Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Notices:
· instructions, labels
· symbols, signs
· tables, simple graphs
· personnel information, notes, rosters
· Occupational Health and Safety policies/procedures/alerts
· dockets with customer details
· may be in English or languages other than English.

Teams:
· formal or informal groups/teams
· small or large groups/teams
· teams based on:
· work function
· level of supervision
· rosters
· other.

Discussion (communication):
· verbal-face to face, telephone, electronic, two-way radio
· written-electronic, memos, instructions, forms
· non-verbal gestures, signals, signs, diagrams.

Forms:
· personnel forms
· telephone message forms
· safety reports
· shift reports/rosters
· hazard/accident/incident report forms.

Routine workplace measures, estimates and calculations may relate to:
· pay
· leave entitlements
· shift allowances
· materials usage
· product characteristics (length, weight, capacity, time, temperature, stock density, stock numbers and age)
· product tallies
· packing and storing of stock or product.

Basic arithmetic processes:
· addition
· subtraction
· multiplication
· division.

Recording information:
· manually
· computer based systems.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· knowledge of communication procedures and systems/technology relevant to the enterprise and the individual's work responsibilities
· basic mathematical processes of addition, subtraction, division and multiplication
· estimation processes.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· operation of communications equipment in use in the enterprise relevant to the individual's work responsibilities
· ability to communicate effectively in the workplace by oral means
· ability to complete relevant workplace forms as specified in the range of variables.

Numeracy skills used for:
· estimating processes
· mathematical processes as listed in range of variables.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm ability to:
· complete a range of routine tasks in the workplace complying with all displayed work-related notices. Particular emphasis is to be placed on the observance of safety, health and hygiene-related notices or instructions
· participate effectively in interactive workplace communications which may be in English or another language used at a particular workplace
· estimate and calculate routine workplace data
· record routine workplace data.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment
· The following assessment methods are suggested:
· written or oral short answer testing
· practical exercises
· project work
· observation of work activities.
· Materials required to be read or listened to should be short, phrased in simple sentences and contain vocabulary familiar to the intended reader.
· When writing short notes on forms the writer conveys overall meaning even if grammar and spelling is not 100% accurate.
· Standardised forms or reports may be required. Clarification may be sought by asking to rephrase or repeat information.
· Communication is assisted by use of body language, dictionaries or a supportive peer.

Resources required for assessment
Resources include:
· a range of health, safety and other notices commonly found in the workplace
· workplace personnel and other forms/documents as listed in the range of variables.