Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare a range of fillings for use in cake, bread and pastry products in an in-store bakery or retail baking environment.

Application of the unit 

This unit has application in a retail baking environment within the food processing industry.

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. Prepare ingredients for use

1.1. Ingredients are confirmed and available to meet product requirements

1.2. Equipment is checked to confirm readiness for use

1.3. Ingredients are weighed and/or measured to meet recipe requirements

1.4. Ingredients are prepared for use in fillings

2. Prepare fillings

2.1. Fillings are prepared to meet recipe requirements

2.2. Fillings meet food safety and quality requirements

2.3. Unacceptable ingredients or fillings are identified, rectified and/or reported

3. Clean equipment

3.1. Equipment is cleaned to meet production and hygiene requirements

3.2. Work is conducted in accordance with workplace environmental guidelines

3.3. Workplace records are maintained according to workplace recording requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Ability to :

• access workplace information to identify production requirements
• confirm condition, type, quality and quantity of ingredients
• weigh, scale or meter ingredients as required
• confirm equipment status and condition
• prepare ingredients as required, such as thawing or conditioning pre-prepared ingredients and/or preparing raw ingredients for use, and preparing solutions for addition (e.g. dissolving starch for use in a mixture)
• combine and process fillings, such as monitoring:

• quality, quantity and sequencing of ingredient addition
• blending/mixing process
• cooking times and temperatures
• filling characteristics (colour, texture, smell and viscosity)

• take corrective action so that fillings meet quality standards
• clean equipment and utensils to meet hygiene standards
• maintain workplace records as required
• maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge 

Knowledge of :

• basic principles of filling preparation
• differences in filling types for different product types
• ingredient characteristics and purpose in filling, including types of thickeners used for filling types
• methods used to confirm accuracy of measuring equipment used, including taring of scales
• methods used to prepare fillings in the workplace
• quality characteristics and uses of fillings
• process requirements, such as:

• time and temperature requirements relating to thawing, reheating, cooling (of cooked food) and cooking as required
• storing/holding requirements
• cooking times and temperatures
• reconstituting dry ingredients

• settings, operating requirements and safety features of equipment used
• control points and related monitoring requirements, including time and temperature parameters for cooking
• causes of variation and corrective action required
• occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards and controls
• storage requirements for prepared fillings, such as refrigeration, freezing and shelf-life
• contamination (including cross-contamination) risks associated with ingredients/processes used
• waste handling and cleaning and procedures

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 

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.

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

Evidence of ability to:

• conduct pre-start checks on equipment and ingredients used to prepare fillings
• prepare fillings according to quality standards
• take corrective action in response to typical faults and inconsistencies
• apply safe work practices and identify OHS hazards and controls
• clean equipment
• apply food safety procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

• work procedures, including advice on relevant filling preparation requirements, safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements
• recipe instructions
• product specifications and related inspection/control points
• filling preparation equipment as required by product type
• materials/ingredients
• personal protective clothing, equipment and material safety data sheets (MSDS) as required
• cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required.

Method of assessment 

This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment 

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

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.

Policies and procedures 

Work is carried out according to company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements, and industrial awards and agreements

Legislative requirements 

Legislative requirements are typically reflected in procedures and specifications. Legislation relevant to this industry includes:

• the Food Standards Code, including labelling, weights and measures legislation
• legislation covering food safety, environmental management, OHS, anti-discrimination and equal opportunity

Workplace information 

Workplace information can include:

• verbal or written instructions
• standards operating procedures (SOPs)
• specifications
• production schedules
• recipe instructions

Savoury filling ingredients 

Savoury filling ingredients include but are not limited to:

• minced or diced raw meat (including chicken)
• vegetables
• eggs
• starches and other ingredients as required for use in products, such as pies, sausage rolls, pasties, quiches and other products

Sweet fillings 

Sweet fillings include but are not limited to:

• fruit
• syrup
• jam
• custard
• cream and starches

Preparation of ingredients 

Preparation of ingredients for use in fillings can include:

• thawing
• mincing
• peeling
• slicing
• dicing
• cooking

Unit sector 

Retail baking

Competency field 

Co-requisite units