Elements and Performance Criteria

Sources of information may include:
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:
relationships between the hairdressing 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:
beauty
entertainment
fashion
health
recreation
retail.

Quality of work performance may include:
client service
service to colleagues
hygiene.

Legal and ethical issues may include:
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.

Hairdressing industry activities may include:
housekeeping
client service
treatments and services.

Issues of concern may include:
government initiatives
emerging markets
new products
new services and procedures
environmental and social issues
labour issues
industry expansion or retraction.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
sourcing industry information
identifying and sourcing related industries
knowledge and application of legislative and ethical issues that impact on the industry
knowledge of the hairdressing industry, including main roles, functions and interrelationships of different industries, with a more detailed knowledge of issues that 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 hairdresser 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 the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Specific resources for assessment
Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:
the Internet
a work team
a qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Relationship to other units
In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.
none.
none.

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 hairdressing 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 hairdressing industry knowledge.
Third-party reports from experienced hairdressing 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.

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

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

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

Working with others and in teams
Sharing updated knowledge with colleagues requires the application of teamwork. (1)

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

Solving problems
Conducting day-to-day hairdressing industry activities according to legal obligations and ethical industry practices requires problem solving. (1)

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