Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear

Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)

What do I need to be able to do?

Understand and respond to verbal communication.

• In the simulated workplace environment, good communication will assist you in your work with clients to establish relationships, undertake assessment of requirements and produce products in a safe manner.

Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in a time responsive way.

• In the workplace environment, clear verbal communication is the primary source of communication between you, your clients, and your team.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities.

Social communication

Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity, and verbal turn-taking.

What do I need to be able to do?

Recognise, interpret, use, and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately in both academic and professional experience settings to build relationships, assess product requirements and produce footwear. 

In the on-campus simulated footwear production environment, tasks which require the use of social communication abilities include:

• identifying and using gestures when undertaking groupwork and collaborative activities, such as sharing workload and equipment with fellow students in studios, or workshop settings
• verbal turn-taking and proximity when collaborating such as sharing workload and equipment with fellow students in studios, or workshop settings
• using and understanding non-verbal cues is essential for safe execution of studio or workshop room tasks.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.  

Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.. 

Reading

Demonstrate effective reading and reading comprehension.

What do I need to be able to do?

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, reference material and /or handwritten notes.

In the on-campus simulated footwear production environment, essential product requirement information is communicated in written and/ or electronic form. 

Tasks which require the use of reading include:

• reading induction processes and safety procedures for safe use of equipment and other essential materials.
• reading texts complementing teaching content to understand issues and concepts relevant to your studies.

The ability to read, understand and interpret written information is fundamental for the safe production of footwear and associated services.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You will be required to use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. 

The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during your on-campus learning activities may vary from the day-to-day activities and should be discussed with the program coordinator prior to commencing this program.

Writing (Written Language)

The extent to which a person produces coherent written communication that is appropriate to both on-campus learning and simulated dispute resolution settings.

What do I need to be able to do?

Produce coherent written communication appropriate to both the client and on-campus simulation environments.

In the on-campus simulated footwear production environment, tasks which require clear, concise, accurate and time-efficient writing include:

• writing handwritten client notes for staff handover
• contributing to client requirements records
• writing assessments and or reports, both in written format or electronic.
• administrative note-taking, prepartion of reports and email communications.

The ability to accurately communicate in writing in accordance with professional and footwear standards is fundamental for delivery of consistent footwear production standards.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during the Certificate IV in Custom Made Footwear program should be discussed with the program coordinator prior to commencing this program.  

Number Skills (Numeracy)

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers. Basic numeracy skills consist of comprehending fundamental mathematics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

What do I need to be able to do?

Interpret and correctly apply numerical data, measurements, and formulae in a time-efficient manner in the Footwear production on-campus simulation environments.

In the on-campus simulated footwear production environment, tasks which require the use of number skills include but not exclusive to:

• Producing accurate footwear patterns
• Recording accurate measurements and numerical data in pattern records
• Preparation of footwear components for the construction of footwear uppers
• Producing conclusive costing analysis of footwear
• Operate machinery which require numerical input.

The ability to accurately work with numbers is important for the production of professionally produced footwear.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your numeracy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during the Certificate IV in Custom Made Footwear program should be discussed with the program coordinator prior to commencing this program.

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from the on-campus learning setting in workshop and classroom situations during your academic year.

In the workshop environment, production and preparation of components, and machine operation assessment tasks require:

• focus, problem solving, interacting, and providing feedback to teacher simultaneously and in a time appropriate manner. 
• engagement with other students and others with this level of focus and concentration throughout a designated period of conducting footwear production duties. 

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on campus learning environment.

The appropriateness and practicality of using such strategies during the Certificate IV in Custom Made Footwear program should be discussed with the program coordinator prior to commencing this program.

Mental wellness is a state of well-being in which an individual can realise their own abilities or potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life and can work productively and fruitfully.

Behavioural stability refers to an individual’s ability to moderate their own behaviour.

Stable mental health promotes optimal and safe engagement in on-campus learning environments. Many people who live with mental health conditions complete their studies successfully.

The following services are available to support students living with mental health conditions at RMIT: 

• Equitable Learning Services
• Counselling and Psychological Services

What do I need to be able to do?

The on campus learning environment can be challenging and will require you to engage with peers and teaching staff, reflect on your work and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.

Interpreting simulations can present complex and unpredictable human situations which require the following:

• managing multiple demands with engagement, focus and composure

Engagement may look like:

• Actively participate in the task.
• Ask questions and share ideas.

Focus may look like:

• Concentrate on the present task while managing distractions.

Composure may look like:

• Remain steady during unexpected situations.
• Manage emotions and reactions effectively.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments such can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may be supported to take time off from your studies if you become unwell or have difficulties with behavioural stability until you are ready to recommence.

Vision

Visual acuity refers to the extent to which a person can see or interpret visual information. This may also include colour vision.

What do I need to be able to do?

In the on-campus simulation environments, tasks which require vision include: 

• Observation of the instructor to: 
  • Demonstrate production processes.
  • Demonstrate machine operation.
  • Present visual presentations via audio visual screen.
• As a student to: 
  • Operate sewing machines.
  • Carry out duties that involve minute adjustments to components or identifying small numerical measurements.
  • Use of suitable equipment including knives and blades
  • distinguishing differences in thread tension
  • Reading handwritten information e.g. measurements.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

The use of assistive technology to enhance vision will be considered. It is recommended that you discuss this with ELS and the Placement Coordinator prior to commencing placement. Glasses and other visual aids can be used during on-campus learning activities and professional experience placement.

Glasses and other visual aids can be used during on-campus simulation settings. 

If you have been deemed legally blind or have a medical condition that may impact your vision, it is recommended that you discuss your condition with Equitable Learning Services.

Hearing

What do I need to be able to do?

In the on-campus workplace simulation environments, tasks which require hearing or alternatives (e.g. accurate lip reading, amplification equipment) include:

• understanding audible communication from instructor while operating machinery
• following audible instruction from your instructor, including communication in the event of an emergency
• differentiating machine/tool noise for any indication of mechanical malfunction.
• Being able to tolerate background talking, loud and sudden noises from machinery and or hand tools in the simulated workplace environment.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

The use of augmentation such as lip reading and / or assistive technology e.g. ‘power’ amplified earpiece to enhance hearing will be considered. It is recommended that you discuss this with the ELS and Program Coordinator prior to commencing this program.  

Touch

What do I need to be able to do?

The sense of touch supports accurate analysis and use of leather within the simulated workspace environment setting.

In the on-campus simulation environments, tasks which require the sense of touch include:

• feeling and detecting changes in the surface of leather hides
• feeling and detecting changes in the surface of various materials used in the production of footwear e.g. soling, sewing, polishing processes.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities. Any adjustments considered should not compromise staff and student safety.

In the on-campus learning experience settings, tasks may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting or bending.

What do I need to be able to do?

In the on-campus simulation environments, tasks which require gross motor skills include:

• manual handling i.e. safely physically using hand tools involving knives, hammers, and scissors and others.
• Positioning material and setting up equipment for assessment /production. 

Safe manual handling minimises the risk of injury to staff and students. 

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities. Any adjustments considered should not compromise student safety.

i.e. The ability to undertake precise coordinated movements of the hands.

What do I need to be able to do?

In the on-campus learning experience settings, tasks may involve pushing, pressing, turning, pinching, grasping, shaking and manipulating leather and small tacks.

In the Footwear production on-campus simulation environments, tasks which require fine motor abilities include:

• Making intricate paper working patterns with pencil and knives
• Cutting precise footwear components with handheld knives
• Operating machines that require minute adjustments e.g. replacing sewing needles and thread tension adjustments
• Pulling over of shoe uppers on lasts using hand tools and hammering of small tacks.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities. Any adjustments considered should not compromise student safety.

This refers to the ability to undertake a task/s over a pre-determined period of time. This could include physical performance such as standing for a period of time, or cognitive (mental) performance such as concentrating for a particular length of time.

What do I need to be able to do?

In the footwear production on-campus simulation environments, tasks which require physical and mental endurance include:

• standing and walking for extended periods throughout the footwear production process.
• maintaining a high level of concentration in order to complete accurate production of footwear patterns and components.
• performing multiple physical and mental tasks over the period of a day in order to provide safe and effective production of footwear products.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your circumstances and physical capacities. You may use strategies such as rest breaks to support your performance for on campus learning contexts. It is recommended that you discuss the use of these strategies during placement with ELS and Program Coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

Any adjustments should not compromise student safety.