Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provide the range of applications of this unit of competency to allow for differences within enterprises and workplaces. It provides details of practices, knowledge and requirements referred to in the elements and performance criteria. The variables chosen in training and assessment will depend on the work contexts.

The following variables may include but are not limited to
Store policy and procedures in regard to:
selling clothing products and alteration services
Store merchandise range may include:
ladies/men's/children's clothing and accessories
casual/professional/day/evening wear
mix and match range
Relevant sources of information may include:
suppliers product leaflets
fashion magazines
fashion shows
designers and manufacturers representatives
customer feedback
Fabric characteristics may include:
fabric types
finishes
properties
benefits and effects
Relevant product information may include:
brand options
brand sizing
colour
style
price
Fabrics used in clothing manufacture may include:
natural fibres
synthetic fibres
mixed fibres
knits/woven
Fabric properties may include:
anti static
crease resistant
preshrunk
stain resistant
water resistant/water proof
flame resistant/flame retardant
Fabric Coordination may include:
colours/patterns/textures
fabric type/finishing treatments
current fashion/trends
Customer requirements and considerations may include:
casual/professional/day/evening
colour preferences/style/theme
durability/function/usage
cost
lifestyle/culture/ethnicity
body shape
mix and match wardrobe/existing wardrobe
Knowledge of clothing design elements may include:
line
direction of line
focal points
balance
camouflage of figure faults
Pinning and alterations to products may include:
trousers/skirts/dresses/suits
sleeves/shoulders/waist/hems
Customers may include:
people with routine or special requests
people with special needs
regular and new customers
people from a range of social, cultural or ethic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

The following components of the evidence guide relate directly to the performance criteria and the Range Statement for the unit of competency and provide guidance for assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program.
Critical Aspects of Evidence

Competency in this unit requires evidence that the candidate:

Continually updates and applies product knowledge to provide comprehensive advice to customers and staff.
Consistently applies store policies and procedures and industry codes of practice in regard to sales/customer service procedures.
Advises customers and informs sales team members of wardrobe essentials and planning, including design elements, customer body shape and the concept of "mix and match".
Uses measuring tools correctly and accurately.
Applies knowledge of Australian Standard clothing sizes/variations.
Advises on, prepares and arranges clothing product alterations and service in accordance with store policy and procedures.

Underpinning Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge and skills are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer to other contexts and deal with unplanned events. The requirements for this unit of competency are listed below:


Knowledge of:


Store policies and procedures, in regard to:

sales/customer service
methods of dealing with special needs/requests of customers
customer complaints
store alteration services and processes
operation and maintenance/security of store fitting rooms
Store clothing product range, including types, properties, benefits and care of fabrics used
Clothing design principles and their application to store product range
Fashion/wardrobing principles relating to store product range
Australian Standard clothing sizes and their international variations
Common body shapes and complementary clothing styles
Pricing procedures including Goods and Services Tax (GST) requirements
Relevant legislation and statutory requirements
Relevant industry codes of practice
Relevant occupational health and safety legislation/regulations/codes of practice

Skills in:

Interpersonal communication skills
Handling customers with special needs, including difficult or abusive customers
Using measuring tools and methods for measuring/fitting clothes, including pinning

Literacy skills in the following areas:

reading and understanding product labels and care instructions

Numeracy skills in the following areas:

estimation of size and body type/variation
measuring accurately
relation of Australian Standard clothing sizes and US/UK and European variations

Assessment Process
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.

Integrated Competency Assessment
Evidence is most relevant when provided through an integrated activity which combines the elements of competency for each unit, or a cluster of units of competency.

The candidate will be required to:

Apply knowledge and skills which underpin the process required to demonstrate competence, including appropriate key competencies.
Integrate knowledge and skills critical to demonstrating competence in this unit.
Unit WRRSS1B can be assessed with other units which make up a particular job functions.

Evidence Gathering Methods

Evidence should include products, processes and procedures from the workplace context. Evidence might include:

Observation of the person in the workplace
Third party reports from a supervisor
Customer feedback
Answers to questions about specific skills and knowledge

Resources Required
A retail work environment
Relevant sources of product information

Relevant documentation, such as:

store policy and procedures manuals
industry codes of practice and relevant legislation
occupational health and safety legislation/regulations/codes of practice
Access to an appropriate range of clothing products
Access to a range of customers with different requirements
Measuring/fitting tools and techniques

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this unit of competency. Following each question a number indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process, and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Advising customers and providing product information to customers requires communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information on product range, fabrics and care specifications requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organising clothing alterations requires activities to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Team work will be applied when assisting staff match products to customer needs. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Making clothing alterations requires the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Problem solving skills will be applied when identifying products to meet specific customer needs. (2)

Using technology
Recording details of alterations and notifying customers on completion requires the use of technology. (2)