What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in planning a growingon program requires evidence that production issues can be identified and addressed a schedule of growingon operations can be developed and the performance of growingon activities can be overseen and monitored

The skills and knowledge required to plan a growingon program must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different plant species growingon techniques and enterprise guidelines

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 competency standard are listed below

Worksafe Australia criteria for the labelling and handling of Hazardous Substances

enterprise and industry hygiene standards required for growingon activities including State Nursery Industry Association NIAA Best Practice Guidelines

environmental implications of the disposal of chemicals or chemical containers and the drainage of high nutrient effluent

optimal growing requirements of nursery plants

enterprise and industry quality standards of nursery plant production

common problems that may occur while performing growingon activities in a controlled environment and preventativecorrective action that may apply

processes and techniques for preparing costing and documenting plans for and scheduling growingon activities

testing methods applied to propagation media

preferred types of propagation media for different species

chemical cultural and biological pest weed and disease control techniques

application techniques for chemical and nonchemical intervention or treatments

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

conduct literature and consultative research to obtain information about production requirements growth conditions and marketing implications

negotiate and document plans

write reports for the understanding of staff supervisors clients and contractors

calculate the cost spatial and logistical requirements of all aspects of the growingon program

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

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 not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Production requirements environmental parameters and controls growing techniques and budgetary considerations may be communicated with management orally and in writing There is likely to be negotiation between the planner of the growingon program and management to achieve objectives

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Some information may need to be researched andor obtained from test results Information addressing the specific requirements of the growingon program may be analysed and outcomes discussed with management and other members of the work team Information about the growingon program may be organised and presented as documented plans written work procedures timeline chart and schedules for growingon activities

How are activities planned and organised

The planning process may need to proceed in an orderly and efficient manner Timely and appropriate information needs to be available for decisionmaking The growingon plan may reflect the activities required to implement the program

How can team work be applied

Planning a growingon program may involve working with other members of a team to achieve the desired outcomes

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical concepts may be required to measure quantities and calculate production records resources costs ratios scales planting and application rates

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems relating to the supply of materials and stock growing environment plant health workplace safety tools equipment and machinery team members hazardous situations and environmental issues may arise during the growingon works

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be required to record store and communicate ideas and information It will also be used to research relevant information obtain and analyse data from soil tests and production statistics and to produce the plan

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

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

What production requirements may impact on the growing-on program?

What factors may limit the growing-on program?

What nursery plants may apply to growing-on operations?

What OHS hazards may be identified in the work area?

What environmental implications are likely to be considered when planning a growing-on program?

What materials, tools andequipment may be required for growing-on activities?

What environmental parameters may be relevant to this unit?

What growing media requirements may need to be determined in order to meet plant needs?

What treatments are likely to be carried out?

What hygiene requirements may apply to industry best practice?

What customer specifications need to be checked before plants are dispatched?