This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to design and prepare models, moulds, dies, frames and cases to make products from materials such as concrete, clay and ceramics. It applies to large production contexts and smaller craft contexts.

This unit of competency applies to experienced technicians, leading hands, supervisors or those in similar roles who are required to determine the specifications for devices to be made, make the devices, make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity and solve problems within area of responsibility.

This unit of competency applies to technician applying specialised theoretical and technical knowledge and well developed skills in situations that require autonomy, discretion and judgement. The person may work alone or as a member of a team or group and will work in liaison with other shift team members, team leader and supervisor, as appropriate.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:

read and interpret drawings, production schedules, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information

establish specifications for devices, including:

models

block moulds

working moulds

dies

design and make models to specifications

produce block moulds, working moulds and dies

select and prepare and use materials, fittings, tools and equipment

monitor key variables, including:

raw materials/mix

shape

dimensions

shrinkage

strength

device integrity and conformance to specification of the moulding item

make adjustments/repairs to ensure device and meets quality and production output specifications

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

handle/store devices

apply safety procedures

· apply housekeeping procedures

· recognise out-of-specification products, process problems and materials faults

resolve routine and non-routine problems

identify when the operator is able to rectify problems, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

take action to resolve problems or report them to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine problems, including:

incorrect materials

variations in materials

equipment malfunction

procedure errors

incorrect specifications

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

complete workplace records

do basic arithmetical manipulations, including additions, subtractions, divisions, fractions and percentages.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role, including knowledge of:

principles of design as applicable to models

functions and limitations of devices, including:

models

block moulds

frames and cases

working moulds

dies and master dies

types of materials relevant to making the devices and their application, including:

plaster

timber

rubber

metal

fibreglass

product specifications/materials properties that may affect device design, materials and construction

quality requirements at each stage of construction

factors which may affect device quality and appropriate remedies

non-routine problems that may arise, the range of possible causes and appropriate actions

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation of an operating plant

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the use of an appropriate industrial item/s of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start-up and shutdown procedures and responding to problems

may use industry-based simulation for all or part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

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 that reflects 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 in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

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.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on the job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

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.

Not applicable

Operations