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

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and carrying out radio station operation basic maintenance and assembly of radio communication equipment

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies

The extent of the essential knowledge and associated skills EKAS required is given in Volume Part EKAS It forms an integral part of this unit

Amateur radio communication principles practices and technical overview

Occupational Health and Safety principles

This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit It must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit It must be used in conjunction with all parts of the unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package

Overview of Assessment

The Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Wireless of Australia have established agreed minimal assessment requirements for licensing of amateur radio stations including the minimal requirements for assessors

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment such as Profiling require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention It is the industrypreferred model for apprenticeships However where summative or final assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or at a minimum the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment It is recognised that in some circumstances assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace However it must be in accord with industry and regulatory policy

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors These include the extent of the assessment the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place access to physical resources additional safety measures that may be required regulatory requirements and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed

The critical safety nature of working with electricity electrical equipment gas or any other hazardous substancematerial carries risk in deeming a person competent Sources of evidence need to be rich in nature to minimise error in judgment

Activities associated with normal everyday work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its richness Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically Each Element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines UEE Evidence shall also comprise

A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline work function and industrial environment In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to

Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements

Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment

Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation regulations polices and workplace procedures

Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below

Operate and maintain an amateur radio station dismantling and assembling apparatus and disconnecting and reconnecting components including

A

Following manufacturer service instructions and licence conditions determination for radio station assembly and dismantling including transmitter power measurement and adjustment

B

Demonstrating on HF and VHF correct operating procedure as prescribed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority

C

Connecting and disconnecting components to radio equipment manufacturer requirements and appropriate engineering requirements including minor soldering

D

Identifying common types of transmission lines coaxial connectors antennas and symbols

E

Assembling a radio frequency choke used for the elimination of potential interference

F

Testing a coaxial cable for continuity and standing wave ratio including explaining how to correct a high standing wave ratio and demonstrating the use of a signal strength metre

G

Demonstrating the correct use of voice repeaters with and without continuous tone coded squelch system CTCSS andor dual tone multi frequency signalling

H

Correctly using an amateur radio according to ACMA licence and standard operating procedures

I

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in a holistic assessment with the above listed items

NoteSuccessful completion of relevant vendor training may be used to contribute to evidence on which competency is deemed In these cases the alignment of outcomes of vendor training with performance criteria and critical aspects of evidence shall be clearly identified

Note:
Successful completion of relevant vendor training may be used to contribute to evidence on which competency is deemed. In these cases the alignment of outcomes of vendor training with performance criteria and critical aspects of evidence shall be clearly identified.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures information and resources typical of a workplace This should include

OHS policy and work procedures and instructions

Relevant Australian and International standards for the assembly and operation of an amateur radio station

Suitable work environment facilities equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed in this unit

These should also be part of the formal learningassessment environment

Note

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment it must ensure that the conditions for assessment are authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and is consistent with the approved industry simulation policy

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to assembling dismantling and operating an amateur radio station including the assembly of an antenna power supply unit or an equivalent circuit

Method of assessment

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume Part Assessment Guidelines

NoteCompetent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies This requires assessment in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learningassessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit

Note:
Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies. This requires assessment in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit