Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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 in the performance criteria is detailed below.


Sources of information on coffee include:
talking to product suppliers, roasters and other baristas
memberships of associations and industry bodies
reading general and trade media, and supplier information
attending trade shows
attending coffee tastings
reading coffee reference books
internet.

Accurate information for customers may include:
coffee items, varieties and available accompaniments
prices
brochures about coffee types and grinds
coffee education programs.


Characteristics of coffee include:
colour
appearance, including opacity or transparency
aroma
flavour
taste
freshness
presentation.


Evaluate espresso coffee quality includes:
use of visual and other sensory means, such as smelling and tasting coffee
customer feedback
consistency of product.


Indicators of quality include:
industry and enterprise standards and requirements
customer feedback
repeat business
sales of particular items, coffee types and styles.


Faults and problems include:
equipment breakdown or malfunction
incorrect or inappropriate use of equipment
poor quality control or maintenance
breaches of OHS requirements.


Monitoring espresso coffee machine and other equipment may include:
removing shower screens and diffusers if appropriate, cleaning using wet method and reassembling
fine tuning or arranging fine tuning of machines according to manufacturer recommendations and warranty requirements.


Equipment considerations include:
characteristics and advantages of size and capacity
cost
reliability
service availability
training in operation
reputation of supplier.

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency
Evidence of the following is essential:
in-depth knowledge and understanding of coffee and coffee service
mastery of skills in extracting coffee
management of coffee service.


Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a coffee station with a range of industry-current equipment, including:
at least three different types and makes of coffee machine
thermometer
coffee grinders or mills
serviceware, including cups, saucers, glasses, mugs and flatware
weighing and measuring equipment
storage bins in appropriate sizes and materials
blind or blank filters
tampers
espresso cleaning detergent
bins for discarded pucks or grind tubes
demonstration of skills using at least three different types and makes of coffee machine
access to a range of coffee types and commodities
work activities that allow the candidate to develop and maintain systems for the service of coffee over a period of time.


Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
case studies to assess abilities to evaluate coffee, and diagnose and rectify a range of faults
written or oral questions to test knowledge required to plan and monitor espresso coffee service
review of workplace documents developed by the candidate, including operational procedures and maintenance schedules for espresso machines and equipment
testing of candidate's ability to analyse and solve typical problems in coffee service or coffee quality
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SITXOHS002A Follow workplace hygiene procedures
SITXINV002A Control and order stock
SITXMGT001A Monitor work operations
SITHPAT012A Plan patisserie operations.


Assessing employability skills
Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.