The unit applies to loading, guiding and unloading machines to sew shoe uppers. Sewing involves basic sewing techniques such as sewing in straight lines and using one type of material. Basic sewing techniques include those where the positioning of the work is controlled by machine guides or work markers and where there is uncomplicated feeding of material.

Work is conducted according to defined procedures and methods.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control, and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising to sew uppers for footwear production. Problem solving skills are required to ensure materials conform to requirements and identify any processing problems. Communication skills are used to refer to and complete required documentation. Self management skills are used to ensure safe use of technology and conformance of own work to quality standards.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare work pieces

1.1 Work bundle is received, checked and follow-up action taken including quality checks.

1.2 Quality of received component parts is assessed.

1.3 Work pieces are laid out in correct sequence.

2 Prepare workstation

2.1 Workbench and seating are set up to achieve operator comfort and to minimise fatigue.

2.2 Machine is cleaned and checked.

2.3 Records are maintained.

3 Prepare machine for operation

3.1 Machine settings are adjusted according to manufacturer instructions and specifications for work.

3.2 Threads are selected according to specifications.

3.3 Needle types, attachments and parts are checked, and worn needles and parts are changed as necessary.

3.4 Stitch length is set and tested against specifications.

3.5 Tension is set according to specifications.

3.6 Machine is tested for correct operation.

4 Perform machine sewing

4.1 Pieces are selected according to size, colour and style.

4.2 Materials are accurately positioned to achieve required specifications.

4.3 Seams are machined to achieve specific results.

4.4 Threads are trimmed as required.

4.5 Work is carried out according to OHS practices.

5 Identify poor machine performance

5.1 Performance of machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty performance.

5.2 Follow-up action is taken to address faulty machine performance.

6 Conduct final quality check for operations

6.1 Final product is checked to ensure workplace quality requirements are met.

6.2 Production faults are addressed.

7 Despatch completed work

7.1 Uppers are bundled, stacked and stored or despatched.

7.2 Production faults are recorded as required.

7.3 Records are completed.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

machining techniques where the positioning of the work may be controlled by machine guides or work markers or where there is uncomplicated feeding of material

machine operating procedures

characteristics of typical leathers, fabrics, threads and other materials used in assembly and machining of uppers

quality standards and practices

safety and environmental aspects of relevant upper assembly and machining processes

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

handle, receive and assemble uppers

read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate in the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

check work against ticket information and workplace standards

prepare workstation and work before commencing operations

apply machining techniques

operate at least one type of machine where the positioning of the work is controlled by machine guide or work marker

apply OHS practices in work operations

maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks according to instructions

working systematically with attention to detail

identifying improvements and avoiding damage

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Machines may include:

manual and computerised sewing machines where the positioning of the work may be controlled by machine guide or work marker

Operations may include:

lining stitching

back seaming

binding

bar tacking

OHS practices

OHS practices include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may relate to:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

environmental practices

Sector

Footwear Production

This unit contains employability skills.