Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge to plan, align and assemble a bra or swimwear garment from specifications or patterns using a variety of machines and processes.

Application of the Unit 

The unit applies to assembling a bra or swimwear garment and may apply to sample machining involving all operations in the assembly of a garment to specifications. Machines used may include three step, twin needle with binding, channelling, single needle, a zigzag sewing machine, bar rack, elasticator and overlocker. It involves being able to work quickly and accurately with expensive and delicate fabrics, to tight tolerances.

If cutting skills are required, then unit LMTCL2007A Lay up, mark and cut uncomplicated fabrics and lays should be selected.

Work may be self-directed and unsupervised.

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 assemble garment components. Problem solving skills are required to determine machining requirements and identify any production 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.

Prerequisite 

LMTCL2001B

LMTCL2003B

LMTCL2004B

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare workstation

1.1 Workbench and seating are set up according to OHS practices .

1.2 Machines  are cleaned and oil levels checked.

1.3 Records are maintained.

1.4 Machines are set up  and adjusted according to specifications for work.

2 Prepare for assembly of bra or swimwear

2.1 Work bundle is received, checked, and any follow-up action is determined.

2.2 Components  are laid out in sequence.

2.3 Bra or swimwear requirements are identified from specifications.

2.4 Machining requirements are determined.

2.5 Plan for bra or swimwear construction is developed.

3 Identify poor machine performance

3.1 Needles, attachments and parts are checked and worn needles and parts are identified and reported or replaced, according to manufacturer instructions.

3.2 Performance of machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty operation, including evidence from inspection of finished pieces and required action taken.

4 Assemble bra or swimwear

4.1 Bra or swimwear is assembled  according to product requirements and quality standards.

4.2 Bra or swimwear is assembled according to requirements for personal safety and requirements for speed of work.

4.3 Machine speed and work handling are controlled for type of operations, fabrics and product type.

4.4 All work is checked for compliance with specifications, including tolerances.

4.5 Remedial action is undertaken where non-compliance is detected.

4.6 OHS practices are followed in operation of machines.

5 Complete work

5.1 Finished garment is inspected and checked against quality standards, any faults are identified and appropriate action taken.

5.2 Results of inspection of finished garment are recorded.

5.3 All recording requirements are met, including action taken to either reject or correct faulty garment, preventative action taken to avoid any recurrence of defective garment, and completion of production records or packing slips.

5.4 Completed work is directed to next operation or packing section.

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• characteristics of fabrics, threads and other materials used in garment assembly
• quality standards and practices
• sequence of operations
• acceptable tolerances and other quality standards
• appropriate components
• performance and properties of one way and two way stretch fabrics
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• workplace practices
• recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

• plan product construction
• use and maintain production machines, including three step, twin needle with binding, channelling, single needle, zigzag sewing machine, bar rack, elasticator, overlocker and three thread
• conduct quality checks of own work, including identifying non-compliance with quality standards
• consistently achieve quality and production output requirements, including:
• sewing delicate and difficult to handle fabrics, including bias-cut fabrics, within agreed tolerances
• assembling a number of pattern pieces according to instructions
• sewing curved pieces to quality standards
• sewing at high speed to very tight tolerances
• 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 of evidence 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• plan garment assembly
• check work pieces against pattern or specifications
• prepare workstation and work before commencing sewing operations
• apply range of techniques required to assemble garment
• operate machines required for complete operations
• apply OHS practices in work operations
• perform quality checks
• work quickly and accurately within defined tolerances
• 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.

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

Machines may include:

• a full range of machines required to complete garment construction, which may include a combination of the following:
• a three-thread overlocker, a zigzag sewing machine
• three-step, twin needle with binding, channelling, single needle, bar rack
• fusing, moulding, gluing, ultrasonic machine

Set-up may include:

• correct thread, needle size and length needle guard, tension setting, attachments, correct heat and pressure, correct foot

Components may include:

• straps
• hooks
• elastic
• fasteners
• ribbon
• underwire
• foam padding
• oil-filled straps
• rings
• fine lace and delicate fabrics

Assembled may include:

• gluing
• fusing
• sewing

Sector 

Clothing Production