What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in undertaking propagation activities requires evidence that basic propagation activities can be performed in such a manner as to satisfy the workplace or client requirements Skills involving hygiene practices disinfestation and must also be evident The skills and knowledge required to undertake propagation activities must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different species plant types environments and propagation techniques

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

Maintenance requirements of tools and equipment used for propagation

OHS requirements of employees

Quality specificationscharacteristics of a range of parent plants and propagation materials

Basic plant nutrition

Record keeping relevant to the work function

Enterprise requirements for handling and disposal of nursery wastes

Enterprise hygiene requirements

Common problems that may occur while performing propagation activities in a controlled environment

Propagation methods required for a range of plants

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice

OHS procedures

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

Read and interpret instructions

Participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

Communicate effectively with fellow team members

Carry out a variety of propagation techniques

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Ideas and information relating to work issues completion and problems encountered may need to be reported or discussed with the supervisor and others in the work team

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Work instructions such as the daily planting program should be located interpreted and applied with further clarification sought as necessary Information relating to propagation activities such as production statistics should be noted and recorded at the completion of work tasks

How are activities planned and organised

Undertaking propagation activities involves organising equipment and materials for plant propagation and planning activities around daily work routines Discussions with the supervisor and other team members may be required in order to complete tasks efficiently in a logical sequence and in a timely manner

How can team work be applied

Propagation activities may involve working with other members of the work team to coordinate operations For example the collection and preparation of equipment and planting materials may be organised with another team member who acts in a support capacity

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Skills in counting tallying and estimation are required to calculate basic production statistics quantities and personal production rates

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems relating to propagation activities may arise during daily work routines that require corrective action or consultation with supervisor

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be applied in the use of heat sterilisation equipment and computer databases and calculators

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet

What workplace information may be relevant when undertaking propagation activities?

What OHS hazards may be identified in the work area?

What personal protective equipment (PPE) may be needed to undertake propagation activities?

What tools andequipment may be required for supporting propagation activities?

How might propagation materials be collected?

What maintenance and storage procedures may apply to collected propagation materials?

What pre-treatments may be relevant to this standard?

What propagation techniques may be relevant to this standard?

What label information may be required when propagating plants?

What remedial action may be taken to control pests and diseases?

What OHS requirements apply to this standard?

What records may need to be maintained in regard to propagation activities?

What waste may be relevant to this standard?

What hygiene practices may apply to this standard?