Qualification details

Communication 

• Passing on key safety information to colleagues.
• Sharing information with others.
• Discussing opal buying preferences with colleagues and others in the industry.
• Clarifying legal and regulatory requirements with manager.
• Negotiating the acquisition of rough opal supplies.
• Describing features of products to customers.
• Discussing requirements with customers.

Teamwork 

• Checking safety procedures with other team members.
• Showing respect when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Discussing possible strategies for cutting opal with colleagues and clients.

Problem Solving 

• Identifying safety issues and reporting them to appropriate person.
• Identifying possible conflicts with team members and suggesting ways of dealing with them.
• 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.
• Developing a strategic vision for the business.
• Maximising sales opportunities with customers.

Planning and Organising 

• Identifying risk factors and taking action to minimise risk.
• Organising work tasks to ensure safety.
• 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.
• Taking responsibility within scope of job role.
• 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.
• Seeking expert legal advice.
• Providing mentoring and coaching on OHS to team members.

Technology 

• Using security systems.
• Using cameras and scanning equipment.
• Using electronic stock control systems.
• Using the internet for research.
• Using equipment and tools to cut and polish opals.

Core units 

Complete 10 units 

BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes

CUVOPA01B Identify and describe opal

CUVOPA02B Handle and store rough and cut opal

CUVOPA03B Complete pre-cutting processes for solid opal

CUVOPA04B Cut and polish an opal solid

CUVOPA05B Complete pre-cutting processes for opal doublets and triplets

CUVOPA06B Cut and polish an opal double/triplet

CUVOPA07B Use opal carving tools

CUVOPA11B Obtain opal

CUVOPA14B Undertake operational maintenance of machinery

Elective Units 

Complete 6 units 

BSBDIV301A Work effectively with diversity

BSBITU305A Conduct online transactions

BSBSMB406A Manage small business finances

BSBWOR204A Use business technology

CUFDIG201A Maintain interactive content

CUFIND201A Develop and apply creative arts industry knowledge

CUVOPA08B Production cut and polish opal

CUVOPA09B Use a faceting machine

CUVOPA10B Cut opal spheres and beads

CUVOPA12B Identify the requirements for establishing an opal-cutting workshop

CUVOPA13B Apply advanced pre-cutting processes to complex opals

CUVPHI04B Apply photoimaging lightning techniques

CUVVSP26B Apply techniques to produce jewellery

FNSICGEN305A Maintain daily financial/business records

FNSICGEN402B Participate in negotiations

MEM19.7AA Perform gemstone setting (*Pre requisite units)

WRRS01B Sell products and services

WRWSL201A Sell products and services to business customers

Of the elective units two may come from any endorsed Training Package at the Certificate III /IV level . A list of recommended units is included below .

The total package of units must meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptor for a Certificate IV. In all cases selection of electives must be guided by the job outcome sought, local industry requirements and the level of the qualification.

CUV03  - Visual Arts , Craft and Design 

CUVCOR03B Develop, refine and communicate concept for own work

CUVCOR07B Use drawing techniques to represent the object or idea

CUVDES05B Interpret and respond to a brief

CUVDSP13B Research and apply techniques for the design of wearable objects

CUVPHI05B Use a 35 mm SLR camera or digital equivalent

CUVVSP28B Research and experiment with techniques to produce jewellery

BSBO1  - Business Services 

BSBSMB405A Monitor and manage small business operations

WRR02  - Retail 

WRRM6A Create a display for small business

WRRSS3B Recommend jewellery products

MEM98  - Metal and Engineering 

MEM5.6AA Perform brazing and/or silver soldering

MEM19.2AA Prepare jewellery illustrations (Pre-requisites - MEM9.1AA-Draw and interpret sketch)

TDT02  - Transport 

TDTA997B Complete and check import/export documentation

ICA05  - Information and Communications Technology 

ICPMM321A Capture a digital image