This unit is likely to be carried out with limited or no supervision and within enterprise guidelines as part of the role of a wool classer or wool marketer.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Gather objectively measured data.

1.1. Available information is collated.

1.2. Tested sample is assessed to determine its appropriateness as a representative sample.

1.3. Requirements for additional information needed to validate measurements are determined.

2. Analyse collected data

2.1. Available data is reviewed and evaluated to determine possible lines.

2.2. Comparisons with previous measurements if available are undertaken.

3. Analyse market trends

3.1. Information produced by industry to determine market trends is reviewed.

3.2. Potential for movement in prices is evaluated against available data.

3.3. Extent to which discounts are applied is determined.

4. Prepare wool to meet requirements of the market

4.1. The impact on the market of variable quantities is analysed.

4.2. Available information is used to prepare the wool to best advantage.

4.3. Wool is packaged in the most appropriate manner.

Required skills

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

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

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

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

arrange wool room layout for efficient testing and data retrieval

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.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Wool types may include:

all wool types suitable for the Australian auction system.

Unit sector

Wool

This unit contains employability skills.