Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to perform blocking and shaping of headwear by machine.
The unit of competency applies to the production of headwear from specialist millinery foundation materials and standard textile products in a commercial environment where multiple units of styles are produced. It includes selecting the block where applicable.
Work is conducted according to defined procedures.
Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Determine job requirements | 1.1 | Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
1.2 | Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements at all times | ||
1.3 | Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with SOPs | ||
1.4 | Identify job requirements from specifications, drawings, job sheets or work instructions | ||
2 | Prepare to block headwear | 2.1 | Interpret design specification and confirm blocking and shaping requirements |
2.2 | Select materials required for design. | ||
2.3 | Assemble selected materials in readiness for shaping hat | ||
3 | Block headwear | 3.1 | Select block, where necessary, to suit design and ensure correct application |
3.2 | Prepare fibre/materials for blocking process | ||
3.3 | Set up machine and equipment to meet requirements | ||
3.4 | Process by steam | ||
3.5 | Assess blocking using appropriate machine according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures | ||
3.6 | Identify and rectify non-conforming outcomes | ||
3.7 | Document process and outcomes according to workplace procedures | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include:
reading and following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), safe work practices
applying relevant standards
interpreting design specifications
preparing and handling materials
manipulating materials to produce required shapes for at least two (2) types of headwear
using blocks according to specifications
operating machines or equipment used in shaping headwear
recognising and rectifying non-conforming outcomes
documenting process and outcomes according to workplace procedures.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:
safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
relevant Australian Standards
industry and product processes and equipment
textiles and millinery foundation materials and their composition, and the effects of temperature and steam
the stretch quality of fabrics
quality standards and practices
workplace procedures
recording and reporting practices.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must:
satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment, as set by the VET regulator
have vocational competency in blocking and shaping headwear by machine, at least to the level being assessed, with relevant industry knowledge and experience.
Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | |
Workplace procedures include one or more of the following: | requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment SOPs 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 WHS practices |
Australian Standards include: | the relevant industry or Australian Standards that are current at the time this unit is being undertaken |
Machines include one or more of the following: | hat blocking press cord steam applicator hot block hat stretcher cutting tools |
Sectors
Not applicable
Competency Field
Clothing production