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 wool may be relevant to this competency standard?
Wool may include that from different breeds, different age groups, different geographical regions, and various parts of the fleece. It may also be new and/or old wool and may display seasonal variations.

Who may be involved in wool harvesting operations?
These may include the wool producer, shed hand, wool classer, shearing contractor, handling agent and classing house.

What wool may be relevant to this competency standard?
Wool may include that from different breeds, different age groups, different geographical regions, and various parts of the fleece. It may also be new and/or old wool and may display seasonal variations.

Who may be involved in wool harvesting operations?
These may include the wool producer, shed hand, wool classer, shearing contractor, handling agent and classing house.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in applying quality assurance procedures in wool preparation requires evidence that quality assurance procedures have been successfully and appropriately implemented and documented in classing of wool to industry standards. The skills and knowledge required to apply quality assurance procedures in wool preparation must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different sheds, wool types, breeds and weather conditions.
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:

principles of Total Quality Management
breeds of sheep
processing methods - woollen and worsted, stages of processing
raw wool characteristics and their effect on processing and final product
wool growth, skin and fibre biology, and effect of genetics and environment on fibre characteristics
documentation of wool clips
code of practice for the Preparation of Australian Wool Clips and relevant Quality Standards.

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:

determine the role and application of the code of practice to the preparation of wool clips
establish the role of the classer in quality improvement for the work team
assess and control the risk of contamination in the clip
document wool harvesting quality assurance procedures.

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:

principles of Total Quality Management
breeds of sheep
processing methods - woollen and worsted, stages of processing
raw wool characteristics and their effect on processing and final product
wool growth, skin and fibre biology, and effect of genetics and environment on fibre characteristics
documentation of wool clips
code of practice for the Preparation of Australian Wool Clips and relevant Quality Standards.

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:

determine the role and application of the code of practice to the preparation of wool clips
establish the role of the classer in quality improvement for the work team
assess and control the risk of contamination in the clip
document wool harvesting quality assurance procedures.

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 instructions for identification and removal of contamination and through the communication of the orles of various personnel in the maintenance of the quality assurance procedures. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
Through communication of instructions for identification and removal of contamination and through the communication of the orles of various personnel in the maintenance of the quality assurance procedures. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By receiving, interpreting, and following instructions. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By receiving, interpreting, and following instructions. (2)

Planning and organising activities
To ensure an efficient flow of work. (2)

Planning and organising activities
To ensure an efficient flow of work. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In working with others to ensure an efficient flow of work the maintenance of the quality assurance procedures. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In working with others to ensure an efficient flow of work the maintenance of the quality assurance procedures. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through assessment and calculation of coloured fibre, stained fibre and chemical residue risks. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through assessment and calculation of coloured fibre, stained fibre and chemical residue risks. (2)

Solving problems
In identifying impurities and contamination and ensuring separation or removal. (2)

Solving problems
In identifying impurities and contamination and ensuring separation or removal. (2)

Using technology
By using and calibrating measuring devices. (1)

Using technology
By using and calibrating measuring devices. (1)