This unit applies to manual or machine assembly and finish of custom-made shoes according to pattern specifications. The degree of complexity will depend on the leather and other materials used and intricacy of the design. Discretion and judgement may be required for both self and others in planning and selecting processes, procedures or outcomes.

Competency must be demonstrated in relevant machine operations including the setting of machines within specified tolerances and in accordance with manufacturer specifications, selection of materials, stitch types, needle threads and their qualities.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with interpreting work specifications, planning and organising for safe and effective use of specialised custom made footwear construction technology and operations. This unit also requires an ability to check the quality of outcomes and identify and address problems relating to own work. Initiative and enterprise and problem solving will be used to combine a range of materials and processes to achieve desired design outcomes.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Set up workstation

1.1 Appropriate assembly processes are determined and workstation is set up according to specifications and OHS practices

2 Perform preparatory work on shoe

2.1 Work ticket is followed to collect, sort, assemble and reassemble parts

2.2 Conditioning is undertaken to reflect workplace procedures and according to, construction technique

2.3 Upper is blocked, rounded or randed as required to conform to the last shape

2.4 Counter or stiffener is inserted in accordance with workplace procedures and construction techniques

2.5 Insoles are prepared in accordance with specifications and to reflect construction techniques being used

2.6 Pre-cemented insoles and uppers are heat activated as appropriate

2.7 Bonding area is solvent wiped where roughing could damage the backing fabric

2.8 Track, belt or rack is loaded or workstation prepared to reflect various stages of production

2.9 Toe puff is applied using the appropriate machine methods as specified

2.10 Back part is moulded using hot and cold moulds in accordance with construction techniques and specifications

2.11 Specific processes are carried out as per workplace requirements

3 Last the shoe

3.1 Uppers and insoles are attached as required in accordance with specifications

3.2 Shanks or stiffeners are attached as required

3.3 Stapling is applied as required

3.4 Toe puff is inserted

3.5 Last or foot form is checked before attaching insole and upper, checking for sizes

3.6 Toes and upper are conditioned in accordance with workplace procedure

4 Assemble the shoe

4.1 Materials are prepared in accordance with workplace and manufacturer specifications

4.2 Soles and uppers are prepared in accordance with work requirements

4.3 Machines are set up and checked for correct operations

4.4 Shoes are assembled using the appropriate manual or machine construction techniques in accordance with work requirements

5 Finish shoe

5.1 Finishing of shoe is conducted in accordance with specifications

5.2 Final quality check is assessed against work specifications

5.3 Construction problems are identified and addressed to ensure quality standards are met

5.4 Work is forwarded for preparation to despatch to client

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

shoe construction methods

procedures for making and assembling shoe components

materials used including adhesives and solvents and safety requirements in their use

quality standards and leather handling procedures

safety and environmental aspects of relevant workplace activities

workplace procedures

processes for reporting

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

operate various shoe assembly machines and processes

communicate effectively with clients, individuals, work groups and supervisors

select, interpret and apply procedures and processes

prepare and present reports and information in appropriate formats

read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, , standard operating procedures and work instructions and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

apply manual and machine assembly and making techniques

carry out all machine operations

finish shoe

check work against specifications

apply workplace health and safety policies in work operations

maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent Assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Parts may include:

last

uppers

insoles

heels

soles

Conditioning may include:

rapid conditioning

mulling

use of toe steamer

Construction techniques may include:

cement

moulded construction

veldtschoen construction

moccasin construction

welt construction

Machines may include:

heavy stitch

blake stitcher

toe laster

side laster

seat laster

seat and side laster

the forepart laster

force lasting machine.

Sector

Footwear Production

This unit contains employability skills.