Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the foundation skills and knowledge required to use a range of techniques, materials and equipment for the construction of props.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

People assisting with props and set dressing in the screen, media and entertainment industries apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. At this level their work would be closely supervised. The role includes the need for an understanding of basic techniques for constructing props and the ability to use hand and power tools.

This unit underpins and has strong links to other props construction units and combined assessment and/or training with those units is recommended.

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. Select equipment and materials in preparation for construction

• Liaise with supervisor to determine the nature of props  to be constructed 
• Correctly identify and select appropriate materials for prop construction in accordance with instructions and the intended use for the prop
• Calculate correct quantities of materials required and minimise waste where possible
• Select appropriate equipment and tools  in accordance with materials being used and type of prop construction required

2. Use props construction techniques

• Correctly use techniques to construct props, including the safe use of adhesives
• Complete the prop construction process in a logical manner
• Follow appropriate safety procedures  throughout the prop construction process in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements
• Work cooperatively with other team members to ensure efficiency and quality in the set construction process
• Identify any problems  with the prop construction process promptly and take appropriate action within scope of individual responsibility

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• literacy skills sufficient to interpret props documentation and read product labels
• numeracy skills sufficient to calculate quantities of materials and take basic measurements

Required knowledge 

• the scope of props items that may be constructed and the factors that impact on whether to construct or acquire by other means
• the properties and applications of materials commonly used for prop construction, including paper, latex, foam, canvas and leather
• the properties and applications of contact adhesives commonly used for props construction
• types of tools commonly used for props construction
• safety and environmental issues associated with the use of tools, materials and adhesives
• techniques for the manipulation of materials commonly used in prop construction
• the links between the intended use of a prop and the selection of materials and construction method

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 

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

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

• ability to use techniques materials and equipment safely for the construction of props
• knowledge of the properties and applications of different materials, tools, equipment for different types of props.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The assessment context must provide for:

• practical demonstration of skills through the use of techniques, materials and equipment to construct a prop.

Method of assessment 

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

• direct observation of the candidate using particular techniques, tools and equipment
• evaluation of items constructed by the candidate in terms of quality of finish
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of materials and safety issues
• review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment 

This unit requires access to:

• materials, tools and equipment commonly used for props construction
• a workspace in which props can be constructed safely.

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.

Props  requiring construction  may include a vast range of items but props construction at this level would generally involve the use of:

• adhesives (e.g. PVA glue, liquid nails)
• canvas
• foam
• latex
• leather
• paper

Equipment and tools  for prop construction may include:

• hand tools
• power tools
• scissors/cutters
• sewing machines

Safety procedures  associated with the use of props construction materials may include:

• adherence to product instruction
• ensuring adequate ventilation
• warning colleagues about use of specific chemicals
• wearing of protective clothing

Typical problems  that may occur in props construction may include:

• difficulty in achieving sufficient adhesion
• need to change combinations of materials

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Visual communication - props

Co-requisite units