Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry. It includes the operation of all relevant ancillary equipment.

Standard procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

The processes covered by this unit include:
hand development of patterns
CAD/CAM assisted pattern development
using other pattern developing tools
use of powered hand and bench tools as required.

Typical hazards include:
eye strain
repetitive strain injury
posture hazards.

Respond to/rectify 'non-routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems'.

Typical problems include:
making adequate allowances for manufacture
balancing cost of pattern with required pattern life
stability of pattern in use
damage to pattern in use.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to apply them to the patternmaking process.
Knowledge of the enterprise's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to:
interpret drawings and extrapolate to physical dimensions
select appropriate mediums and materials
identify product, materials and work processes appropriate for the individual work role
locate, interpret and apply relevant information
maintain workplace records
identify and safely handle relevant equipment, substances, other products and materials
apply safety precautions appropriate to the task.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
identify critical materials properties and process characteristics in relation to the process requirements and the end product
plan own work process within workplace procedures and explain the reasons for the steps in the process
develop patterns which are easy to use in the workplace and which produce in-specification products with minimal modification to pattern or product.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
quality and output standards are met consistently
problems are anticipated from process observations
problems are efficiently resolved.
the process runs consistently and smoothly.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret customer requirements, technical specifications and technical drawings/sketches.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms and reports.
Numeracy is also required, e.g. to interpret specifications and drawings, and conceptually manipulate three and two dimensional shapes and determine pattern size/shape to give the correct final size/shape.

Assessment method and context
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on an operating plant allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions
by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
by a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment.

Resource implications
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.