Certificate IV in Opal Cutting and Polishing

Not Applicable


Subjects

To obtain a Certificate IV in Opal Cutting and Polishing, 16 units must be achieved:

Core units

Complete 10 units

add topic BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes

add topic CUVOPA01B Identify and describe opal

add topic CUVOPA02B Handle and store rough and cut opal

add topic CUVOPA03B Complete pre-cutting processes for solid opal

add topic CUVOPA04B Cut and polish an opal solid

add topic CUVOPA05B Complete pre-cutting processes for opal doublets and triplets

add topic CUVOPA06B Cut and polish an opal double/triplet

add topic CUVOPA07B Use opal carving tools

add topic CUVOPA11B Obtain opal

add topic CUVOPA14B Undertake operational maintenance of machinery

Elective Units

Complete 6 units

add topic BSBDIV301A Work effectively with diversity

add topic BSBITU305A Conduct online transactions

add topic BSBSMB406A Manage small business finances

add topic BSBWOR204A Use business technology

add topic CUFDIG201A Maintain interactive content

add topic CUFIND201A Develop and apply creative arts industry knowledge

add topic CUVOPA08B Production cut and polish opal

add topic CUVOPA09B Use a faceting machine

add topic CUVOPA10B Cut opal spheres and beads

add topic CUVOPA12B Identify the requirements for establishing an opal-cutting workshop

add topic CUVOPA13B Apply advanced pre-cutting processes to complex opals

add topic CUVPHI04B Apply photoimaging lightning techniques

add topic CUVVSP26B Apply techniques to produce jewellery

add topic FNSICGEN305A Maintain daily financial/business records

add topic FNSICGEN402B Participate in negotiations

MEM19.7AAPerform gemstone setting (*Pre requisite units)

add topic WRRS01B Sell products and services

add topic WRWSL201A Sell products and services to business customers

Of the elective units two may come from any endorsed Training Package at the Certificate III/IV level. A list of recommended units is included below.

The total package of units must meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptor for a Certificate IV. In all cases selection of electives must be guided by the job outcome sought, local industry requirements and the level of the qualification.

* Pre-requisites for this unit are: MEM18.1AB Use hand tools: MEM18.2AA Use power tools/hand held operations: MEM18.3AB Use tools for precision work: MEM19.3AA Handle gem materials (basic) - equivalent to add topic CUVOPA02B Handle and store rough and cut opal.

Notes on Certificate IV

The CUV40603 Certificate IV in Opal Cutting and Polishing is designed to provide the skills for competent operators in industry. The qualification will give an opportunity to develop skills in:

advising others on the characteristics of cut and uncut opals

working with the gemstones to produce high quality cut and polished opal products.

The qualification also gives the opportunity to select the skills needed for managing a small business in addition to the technical opal cutting and polishing skills.

The Certificate IV is a flexible qualification and choice of elective units can provide for a range of outcomes. Examples of appropriate units for particular jobs at this level are as follows:

A person running a small cutting and polishing workshop

add topic BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes

add topic BSBSMB406A Manage small business finances

add topic BSBWOR204A Use business technology

add topic CUFIND201A Develop and apply creative arts industry knowledge

add topic CUVOPA01B Identify and describe opal

add topic CUVOPA02B Handle and store rough and cut opal

add topic CUVOPA03B Complete pre-cutting processes for solid opal

add topic CUVOPA04B Cut and polish an opal solid

add topic CUVOPA05B Complete pre-cutting processes for opal doublets and triplets

add topic CUVOPA06B Cut and polish an opal double/triplet

add topic CUVOPA07B Use opal carving tools

add topic CUVOPA12B Identify the requirements for establishing an opal-cutting workshop

add topic CUVOPA13B Apply advanced pre-cutting processes to complex opals

add topic CUVOPA14B Undertake operational maintenance of machinery

add topic WRRS01B Sell products and services

A person doing some cutting and trading on line

add topic BSBITU305A Conduct online transactions

add topic BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes

add topic BSBSMB406A Manage small business finances

add topic CUFDIG201A Maintain interactive content

add topic CUFIND201A Develop and apply creative arts industry knowledge

add topic CUVOPA01B Identify and describe opal

add topic CUVOPA02B Handle and store rough and cut opal

add topic CUVOPA03B Complete pre-cutting processes for solid opal

add topic CUVOPA04B Cut and polish an opal solid

add topic CUVOPA05B Complete pre-cutting processes for opal doublets and triplets

add topic CUVOPA06B Cut and polish an opal double/triplet

add topic CUVOPA07B Use opal carving tools

add topic CUVOPA12B Identify the requirements for establishing an opal-cutting workshop

add topic CUVOPA14B Undertake operational maintenance of machinery

add topic FNSICGEN402B Participate in negotiations

add topic WRWSL201A Sell products and services to business customers

Units from other Training Packages recommended for inclusion in Opal Training Programs as elective units

CUV03 - Visual Arts, Craft and Design

add topic CUVCOR03B Develop, refine and communicate concept for own work

add topic CUVCOR07B Use drawing techniques to represent the object or idea

add topic CUVDES05B Interpret and respond to a brief

add topic CUVDSP13B Research and apply techniques for the design of wearable objects

add topic CUVPHI05B Use a 35 mm SLR camera or digital equivalent

add topic CUVVSP28B Research and experiment with techniques to produce jewellery

BSBO1 - Business Services

add topic BSBSMB405A Monitor and manage small business operations

WRR02 - Retail

WRRM6ACreate a display for small business

WRRSS3BRecommend jewellery products

MEM98 - Metal and Engineering

MEM5.6AAPerform brazing and/or silver soldering

MEM19.2AAPrepare jewellery illustrations (Pre-requisites - MEM9.1AA-Draw and interpret sketch)

TDT02 - Transport

add topic TDTA997B Complete and check import/export documentation

ICA05 - Information and Communications Technology

add topic ICPMM321A Capture a digital image


Pathways...

    Not Applicable


Entry Requirements

Not Applicable


Licensing Information

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

The following table contains a summary of the required for running a small cutting and polishing workshop. The Employability Skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.

Communication

Passing on key safety information to colleagues.

Sharing information with others.

Discussing opal buying preferences with colleagues and others in the industry.

Clarifying legal and regulatory requirements with manager.

Negotiating the acquisition of rough opal supplies.

Describing features of products to customers.

Discussing requirements with customers.

Teamwork

Checking safety procedures with other team members.

Showing respect when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.

Discussing possible strategies for cutting opal with colleagues and clients.

Problem Solving

Identifying safety issues and reporting them to appropriate person.

Identifying possible conflicts with team members and suggesting ways of dealing with them.

Identifying whether a sample is genuine natural opal or a simulated opal.

Identifying and rectifying equipment faults that do not require specialist attention.

Identifying and correcting faults in opals as items are made.

Offering solutions to customer objections in a sales situation.

Initiative and Enterprise

Determining where to cut stones to maximise value and artistic effect.

Deciding on the most appropriate option for acquiring rough opal.

Developing a strategic vision for the business.

Maximising sales opportunities with customers.

Planning and Organising

Identifying risk factors and taking action to minimise risk.

Organising work tasks to ensure safety.

Maintaining stock control and other workplace records.

Surveying market requirements to determine opal cutting strategies.

Weighing opals to determine yield.

Planning and executing the process of cutting and polishing opals.

Planning and performing routine maintenance of equipment.

Developing and implementing procedures for acquiring rough opal.

Developing budgets and managing financial operations.

Investigating resources needed to set up an opal-cutting workshop.

Self-management

Following workplace procedures, particularly in relation to OHS.

Maintaining personal safety standards.

Taking responsibility within scope of job role.

Managing own time to meet deadlines.

Learning

Seeking assistance and advice from others to improve one's own skills and knowledge.

Seeking assistance and expert advice from equipment manufacturers.

Seeking expert legal advice.

Providing mentoring and coaching on OHS to team members.

Technology

Using security systems.

Using cameras and scanning equipment.

Using electronic stock control systems.

Using the internet for research.

Using equipment and tools to cut and polish opals.