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:

Unit scope

The estimation and job costing covered here is to be that undertaken by a tradesperson in relation to a sector product for a single client or customer

The client or customer may be external or internal

Estimation and costing is to include: overheads, labour and materials

Unit context

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

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

Workplace context

Work organisation procedures and practices relating to the provision of information and preparation of quotations

Reporting actions which may include: verbal and written communication in accordance with enterprise policies and procedures

Oral, written or visual communication including: completion of standard forms, interpretation of information and instructions associated with workplace activities, and recording and reporting of work outcomes

Use of calculators and/or computers running appropriate software for estimating and calculating necessary details

Information and procedures

Enterprise work orders and instructions

Industry codes and symbols

Product designs, patterns and prototypes

Building/architectural plans

Australian, international and enterprise quality standards and procedures

Work scheduling documentation

Job procedures

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
Interpret specifications and instructions for products and materials to be used
Interpret work orders
Document and communicate work-related information including: customer requirements, products, materials and labour required, costing calculations for products, materials and labour, and special conditions
Use of calculators, computer programs and other aids in the estimation and cost calculation processes
Estimate and cost three varied jobs including:
estimate quantities of material required
determine the types and amount of labour required to complete the work
estimate time required to complete the work
estimate overheads associated with the job

Underpinning Knowledge
Range of products and services offered by the enterprise
Enterprise or equivalent costing procedures
Components of overheads costs
Components of labour costs
Labour rates and approximate costs of products and materials
Basic mathematical processes

Underpinning Skills
Information. Collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, costs and government charges
Communication. Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
Planning. Complete an outline plan of activities including the preparation and layout of the worksite, the obtaining of equipment and materials, and the avoidance of back tracking, work flow interruptions or wastage
Teamwork. Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity
Mathematical ideas and techniques. Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, estimate material, labour and overhead requirements and accurately cost the product/service
Solve problems. Use checking techniques to anticipate and overcome costing problems
Use of technology. Use workplace technology related to the estimation and validation of job costs

Resource Implications
Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations involving estimation and costing of products and services.
Access is required to specifications and costs of relevant of products, equipment and materials and information on labour costs and availability, safety procedures, regulations, quality standards, and enterprise procedures.
Access is required to all necessary facilities and associated equipment including calculators, computers and relevant software.

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 may 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 with:
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
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)