CUV40611 - Certificate IV in Opal Cutting and Polishing
Certificate IV in Opal Cutting and Polishing
This qualification reflects the role of a competent and experienced opal cutter and polisher. The individual is able to advise others on the characteristics of cut and uncut opals, and work with the gemstones to produce high quality cut and polished opal products. The qualification also supports options for industry outcomes that see operators establishing small and micro businesses.
Subjects
Total number of units = 16
10 core units plus
6 elective units
The elective units consist of:
up to 6 from the list of elective units below
up to 6 from Certificate III or above in any currently endorsed Training Package
up to 2 from an accredited course at Certificate III, IV or Diploma.
The elective units chosen must be relevant to the work outcome and meet local industry needs.
MEM18003C Use tools for precision work (Prerequisites: MEM12023A Perform engineering measurements, MEM18001C Use hand tools and MEM18002B Use power tools/hand held operations)
MEM19003B Handle gem materials equivalent to CUVOPA202A Handle and store rough and cut opal
Selecting electives for different outcomes
The following examples are designed to assist in the selection of appropriate electives for particular outcomes at this level, but are in no way prescriptive.
A person running a small cutting and polishing workshop
Core units plus:
BSBSMB304A Determine resource requirements for the micro business
BSBSMB305A Comply with regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements for the micro business
CUVOPA407A Apply advanced pre-cutting processes to complex opals
CUVOPA408A Undertake routine operational maintenance of machinery
SITXICT001A Build and launch a website for a small business
Pathways...
Pathways into the qualification
People may enter this qualification with little or no vocational experience and without a lower level qualification.
Pathways from the qualification
This qualification prepares people for work in the opal industry and may also provide pathways to other jewellery and design qualifications.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills
The following table contains a summary of the employability skills as identified by the visual arts, craft and design industries for this qualification. The employability skills facets described here are broad industry requirements that may vary depending on qualification packaging options.
Employability skill
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification
Communication
sharing information with others
discussing opal buying preferences with colleagues and others in the industry
clarifying legal and regulatory requirements with others
negotiating the acquisition of rough opal supplies
describing features of products to customers
Teamwork
showing respect when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds
discussing possible strategies for cutting opal with colleagues and clients
Problem-solving
identifying and resolving safety issues
identifying whether a sample is genuine natural opal or a simulated opal
identifying and rectifying equipment faults that do not require specialist attention
identifying and correcting faults in opals as items are made
offering solutions to customer objections in a sales situation
Initiative and enterprise
determining where to cut stones to maximise value and artistic effect
deciding on the most appropriate option for acquiring rough opal
determining business goals
maximising sales opportunities with customers
Planning and organising
identifying risk factors and taking action to minimise risk
maintaining stock control and other workplace records
surveying market requirements to determine opal cutting strategies
weighing opals to determine yield
planning and executing the process of cutting and polishing opals
planning and performing routine maintenance of equipment
developing and implementing procedures for acquiring rough opal
developing budgets and managing financial operations
investigating resources needed to set up an opal-cutting workshop
Self-management
following workplace procedures, particularly in relation to OHS
maintaining personal safety standards
managing own time to meet deadlines
Learning
seeking assistance and advice from others to improve one’s own skills and knowledge
seeking assistance and expert advice from equipment manufacturers