Elements and Performance Criteria

Sources of information may include but are not limited to:

media

reference books

libraries

unions

industry associations

industry journals

Internet sites

information services

personal observation and experience

colleagues, supervisors and managers
industry contacts, mentors and advisors.

Information may include but is not limited to

relationships between the beauty industry and other industries

industry working conditions

environmental issues and requirements

industrial relations issues and major organisations
career opportunities within the industry
the work ethic required to work in the industry

industry expectations of staff
quality assurance
new products, technology, techniques, and services.

Related industries may include but are not limited to:

entertainment

fashion

health

recreation

retail

hairdressing

complementary therapy.

Quality of work performance may include but is not limited to:
client service

hygiene.

Legal and ethical issues may include but are not limited to:

consumer protection

privacy
duty of care
health and hygiene
equal employment opportunity

anti-discrimination

workplace relations

licensing

insurance

training

advertising

confidentiality

overbooking

pricing
gifts and services free of charge
product recommendations.

Beauty industry activities may include but are not limited to:

housekeeping
client service

treatments/services.

Issues of concern may include but are not limited to:

government initiatives

emerging markets
new services/procedures

environmental and social issues
labour issues
industry expansion or retraction.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Sourcing industry information.
Identifying and sourcing related industries.
Knowledge and application of legislative and ethical issues which impact on the industry.
Knowledge of the beauty industry, including main roles, functions and inter-relationships of different industries, with a more detailed knowledge of issues which relate to a specific workplace.

Context of assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the beauty therapist and/or an experienced person at the workplace.
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to page 32 of the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Relationship to other units
In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, all units which relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:


observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

identifying sources of industry information
accessing sources of industry information
applying information to work activities.
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of developing techniques to update beauty industry knowledge procedures, including methods of accessing industry information. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner.
completing workplace documentation relevant to developing techniques to update beauty industry knowledge.
third party reports from experienced beauty professionals in the workplace.
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer/coach/supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Required skills and knowledge to achieve the performance criteria

Basic research techniques, including:

identification of relevant information
questioning techniques to obtain information
sorting, summarising and presenting information.
Applying relevant information to industry activities.
Industry information sources.
The role of trade unions and employer groups in the industry.
Environmental responsibilities of the industry, including waste minimisation and recycling.
Industry associations.

Federal and State legislation, regulations and guidelines that apply to the industry in the following areas (main objectives, requirements and impact on individual staff):

health and safety
hygiene
workplace relations
workers' compensation
consumer protection and trade practices
duty of care
equal employment opportunity (EEO)
anti-discrimination.
Overview of current and emerging technology used across the beauty industry.

Specific resources required for assessment
Access to the Internet.
A work team.
A qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Communicating ideas and information
Obtaining information to assist work performance will require the communication of ideas and information. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Using knowledge of the beauty industry to enhance work performance will require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Incorporating knowledge into day-to-day work activities will require activities to be planned and organised. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Sharing updated knowledge with colleagues will require the application of team work. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Pricing may require the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Conducting day-to-day beauty industry activities in accordance with legal obligations and ethical industry practices will require problem solving. (1)

Using technology
Using the Internet to source information will require the use of technology. (1)