Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What objectively measured data may be gathered?
Individual fleece measurements for fibre diameter, including average micron, standard deviation and co-efficient of variation, yield and tensile strength, as may be available depending on the measurement equipment and methods used.

What available information should be sourced?
Historical clip preparation test and sale results data and information on the management and wool growth of the flock for the past 12 months may be collected.

What lines may be relevant to this competency standard?
Individual fleece lines according to predetermined micron groupings, tensile strength, staple length and any other identified faults. May be extended to lines of skirtings.

What packaging may be covered by this standard?
Use of industry approved wool packs as a minimum standard, or other approved packaging as required by the enterprise marketing plan.

What objectively measured data may be gathered?
Individual fleece measurements for fibre diameter, including average micron, standard deviation and co-efficient of variation, yield and tensile strength, as may be available depending on the measurement equipment and methods used.

What available information should be sourced?
Historical clip preparation test and sale results data and information on the management and wool growth of the flock for the past 12 months may be collected.

What lines may be relevant to this competency standard?
Individual fleece lines according to predetermined micron groupings, tensile strength, staple length and any other identified faults. May be extended to lines of skirtings.

What packaging may be covered by this standard?
Use of industry approved wool packs as a minimum standard, or other approved packaging as required by the enterprise marketing plan.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in using individual fleece measurements to prepare wool for sale requires evidence that the fleece measurement criteria and the enterprise classing strategy have been successfully and appropriately implemented and monitored in the workplace. The skills and knowledge required to use individual fleece measurements to prepare wool for sale must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include a range of different wool types wool room layouts and testing equipment and methods.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

wool room layouts which promote efficient wool flow and handling
breeds of sheep
inherent wool characteristics , including fibre diameter, staple length and strength, colour, yield, VM type, curvature, comfort factor
fleece measurement criteria - techniques used to measure wool characteristics.
interpretation of test results
principles of classing , including mob/flock concept, variability for fibre diameter and staple length, soundness, defects
classing scenarios requiring detail of clip break-ups
clip analysis reports and comparisons.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

arrange wool room layout for efficient operation
understand and interpret the individual fleece measurements
class wool to standards in accordance with the Code of Practice, or as required by the enterprise classing strategy and marketing plan
communicate specific and detailed requirements for wool preparation and classing to wool handling staff
identify wool of higher and lower market value and make lines which maximise return to woolgrower.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

wool room layouts which promote efficient wool flow and handling
breeds of sheep
inherent wool characteristics , including fibre diameter, staple length and strength, colour, yield, VM type, curvature, comfort factor
fleece measurement criteria - techniques used to measure wool characteristics.
interpretation of test results
principles of classing , including mob/flock concept, variability for fibre diameter and staple length, soundness, defects
classing scenarios requiring detail of clip break-ups
clip analysis reports and comparisons.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

arrange wool room layout for efficient operation
understand and interpret the individual fleece measurements
class wool to standards in accordance with the Code of Practice, or as required by the enterprise classing strategy and marketing plan
communicate specific and detailed requirements for wool preparation and classing to wool handling staff
identify wool of higher and lower market value and make lines which maximise return to woolgrower.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

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 competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets 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
Through communication of test results and enterprise classing strategy requirements with the owner/manager/testing personnel and wool handling staff. (3)

Communicating ideas and information
Through communication of test results and enterprise classing strategy requirements with the owner/manager/testing personnel and wool handling staff. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through gathering and analysing the test results and implementing the enterprise classing strategy in accordance with the marketing plan. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through gathering and analysing the test results and implementing the enterprise classing strategy in accordance with the marketing plan. (3)

Planning and organising activities
According to the enterprise classing strategy to ensure efficient flow of wool and to maximise the quality of product outcome. (3)

Planning and organising activities
According to the enterprise classing strategy to ensure efficient flow of wool and to maximise the quality of product outcome. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through working with, and communicating with, all others at the work site to ensure efficiency of work flow. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through working with, and communicating with, all others at the work site to ensure efficiency of work flow. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through analysing test results in planning for classing, setting line breaks, and in planning line sizes for optimum marketing. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through analysing test results in planning for classing, setting line breaks, and in planning line sizes for optimum marketing. (3)

Solving problems
Through determining and sorting wool lines; co-ordinating staff and product movement; and efficiently preparing marketing documentation and statistical results for the wool owner. (3)

Solving problems
Through determining and sorting wool lines; co-ordinating staff and product movement; and efficiently preparing marketing documentation and statistical results for the wool owner. (3)

Using technology
Through understanding the operation of testing equipment and the available testing methods; and dissemination of test results to maximise wool preparation. (3)

Using technology
Through understanding the operation of testing equipment and the available testing methods; and dissemination of test results to maximise wool preparation. (3)