Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required for machine sewing of leather or other materials associated with the repair of footwear or other items.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the sewing or patching of pieces of leather and other material. It covers the use of a basic sewing machine using straight stitching.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

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 for the safe and effective use of sewing machines in footwear repair and recognise and act upon problems with own work. This unit also requires an ability to communicate information to customers on repair requirements and costs and complete required job sheets. Self management skills are used to ensure work standards are achieved.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Inspect the shoe or item

1.1 Shoes or item are inspected and customer advised on repair requirements and costs prior to commencing shoe repair

1.2 Job sheet is prepared and reviewed to ensure all requirements are included

1.3 Appropriate method of repair determined and appropriate tools are selected, prepared and checked

2 Prepare work pieces

2.1 Pieces for patching are skived to ensure finished edges are smooth and flush, as required

2.2 Pieces are solutioned in place prior to stitching and finishing, as required

3 Prepare workstation

3.1 Machines are cleaned and checked

3.2 Records are kept

4 Set up machine

4.1 Machine is set up and adjusted in accordance with manufacturers' instructions, workplace requirements and specifications for the work

4.2 Threads are selected to match original threads and meet specifications

4.3 Needle is selected to ensure correct type and size

4.4 Stitch length is set and tested against required specifications

4.5 Tension is set according to specifications

4.6 Machine foot height adjusted to suit thickness and nature of material being repaired

4.7 Machine is tested for correct operations

5 Perform machine sewing

5.1 Pieces are accurately positioned to achieve required specifications and quality

5.2 Pieces are machined to achieve specifies results including seam or hole line up and overstitching as required

5.3 Stitches are tapped down as required

5.4 Threads are trimmed and burnished as required

5.5 Work is performed according to OHS practices 

6 Identify poor machine performance

6.1 The performance of the machine is regularly checked for signs of faulty operations and action taken

7 Check and finish work

7.1 Final product is checked to ensure workplace quality requirements are met

7.2 Shoes or item are stained, cleaned, polished and finished of to match as close as possible original colour

7.3 Repaired shoes or items are packaged, labelled and stored

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• machines requiring the positioning, feeding, and handling of work pieces
• operating procedures of a basic sewing machine
• characteristics of typical leathers, fabrics, threads, and other materials used
• quality standards and handling procedures
• safety and environmental aspects of relevant repair and assembly processes
• general industry housekeeping policies and procedures
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• prepare and handle pieces
• operate basic sewing machines
• 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:

• check work against work order information and workplace standards
• prepare workstation and work prior to commencing operations
• apply basic sewing techniques over the range of materials and items indicated in the range of variables
• check and quality of work
• check and adjust sewing machine
• apply workplace health and safety policies in work operations
• maintain accurate records

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.

OHS practices

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
• 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

Sector 

Footwear Repair