

codes of practice from Australian and overseas engineering and technical associations and societies

risk assessments

registration requirements

safe work practices

state and territory regulatory requirements applying to electrical work

Standards and codes

Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to manufacturing processes for engineering or related applications

Sustainability

Sustainability is used to mean the entire sustainable performance of the organisation/plant, including:

meeting all regulatory requirements

conforming to all industry covenants, protocols and best practice guides

minimising ecological and environmental footprint of process, plant and product

maximising economic benefit of process plant and product to the organisation and the community

minimising the negative WHS impact on employees, community and customer