Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to machine uppers according to product requirements.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to loading, guiding and unloading a range of machine types to sew shoe uppers. It includes guided and freehand sewing. Sewing includes corners, curves, complex shapes, and contouring and joining of different materials. Sewing techniques include those where the positioning, feeding and handling of work pieces involves discretional changes, contouring or critical stopping points or involving the special handling skills required to accommodate variations in materials and meet product requirements.

Work is conducted according to defined procedures.

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 planning and organising to machine uppers. Problem solving skills are required to ensure work conform to quality requirements and identify any processing problems. Communication skills are used to refer to and complete required documentation. Self management skills are used to ensure safe use of technology and conformance of own work to quality standards.

Prerequisites 

LMTFP2005B

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare work pieces

1.1 Work bundle is received, checked against product requirements, and any follow-up action taken including quality checks.

1.2 Quality of received component parts is assessed.

1.3 Work pieces are laid out in correct sequence according to product specifications.

2 Prepare workstation

2.1 Workbench and seating are set up to achieve operator comfort and to minimise fatigue.

2.2 Machines  are cleaned and checked.

2.3 Records are maintained.

3 Prepare machine for operation 

3.1 Machine is set up and adjusted according to manufacturer instructions and specifications for work.

3.2 Threads are selected according to specifications.

3.3 Needle types, attachments and parts are checked and worn needles and parts are changed as necessary.

3.4 Stitch length is set and tested against specifications.

3.5 Tension is set according to specifications.

3.6 Machine is tested for correct operations.

4 Perform machine sewing

4.1 Pieces are selected according to shape, size, colour and style.

4.2 Materials are accurately positioned to achieve required specifications, including quality and to minimise stretch.

4.3 Seams are machined to achieve specific results.

4.4 Trimming of threads occurs as required.

4.5 Work is carried out according to OHS practices .

5 Identify poor machine performance

5.1 Performance of machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty operations.

5.2 Follow-up action is taken to address faulty machine performance.

6 Conduct final quality check for operations

6.1 Final product is checked to ensure workplace quality standards are met.

6.2 Production faults are addressed.

7 Dispatch completed work

7.1 Uppers and component parts are bundled, stacked and stored or dispatched.

7.2 Production faults are recorded.

7.3 Records are completed.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• upper assembly processes and machines requiring the positioning, feeding and handling of work pieces
• techniques for accurately sewing complex shapes, around corners, curves and contouring
• operating procedures for the range of relevant machines
• characteristics of typical leathers, fabrics, threads and other materials used in basic assembly and machining of uppers
• quality standards and practices
• safety and environmental aspects of relevant upper assembly and machining processes
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• assemble upper sections to product requirements
• sew accurately
• read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• maintain accurate records
• communicate in 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 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• check work against product requirements, ticket information and workplace standards
• prepare workstation and work before commencing operations
• accurately apply a range of machining techniques to sew upper so they meet product requirements
• operate the range of machines used to sew uppers
• apply OHS practices in work operations
• maintain accurate records

Consistency in performance 

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

• organising work
• completing tasks according to instructions
• working systematically with attention to detail
• identifying improvements and avoiding damage
• using workplace practices
• using OHS practices
• recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• assessing operational readiness of equipment
• recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Machines may include:

• manual and computerised machines where the positioning of the work may be controlled by machine guide or work marker or where sewing if freehand

Operations may include:

• lining stitching, back seaming, binding and bar tacking
• guided and freehand sewing
• working with a range of materials and shapes

OHS practices

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

• 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
• environmental practices

Sector 

Footwear Production