The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

The meat industry has specific and clear requirements for evidence. A minimum of three forms of evidence is required to demonstrate competency in the meat industry. This is specifically designed to provide evidence that covers the demonstration in the workplace of all aspects of competency over time.

These requirements are in addition to the requirements for valid, current, authentic and sufficient evidence.

Three forms of evidence means three different kinds of evidence - not three pieces of the same kind. In practice it will mean that most of the unit is covered twice. This increases the legitimacy of the evidence.

All assessment must be conducted against Australian meat industry standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Competency must be demonstrated over time and under typical operating and production conditions for the enterprise.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in the workplace under normal operating conditions or in a simulated environment.

Method of assessment

Recommended methods of assessment include:

quiz of underpinning knowledge

verified work log or diary

workplace referee or third-party report of performance over time.

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality or Torres Strait Islander, gender, or language backgrounds other than English. Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role.

Guidance information for assessment

A current list of resources for this unit of competency is available from MINTRAC www.mintrac.com.au or telephone 1800 817 462.

Required skills

Ability to:

trim a variety of lesser-valued cuts of meat to specification according to workplace requirements

demonstrate effective use of a knife to workplace, OH&S, and hygiene requirements

work individually and with other team members

give examples of workplace specifications for trimming meat

apply relevant regulatory and workplace requirements

seek further advice from supervisor when uncertain about work instructions

use relevant communication skills

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

hygiene requirements for use of a knife

OH&S requirements for use of a knife

steps in checking and preparing a knife

workplace requirements for use of a knife

relevant regulatory and workplace requirements

hygiene requirements for the handling of meat products

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Workplace specifications may include:

dicing for further processing

removing connective tissue prior to further processing

trimming excess fat

trimming excess meat from bones.

OH&S requirements may include:

enterprise OH&S policies, procedures and programs

OH&S legal requirements

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which may include:

coats and aprons

ear plugs or muffs

eye and facial protection

head-wear

lifting assistance

mesh aprons

protective boot covers

protective hand and arm covering

protective head and hair covering

uniforms

waterproof clothing

work, safety or waterproof footwear

requirements set out in standards and codes of practice.

Hygiene and sanitation requirements may include:

relevant government regulations

workplace requirements.

Workplacerequirements may include:

enterprise-specific procedures

OH&S requirements

Quality Assurance (QA) requirements

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

the ability to perform the task to production requirements

work instructions.

Knives include:

boning knives

skinning knives

steak knives.

Regulatory requirements may include:

Export Control Act

Federal, state and territory regulations regarding meat processing

hygiene and sanitation requirements

relevant Australian Standards

relevant regulations.

Communication skills may include:

applying numeracy skills to workplace requirements

listening and understanding

reading and interpreting workplace related documentation

sharing information

speaking clearly and directly

working with diverse individuals and groups.