Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers making common repairs to a range of jewellery items. It requires the application of skills and knowledge in jewellery manufacturing and finishing techniques.

Application of the unit 

The unit applies to a range of repair work carried out in a jewellery manufacture/repair environment. It requires the ability to use safe and efficient work practices to identify the condition of the item, establish repair requirements and complete and finalise the repair work.

If an estimate or quotation for repair is produced, then Unit PRSTS317A (Provide estimate and quote) should also be selected.

If jewellery setting is required, then Unit MEM19007B (Perform gemstone setting) should also be selected.

If replacement components need to be manufactured for the repair, then the appropriate units should also be selected.

Band :

This unit has dual status and is to be regarded as both a Specialisation band A unit and Specialisation band B unit for progression to C5 (AQF level V).

Unit Weight : 6 

Prerequisite units 

Path 1 

MEM05006C

Perform brazing and/or silver soldering

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

MEM13003B

Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

MEM18002B

Use power tools/hand held operations

MEM19001B

Perform jewellery metal casting

MEM19003B

Handle gem materials

MEM19016B

Construct jewellery components

MEM19017B

Fabricate jewellery items

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. Assess item condition

1.1. Item characteristics, construction and composition are identified from specifications in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.2. Personal limitations in assessing item condition are identified and assistance is sought from appropriate sources in accordance with organisational procedures.

1.3. Condition of item and nature/extent of damage is verified in accordance with organisational procedures, established inspection techniques and original specifications.

2. Establish repair requirements and materials

2.1. Repair requirements, options and recommended actions are established in accordance with organisational requirements and factors impacting on feasibility of repair.

2.2. Recommended repairs and options are conveyed to client and required repair is work confirmed in accordance with organisational requirements.

2.3. Appropriate repair techniques are selected in accordance with item construction/condition and identified repair requirements.

2.4. Replacement components are obtained and/or manufactured in accordance with organisational requirements and in consultation with appropriate person(s).

3. Carry out repairs

3.1. Unforeseen conditions/effects of the repair work are identified and appropriate actions are taken in accordance with organisational requirements.

3.2. Tools, equipment, materials and consumables are selected and used appropriate to job requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and organisational procedures.

3.3. All work is conducted using safe operating practices and protective equipment in accordance with OHS and organisational requirements.

3.4. Evidence of the repair/repair area is minimised.

3.5. Repaired item conforms with original specifications and/or identified customer requirements.

4. Finalise repair

4.1. Finished item is packaged/presented and stored safely in accordance with organisational requirements.

4.2. Repair work is documented and confirmed with appropriate person(s) in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.3. Work area, tools and equipment are cleaned and stored in accordance with OHS and organisational requirements.

4.4. Unused/excess materials are collected and stored/reclaimed in accordance with organisational and requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• interpreting design requirements and following instructions (oral or written)
• interpreting drawings
• weighing and measuring
• selecting appropriate tools and equipment
• selecting appropriate materials and repair/manufacturing techniques
• applying appropriate fabrication and finishing procedures
• working safely
• identifying alternative metals
• reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures. May include drawings
• entering routine and familiar information onto proforma and standard workplace forms

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• reasons for selecting particular metals, construction methods, repair/manufacturing and finishing techniques
• knowledge of workplace hazards and emergency procedures
• use and application of personal protective equipment
• safe work practices 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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to repair to jewellery items in accordance with customary industry practice. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with jewellery repair or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment 

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.

Factors impacting on feasibility of repair 

Cost, time, feasibility, value

Repair techniques 

• Retipping
• Reshank
• Restoration
• New collets
• Chain repairs
• Fastening mechanism repairs

Appropriate person (s )

Supervisors, managers, suppliers, technical experts, colleagues

Unforeseen conditions /effects 

Effects which could be caused by previous construction and repair techniques

Effects of the repair process on stones or other components

Tools , equipment 

All hand and power tools appropriate to construction and repair of jewellery items and personal protective equipment

Materials 

Precious and non-precious metals

Consumables 

Solders and fluxes, drills and blades, polishing compounds, cleaning and finishing materials, adhesives

Documentation 

Job packet, work instructions and procedures, parts and components reference material, materials and consumables used, time and record sheets

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Jewellery and horological