Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to interpret and operate in the commercial and regulatory environment of the game meat industry.

Application of the unit 

This unit is applicable to workers in game processing plants, field depot managers and wild game harvesters.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify the sequence of operations for wild game harvesting in Australia

1.1. The importance of a professional image for wild game  meat industry is explained.

1.2. The sequence of operations from harvesting to end product is described.

1.3. The range of wild game meat products  produced in Australia is identified.

1.4. The impact of customer expectations  on the wild game harvesting process is explained.

2. Interpret the commercial and regulatory environment of wild game meat harvesting

2.1. The role of Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and relevant state and territory regulatory authorities are explained.

2.2. The importance of the relevant approved arrangement, food safety plan or management plan is explained.

2.3. Relevant sections of AS 4464:2007 Hygienic Production of Wild Game Meat for Human Consumption are explained.

2.4. The nature of prohibited areas/locations for harvesting is explained.

2.5. Auditing, review and micro-testing programs which affect the industry are described.

3. Operate effectively as an individual in the wild game harvesting industry

3.1. Appropriate communication skills and styles are used .

3.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) hazards are identified and appropriate precautions taken.

3.3. Time and delivery obligations are managed.

3.4. Personal hygiene requirements are described.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Ability to:

• use appropriate communication styles
• read and interpret workplace related documentation
• maintain the professional image of the industry in the performance of duties
• learn in order to accommodate change
• collect, analyse and organise information
• work with diverse individuals and groups
• interpret the needs of internal and external customers
• monitor and evaluate own performance

Required knowledge 

Knowledge of:

• application of Approved Arrangement or management plan to the individual's duties
• implications of company, regulator and international reviews of game harvesting industry
• role of the state and federal regulators
• the steps in the wild game supply chain
• markets for the wild game products

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 

The meat industry has specific and clear requirements for evidence. A minimum of three forms of evidence is required to demonstrate competency in the meat industry. This is specifically designed to provide evidence that covers the demonstration in the workplace of all aspects of competency over time.

These requirements are in addition to the requirements for valid, current, authentic and sufficient evidence.

Three forms of evidence means three different kinds of evidence - not three pieces of the same kind. In practice it will mean that most of the unit is covered twice. This increases the legitimacy of the evidence.

All assessment must be conducted against Australian meat industry standards and regulations.

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

Candidates must be able to demonstrate an understanding that the wild game industry is highly regulated and reviewed with high standards of hygiene expected by customers of both the product and workers.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competencies for this unit can be demonstrated either in the workplace or in a simulated environment.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods may include:

• workplace referee report
• on-the-job demonstration with assessor observation
• knowledge test
• oral and written examinations
• development of an explanatory flow chart
• preparation of a personal folio (either written or electronic) of key regulations, issues and responsibilities.

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality or Torres Strait Islander, gender, or language backgrounds other than English. Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role.

Guidance information for assessment 

A current list of resources for this Unit of Competency is available from MINTRAC www .mintrac .com .au  or telephone 1800 817 462.

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Wild game  refers to:

• any vertebrate animal:

• including a mammal, bird or reptile, but excluding fish; and
• of a species that can be legally harvested; and
• not husbanded in the manner of a farmed animal; and
• is killed in the field.

• and may include:

• kangaroos
• wallabies
• wild boar
• wild goat
• possum
• rabbit
• hare
• wild game birds.

Wild game meat products  may include:

• meat for human consumption
• pet meat
• processed skins and hides.

Customer expectations  may include:

• animal welfare
• microbiological specifications
• social accountability
• sustainability

environmental awareness.

Communication skills and styles  may include:

• written reports and records
• electronic records
• establishing and using networks
• sharing information
• negotiation skills
• listening and understanding
• speaking clearly and directly
• giving descriptions and explanations.

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field