The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to identify and access sources of information on the hairdressing industry and on related industries. The application of relevant information in the hairdressing work environment must be demonstrated. The evidence provided must also demonstrate knowledge and skill in the identification and application of relevant legislation, including privacy, health and hygiene, and duty of care.

Specific evidence requirements

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

sourcing industry information

identifying and sourcing related industries

knowledge and application of legislative and ethical issues that impact on the industry

knowledge of the hairdressing industry, including main roles, functions and interrelationships of different industries, with a more detailed knowledge of issues that relate to a specific workplace.

Context of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the hairdresser and/or an experienced person at the workplace.

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

the Internet

a work team

a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.

:

none.

:

none.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested.

Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

identifying sources of industry information

accessing sources of industry information

applying information to work activities.

Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of developing techniques to update hairdressing industry knowledge procedures, including methods of accessing industry information. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner.

Completing workplace documentation relevant to developing techniques to update hairdressing industry knowledge.

Third-party reports from experienced hairdressing professionals in the workplace.

Completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer/coach/supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.

Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skills may include:

basic research techniques, including:

identification of relevant information

questioning techniques to obtain information

sorting, summarising and presenting information

communication techniques that take into account the culture, background and physical abilities of colleagues and clients while demonstrating knowledge of the following communication techniques:

using open and closed questions

speaking clearly and concisely

using appropriate language

non-verbal communication

applying relevant information to industry activities

language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.

Knowledge may include:

industry information sources

federal and state legislation, regulations and guidelines that apply to the industry in the following areas (main objectives, requirements and impact on individual staff):

health and safety

hygiene

workplace relations

workers' compensation

consumer protection and trade practices

duty of care

equal employment opportunity

anti-discrimination

the role of trade unions and employer groups in the industry

environmental responsibilities of the industry, including waste minimisation and recycling

industry associations

overview of current and emerging technology used across the hairdressing industry.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables 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. Bold italicised text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Sources of information may include:

media

reference books

libraries

unions

industry associations

industry journals

Internet sites

information services

personal observation and experience

colleagues, supervisors and managers

industry contacts, mentors and advisors.

Information may include:

relationships between the hairdressing industry and other industries

industry working conditions

environmental issues and requirements

industrial relations issues and major organisations

career opportunities within the industry

the work ethic required to work in the industry

industry expectations of staff

quality assurance

new products, technology, techniques and services.

Related industries may include:

beauty

entertainment

fashion

health

recreation

retail.

Quality of work performance may include:

client service

service to colleagues

hygiene.

Legal and ethical issues may include:

consumer protection

privacy

duty of care

health and hygiene

equal employment opportunity

anti-discrimination

workplace relations

licensing

insurance

training

advertising

confidentiality

overbooking

pricing

gifts and services free of charge

product recommendations.

Hairdressing industry activities may include:

housekeeping

client service

treatments and services.

Issues of concern may include:

government initiatives

emerging markets

new products

new services and procedures

environmental and social issues

labour issues

industry expansion or retraction.