Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers skills and knowledge to modify existing millinery blocks to make new shapes.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to selecting an existing millinery block and suitable materials and equipment and adding these materials to the block to make a new shape to use in blocking millinery materials for a given design.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team-related 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 an ability to interpret design specifications and problem solve block modification requirements. Planning and organising is used for safe and effective use of block making technology and operations. .

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Interpret millinery design

1.1 Interpret design to determine the hat block shape required

1.2 Determine whether more than one block shape  is required for the design

1.3 Document the shapes required for the design

2 Select and prepare equipment and materials and work station

2.1 Select hat blocks that will be used in the modification

2.2 Select and prepare equipment and materials  that will be used to modify the hat blocks

2.2 Set up work station according to OHS practices 

3 Modify block/s

3.1 Prepare block  to be modified according to design and/or specifications

3.2 Plan modifications  to be made

3.3 Prepare block  for modification

3.4 Modify the block/s using the selected materials  according to OHS practices and requirements of the materials 

4 Finalise modified block

4.1 Check proportions and styling of modified hat block against design requirements

4.2 Check quality , durability and accuracy of modifications 

4.3 Perform any necessary adjustments

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• measurement taking
• proportion
• millinery materials and equipment
• quality
• modification materials
• OHS practices including hazard identification and control measures associated with
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skill to:

• analyse and interpret design sketch
• select and prepare blocks
• take measurements
• prepare and apply modification materials
• perform quality checks and adjustments
• 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• analyse and interpret design sketch for hat block requirements
• prepare work station
• select and prepare millinery equipment, hat block/s for modification and modification materials
• use and apply modification materials
• finalise block modification

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

Context and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Guidance information for 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.

Block shape may include

• crown
• brim
• section
• collar

Equipment and materials may include

• hat blocks
• plastic film
• cord
• cutting tools
• pins
• drawing equipment

OHS practices must include

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
• the use of chemical free alternatives to substitute solvent based stiffeners and adhesives
• 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

Prepare bock/s may include

• cleaning and washing hat block/s
• removing any previous modifications from hat block/s
• checking compatibility if several hat blocks are to be used for the one modification
• covering or protecting hat block with plastic film

Planning modifications may include

• drawing or marking onto the hat block the new shape/s
• measuring
• checking the plan against design
• determining permanency of modification
• determining effect on original shape of hat block

Selected materials may include

• putty
• flexible rubber or plastic shapes such as hoses,
• buckram
• plaster
• improvised materials such as paper mache and found objects

Requirements of the materials may include

• manufacturer instructions
• access to water
• consistency of mix
• hardening or drying time

Quality, durability and accuracy of modifications may include

• smoothness
• firmness
• relationship to hat design required
• compatibility of hat block shapes to each other
• head size
• proportion

Sector 

Millinery