Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:

Soft furnishing accessories may include:
basic cushions
bolsters
soft tableware and slip-on covers

Unit context

OH&S requirements may include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes and local safe operating procedures or equivalent

Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Work requires individuals to demonstrate discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the reading and interpreting of patterns, plans and instructions. This may be demonstrated either individually or in a team environment

Tools and equipment may include:
measuring and calculating equipment, including tapes, rulers, calculators, computers
fabric and general cutting and sewing tools, including scissors, saws, drills, staplers, sewing machines, hemming machines, overlockers, glue guns

Materials may include:
plain and patterned fabric
velvet
vinyl
piping cords
wadding
foam
zips and fasteners

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures

Workplace procedures relating to the production of soft furnishing items

Work instructions, including job sheets, patterns, plans, drawings and designs

Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication

Pattern interpretation

Pattern interpretation is to result in the determination of type of material specified, required tools and equipment for the task, number and type of soft furnishing accessories to be produced, and quality requirements

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Apply safe handling practices for equipment, products and materials
Identify materials used and any special sewing or handling requirements for those materials
Interpret work order and locate and apply relevant information
Interpret patterns and work instructions
Produce at least one type of soft furniture accessory
Select and use tools and equipment appropriate to the task follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
prevent damage to goods, equipment or products
maintain required production output and product quality
minimise the risk of injury to self or others
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
Report process or materials faults, damaged products or equipment

Underpinning Knowledge
The types, characteristics, uses and limitations of basic soft furnishing materials
The interpretation of patterns
Identification of equipment, processes and procedures
Workflow in relation to soft furnishing accessory production

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to basic plans and safety procedures
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, co-ordination of work with site supervisor and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
Planning. Plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid back tracking
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using co-operative approaches
Mathematical ideas and techniques. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements
Solve problems. Use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate production problems, avoid reworking and avoid wastage
Use of technology. Use workplace technology related to the production task, including specified tools, equipment, calculators and measuring devices

Resource Implications
Patterns, materials, tools and equipment.

Method of Assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment should be conducted over time and will generally be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Key Competency Levels
NB:These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.
There are three levels available:
Level 1 where work is within set conditions and process
Level 2 where the management or facilitation of conditions or process is exercised; and
Level 3 where the design and/or development of conditions or process is required
Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(1)