Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to align and sew uppers.
The unit of competency 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 using manual and computerised sewing machines where the positioning of the work may be controlled by machine guide or work marker, 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.
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 sew upper | 2.1 | Check work bundle, assess quality of component parts and lay out work pieces in correct sequence |
2.2 | Set up workbench and seating to achieve operator comfort and minimise fatigue | ||
2.3 | Clean and check machine, and adjust machine settings according to manufacturer instructions and specifications for work | ||
2.4 | Select threads according to specifications, check needle types and attachments, and change parts and worn needles as necessary | ||
2.5 | Set stitch length, set up tension and test against specifications | ||
2.6 | Test machine for correct operation | ||
3 | Perform machine sewing | 3.1 | Select pieces according to size, colour and style |
3.2 | Accurately position materials and sew uppers to achieve required specifications | ||
3.3 | Machine seams to achieve specific results and trim threads | ||
3.4 | Regularly check performance of machine for signs of faulty performance and take follow-up action to address faulty machine performance | ||
4 | Conduct final quality check and despatch work | 4.1 | Check final product to ensure workplace quality requirements are met |
4.2 | Address production faults according to workplace procedures | ||
4.3 | Bundle uppers, stack and store or despatch | ||
4.4 | Record production faults as required | ||
4.5 | Complete work records | ||
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
preparing workstation and work before commencing operations
checking work against ticket information, quality requirements and workplace procedures
handling, receiving and assembling uppers
applying machining techniques on at least five (5) upper pairs
operating at least one (1) type of machine where the positioning of the work is controlled by machine guide or work marker
monitoring machine performance
taking appropriate action to address faults
packing, storing and despatching work according to workplace procedures
applying work health and safety (WHS) practices in work operations
maintaining accurate records.
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
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
signs of faulty performance and appropriate actions to redress faults
quality standards and practices
handling, storage and despatch practices
WHS and environmental aspects of relevant upper assembly and machining processes
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 operating machine to sew upper, 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 |
Operations include: | lining stitching back seaming binding bar tacking |
Sectors
Not applicable
Competency Field
Footwear production