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

The candidate should:

perform each task outlined in the elements consistently and in a representative range of contexts

meet the performance criteria associated with each element by employing the techniques, procedures, information and resources available in the workplace from those listed in the range statement

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to plan wastewater collection systems including:

identifying, analysing and defining waste water collection system planning requirements, conditions and constraints

identifying and interpreting legislative, environmental, business and project management requirements

developing scenario options for future needs and conditions

analysing a range of factors to determine catchment impacts

planning, preparing and selecting options for system design

managing and securing documentation to support and report project management

evaluating, and consulting on proposals to gauge impact and support

making recommendations on the planning and design requirements for wastewater collection systems

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

workplace specific equipment and technology

supervision and experienced team members to provide observations, feedback and third party reports

enterprise operating procedures and work allocation

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

The following methods are suggested:

assessment in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

assessment should also be conducted in conjunction with aspects of technical competencies that are consistent with the work environment

techniques for gathering evidence of competency may include:

observation of performance

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues

Guidance information for assessment

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

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

Validity and sufficiency of evidence require that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person’s competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated projectbased activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

Required skills:

interpret and apply legislative requirements, codes and standards

assess environmental impacts

apply quality requirements

analyse complex information

operate computer software

conduct investigations

prepare documentation

collaborate with a diverse team of specialists

conduct consultations with a range of community interests

project planning

Required knowledge:

prior experience in the application of civil engineering principles, mathematics, computer software and file handling is required

legislative requirements, codes and standards for the design of wastewater collection systems including environmental protection and occupational health and safety

output quality specification requirements

cost benefit analysis procedures

risk analysis procedures

investigation procedures and methodologies

documentation and information management requirements

OH&S and environmental legislation, acts and procedures

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.

Sewerage systems may include:

reticulation, branch and trunk sewers

sewage pumping stations

storage

Environmental impacts or risks may include:

visual

odour

noise

social

political

natural

cultural

infrastructure

Catchment analysis may apply to:

existing reticulation systems

existing and future hydraulic load

incorporation into overall system

impact, extent and sizing of facilities geotechnical considerations

Modelling systems may include:

empirical systems

manual models

computer models

Legislative and organisation requirements may include:

world health organisation guidelines

national health and medical research council guidelines and recommendations

federal and state legislation

codes

national guidelines

environmental protection agencies