Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply pattern specifications to the production of saddlery products.
The unit applies to the interpretation of pattern specifications; checking against client needs; modifying the pattern, where necessary, and applying the pattern to the production of a saddlery product, such as a saddle, bridle or saddle blanket.
It applies to individuals working largely independently and being accountable for own results, including:
carrying out assigned tasks
coordinating processes
setting and working to deadlines.
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 | Determine pattern requirements | 2.1 | Access information about customer requirements |
2.2 | Interpret pattern specifications for identified saddlery product and compare with customer, industry and quality requirements | ||
2.3 | Identify customisation requirements and any additional expertise required for production | ||
2.4 | Customise pattern from existing pattern, as appropriate | ||
2.5 | Identify leather requirements and pattern specifications from customer | ||
3 | Prepare for production | 3.1 | Set up work area in accordance with specifications and workplace procedures |
3.2 | Identify production tasks, and select and prepare tools and equipment | ||
3.3 | Select leather, and check for quality and faults | ||
4 | Produce saddlery product | 4.1 | Conduct sequence of operations to produce saddlery product |
4.2 | Test stitching for strength and accuracy and trim product | ||
4.3 | Apply embossing and other design elements | ||
4.4 | Identify any faults or differences from specifications and repair or resolve | ||
5 | Finish production | 5.1 | Finish product by hand or machine |
5.2 | Check product satisfies quality specifications and review with customer to ensure customer satisfaction | ||
5.3 | Finalise production and complete housekeeping and relevant documentation | ||
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, industry codes and standards
interpreting specifications and identifying customisation requirements
preparing at least two (2) customised patterns from existing patterns to meet client requirements
completing sequence of operations on leather to produce saddlery product
using tools and equipment for saddlery work according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements
applying embossing and other design elements, and finishing at least two (2) saddlery products according to specifications
identifying faults and making good
testing and checking final saddlery product for quality and customer satisfaction
completing housekeeping and relevant documentation.
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
features and requirements of saddlery products:
saddles
bridles
saddle blanket
pattern modification techniques, procedures and tools
structure and divisions of hides and the functions of different types of leather
production tasks:
measuring
marking
cutting
stitching
embossing
cutting
polishing
creasing
staining
finishing
methods for examining leather for faults and quality
quality standards of the enterprise and the industry
tools and equipment for making saddlery products
stitching techniques and equipment
PPE required in saddlery
care, adjustment and sharpening of traditional hand cutting tools
procedures for laying out, marking, cutting and trimming of leather
quality standards and handling procedures
workplace operations and reporting procedures
WHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
practices for recording and reporting.
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 performing pattern specifications for saddlery products, 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, industry codes and standards, awards, agreements and conditions of employment SOPs work instructions oral, written and visual communication PPE 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 |
Leather requirements include one or more of the following: | type of leather grade of leather size of hide performance and functional requirements of leather |
WHS practices | WHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and include one or more of the following: manual handling techniques PPE safe materials handling ergonomic arrangement of workplaces following marked walkways safe storage of equipment housekeeping reporting accidents and incidents other WHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise |
Sectors
Not applicable
Competency Field
Leather production