AT809686 - Analabs Consent Award 2001 [Transitional]

PART 4 - WAGES RELATED MATTERS 

13. CLASSIFICATIONS/RATES OF PAY

13.1 Classification will be determined as follows:

13.1.1 Employees will be classified according to the classification structure set out in this clause without loss of pay.

13.1.2 Where an employee is performing work consistent with the requirements set out in the classification definition and the indicative skills/tasks for a level then they shall be classified at that level. In determining whether this requirement is satisfied there is no requirement for all skills/tasks to be demonstrated but rather some of the skills/tasks must be demonstrated together with a capacity to work at the level of skill and responsibility represented by the skills/tasks as a whole.

13.1.3 Where there is disagreement regarding the reclassification of an employee, the parties will consult endorsed national competency standards, or competency statements from the ACTRAC National Science Technician Project for further guidance.

13.1.4 Where the matter of classification is still not resolved, the parties agree to process such disagreement under the grievance and disputes settlement procedures of this award.

13.2 Following consultation in accordance with 9.2 of this clause the Employer shall develop a training plan consistent with:

13.2.1 the current and future skill needs of the Employer;

13.2.2 the size, structure and nature of the operations of the Employer; and

13.2.3 the need to develop vocational skills relevant to the Employer through courses conducted by accredited educational institutions and providers.

13.3 An employee who undertakes a training course at the direction of the Employer shall have the required fees and associated expenses (e.g. text books) reimbursed by the Employer:

13.3.1 Provided that if training is undertaken during the ordinary hours of work the employee concerned shall not suffer any loss of pay.

13.3.2 An employee who undertakes a training course and who gains the Employer’s approval for payment to be made, shall be paid or shall be reimbursed the required fees and associated expenses (e.g. text books).

13.4 Travel costs incurred by an employee undertaking training in accordance with 13.3 above, which exceed those normally incurred in travelling to and from work shall, upon production of appropriate documentation, be reimbursed by the Employer.

13.5 Rates of pay

[13.5 substituted by PR920338 PR933478 PR949276 PR960102 PR975265 PR978328; PR984437 ppc 15Oct08]

Level	Title	Weekly rate
		($)
C12	Sample Preparer Level 1	$583.0
	Laboratory Assistant Level 1
C11	Sample Preparer Level 2	$603.9
	Laboratory Assistant Level 2
	Fire Assayer Level 1
	Storeperson Level 1
C11A	Sample Preparer Level 3	$625.2
	Laboratory Assistant Level 3
	Fire Assayer Level 2
C9	Storeperson Level 2	$658.5
	Laboratory Technician Level 1
	Multi-skilled Employee Level 1
C8	Laboratory Technician Level 2	$679.3
	Multi-skilled Employee Level 2
C7	Laboratory Technician Level 3	$698.2
C6	Laboratory Technician Level 4	$734.9
C5	Laboratory Technician Level 5	$750.4
C4	Senior Laboratory Technician Level 1	$771.2
C3	Senior Laboratory Technician Level 2	$812.9
C2A	Senior Laboratory Technician Level 3	$833.8
C2B	Senior Laboratory Technician Level 4	$871.5

13.6 Wages

13.6.1 Where, on commencement of operation of this award, the usual number of ordinary hours worked each week is 37-1/2, the hourly rate of pay will be the weekly rate of pay divided by 37-1/2.

13.6.2 Where, on commencement of operation of this award, the usual number of ordinary hours worked each week is 40, the hourly rate of pay will be the weekly rate of pay plus the equivalent of two and one half hours worked at time plus one half, divided by 40.

13.6.3 Prior to a series of National Wage Case Arbitrated Safety Net Adjustments, the wages corresponding to the above levels had the following percentage relativities to the C10 Level:

C12	87.4%
C11	92.4%
C11A	97.5%
C9	105%
C8	110%
C7	115%
C6	125%
C5	130%
C4	135%
C3	145%
C2A	150%
C2B	160%

13.7 Supervision

A employee who is required to supervise others in addition to routine production duties shall have the ordinary rate of pay for the level at which he or she is employed increased by 7%.

13.8 Casuals

A casual employee for working ordinary time shall be paid per hour the base rate as determined above plus 20%.

13.9 Junior rates

The base rate for employees under the age of 21 years shall be the following percentage of the rate for the appropriate classification in this clause.

Years of age	PERCENTAGE
	%
18 years	70%
19 years	80%
20 years	90%

13.10 Arbitrated safety net adjustment

[13.10 substituted by PR920338 PR933478 PR949276; PR960102 ppc 20Jul05]

The rates of pay in this award include the arbitrated safety net adjustment payable under the Safety Net Review—Wages June 2005 decision [PR002005]. This arbitrated safety net adjustment may be offset against any equivalent amount in rates of pay received by employees whose wages and conditions of employment are regulated by this award which are above the wage rates prescribed in the award. Such above-award payments include wages payable pursuant to certified agreements, currently operating enterprise flexibility agreements, Australian workplace agreements, award variations to give effect to enterprise agreements and overaward arrangements. Absorption which is contrary to the terms of an agreement is not required.

Increases made under previous National Wage Case principles or under the current Statement of Principles, excepting those resulting from enterprise agreements, are not to be used to offset arbitrated safety net adjustments.

13.11 Definitions

13.11.1 Sample Preparer - Level 1 - (C12)

A Sample Preparer - Level 1 will be able to effectively follow written and verbal instructions and procedures and comprehend safety aspects of a laboratory environment. An employee at this level will have completed at least Year 10 secondary education or equivalent and will undertake training as appropriate.

13.11.1(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Undertakes training in basic duties using written and verbal instructions.
• Works under direct supervision.
• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including sorting, drying, weighing, sieving, and splitting of samples.
• Operates one sample preparation machine.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements within the scope of this level.

13.11.2 Sample Preparer - Level 2 - (C11)

At this level a Sample Preparer - Level 2 will be able to effectively carry out basic sample preparation procedures. An employee at this level will have completed Year 11 secondary education or the equivalent and will undertake appropriate induction training.

13.11.2(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Carries out basic duties using written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions.
• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including sorting, drying, weighing, sieving and splitting of samples.
• Operates more than one sample preparation machine.
• Works under direct supervision.
• Comprehends contamination and basic sample preparation quality control procedures.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements within the scope of this level.
• Operates fork-lifts.

13.11.3 Sample Preparer - Level 3 - (C11A)

A Sample Preparer - Level 3 is an employee who exercises skill at a higher level than an employee at C11 and may be required to exercise basic keyboard mathematics and quality control skills. An employee at this level will have completed Year 11 secondary education, with a science background or equivalent, plus appropriate on-the-job training with 6 - 12 months’ experience in a laboratory or chemical process, or completed Year 12 with English, maths, chemistry and physics or biology or equivalent.

13.11.3(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including sorting, drying, weighing, sieving and splitting of samples.
• Operates more than one sample preparation machine.
• Works under general supervision.
• Comprehends contamination and sample preparation quality control procedures.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements.
• Understands simple sampling theory.
• Carries out basic machine maintenance according to operator manuals and/or work instructions.
• Operates fork-lifts.

13.11.4 Laboratory Assistant - Level 1 - (C12)

A Laboratory Assistant - Level 1 will be able to effectively follow written and verbal instructions and procedures and to comprehend safety aspects of a laboratory environment. An employee at this level will have completed at least Year 10 secondary education or equivalent and will undertake training as appropriate.

13.11.4(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Undertakes training in basic duties using written and verbal instructions.
• Works under direct supervision.
• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including sorting, drying and weighing of samples, cleaning labware, fusing and pressing samples.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements within the scope of this level.

13.11.5 Laboratory Assistant - Level 2 (C11)

At this level a Laboratory Assistant - Level 2 will be able to effectively carry out basic laboratory procedures. An employee at this level will have completed Year 11 secondary education or the equivalent and will undertake appropriate induction training.

13.11.5(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Carries out basic duties using written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions.
• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including sorting, drying and weighing of samples, cleaning labware, fusing and pressing samples.
• Performs routine sample digestions, solvent extractions and volumetric preparation.
• Works under direct supervision.
• Comprehends contamination and basic laboratory quality control procedures.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements within the scope of this level.

13.11.6 Laboratory Assistant - Level 3 - (C11A)

A Laboratory Assistant - Level 3 is an employee who exercises skill at a higher level than an employee at C11 and may be required to exercise basic keyboard mathematics and quality control skills. An employee at this level will have completed Year 11 secondary education, with a science background or equivalent, plus appropriate on-the-job training with 6 - 12 months’ experience in a laboratory or chemical process, or completed Year 12 with English, maths, chemistry and physics or biology or equivalent.

13.11.6(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Carries out basic duties using written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions.
• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including sorting, drying and weighing of samples, cleaning labware, fusing and pressing samples.
• Carries out routine sample digestions, solvent extractions, volumetric preparation and waste disposal.
• Works under direct supervision.
• Comprehends contamination and laboratory quality control procedures.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements.
• Understands basic principles of sample digestion, solvent extraction, and volumetric preparation.

13.11.7 Fire Assayer - Level 1 - (C11)

At this level a Fire Assayer - Level 1 will be able to effectively carry out basic fire assay procedures. An employee at this level will have completed Year 11 secondary education or the equivalent and will undertake appropriate induction training.

13.11.7(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Carries out basic duties using written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions.
• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including weighing of samples, flux addition, furnace operation, knocking up buttons.
• Works under direct supervision.
• Comprehends contamination and basic fire assay quality control procedures.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements within the scope of this level.
• Operates fork-lifts.

13.11.8 Fire Assayer - Level 2 - (C11A)

A Fire Assayer - Level 2 is an employee who exercises skill at a higher level than an employee at C11 and may be required to exercise basic keyboard mathematics and quality control skills. An employee at this level will have completed Year 11 secondary education, with a science background or equivalent, plus appropriate on-the-job training with 6 - 12 months’ experience in a laboratory or chemical process, or completed Year 12 with English, maths, chemistry and physics or biology or equivalent.

13.11.8(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Carries out basic duties using written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions.
• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including weighing of samples, flux addition, furnace operation, knocking up buttons, taking prills, disposal of waste and pot recycling.
• Works under direct supervision.
• Comprehends contamination and basic fire assay quality control procedures.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements.
• Understands simple sampling theory and basic principles of fluxing and fire assay quality control.
• Carries out basic furnace maintenance according to operator manuals and/or work instructions.
• Operates fork-lifts.

13.11.9 Storeperson - Level 1 - (C11)

At this level a Storeperson - Level 1 will be able to effectively carry out basic sample storage procedures. An employee at this level will have completed Year 11 secondary education or the equivalent and will undertake appropriate induction training.

13.11.9(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including storage and retrieval of samples, sample return and disposal.
• Works under direct supervision.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements within the scope of this level.
• Carries out basic duties using written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions.
• Operates fork-lifts.

13.11.10 Storeperson - Level 2 - (C9)

An employee at this level will have completed Year 12 secondary education with English, maths, chemistry and physics or biology or equivalent, or is in the initial stages of advanced certificate, associate diploma or equivalent and have at least one year of laboratory experience. At this level a Storeperson - Level 2 will be able to effectively.

13.11.10(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• carry out basic sample storage duties using written, spoken or diagrammatic instructions;
• understand and be responsible for basic quality control/assurance procedures and techniques;
• work under general to limited supervision, either individually or in a team environment;
• be occupational health and safety conscious and aware of housekeeping requirements.

13.11.11 Laboratory Technician – Level 1 - (C9)

An employee at this level will have completed Year 12 secondary education with English, maths, chemistry and physics or biology or equivalent, or is in the initial stages of advanced certificate, associate diploma or equivalent and have at least one year of laboratory experience. At this level a Laboratory Technician - Level 1 will be able to effectively:

• carry out basic sample storage duties using written, spoken or diagrammatic instructions;
• understand and be responsible for basic quality control-assurance procedures and techniques;
• work under general to limited supervision, either individually or in a team environment;
• be occupational health and safety conscious and aware of housekeeping requirements.

13.11.11(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Carries out clear and accurate recording and reporting of sample storage locations and sample movements.
• Ensures proper storage, security and retrieval of samples.
• Maintains basic stocks of laboratory consumables within set limits.
• Performs routine duties of a manual nature including storage and retrieval of samples, sample Requisitions or purchases basic laboratory supplies.
• Deals directly with company clients and external bodies regarding sample disposal and return.
• Operates fork-lifts.
• Carries out basic fork-lift maintenance according to operator manuals and/or work instructions.
• Is conscious of occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements.

13.11.12 Multiskilled Employee - Level 1 - (C9)

An employee at this level will have completed Year 12 secondary education with English, maths, chemistry and physics or biology or equivalent, or is in the initial stages of advanced certificate, associate diploma or equivalent and have at least one year of laboratory experience. At this level a Multiskilled Employee - Level 1 will be able to effectively:

• carry out basic sample storage duties using written, spoken or diagrammatic instructions;
• understand and be responsible for basic quality control/assurance procedures and techniques;
• work under general to limited supervision, either individually or in a team environment;
• be occupational health and safety conscious and aware of housekeeping requirements.

13.11.12(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Performs routine duties of a manual nature in two areas of the laboratory at the level of Sample Preparer - Level 2, Fire Assayer - Level 1, and Laboratory Assistant - Level 1;
• Understands basic principles of in-house methodology.

13.11.13 Multiskilled Employee - Level 2 - (C8)

At this level a Multiskilled Employee - Level 2 will undertake work under the supervision of technical laboratory staff, which requires the exercise of judgment and skill in excess of that required for an employee at C9. Minimum educational and training requirement for this level is commencement of studies of an advanced certificate, associate diploma, or diploma (number of modules to be completed to be determined) or equivalent.

13.11.13(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Performs routine duties of a manual nature in two or more areas of the laboratory at the level of Sample Preparer - Level 3, Fire Assayer - Level 2, and Laboratory Assistant - Level 2.
• Understands basic principles of in-house methodology.

13.11.14 Laboratory Technician - Level 1 - (C9)

An employee at this level will have completed Year 12 secondary education with English, maths, chemistry and physics or biology or equivalent, or is in the initial stages of advanced certificate, associate diploma or equivalent and have at least one year of laboratory experience. At this level a Laboratory Technician - Level 1 will be able to effectively:

• carry out basic sample storage duties using written, spoken or diagrammatic instructions;
• understand and be responsible for basic quality control/assurance procedures and techniques;
• work under general to limited supervision, either individually or in a team environment;
• be occupational health and safety conscious and aware of housekeeping requirements.

13.11.14(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Carries out routine duties of a manual nature such as sample digestions, solvent extractions, volumetric preparation and waste disposal.
• Operates scientific equipment following established procedures.
• Carries out clear and accurate recording and reporting of test results.
• Has ability to perform a range of basic quality control test procedures.
• Ensures proper storage, security and retrieval of samples.
• Notifies work area stock requirements.
• Is familiar with sample digestion, solvent extraction, and volumetric preparation techniques.
• Is familiar with sampling techniques.

13.11.15 Laboratory Technician - Level 2 - (C8)

At this level a Laboratory Technician - Level 2 will undertake work under the supervision of technical laboratory staff, which requires the exercise of judgment and skill in excess of that required for an employee at C9. Minimum educational and training requirement for this level is commencement of studies of an advanced certificate, associate diploma, or diploma (number of modules to be completed to be determined) or equivalent.

13.11.15(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Understands and can apply basic chemical analysis.
• Is able to operate and calibrate/performance check basic scientific instruments.
• Applies basic test result check procedures.
• Is able to prioritise routine work in accordance with supervisor and general work priority guidelines.
• Is familiar with sampling techniques.
• Understands and implements quality control/assurance procedures.
• Is able to work under limited supervision, either individually or in a team environment.
• Is fully familiar with occupational health and safety and housekeeping requirements.
• In conjunction with supervisors and trainers, assists with provision of training in areas with which he/she is fully familiar and skilled.
• Performs basic maintenance work on scientific instruments according to operating manuals and/or work instructions.

13.11.16 Laboratory Technician - Level 3 - (C7)

At this level a Laboratory Technician - Level 3 will be able to perform a range of quality control and/or research and development tests with only general supervision. Minimum educational and training requirement for this level is commencement of studies of an advanced certificate, associate diploma, or diploma (number of modules to be completed to be determined) or equivalent.

13.11.16(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Laboratory Technician - Level 2 duties.
• Is able to troubleshoot at a basic level on a variety of laboratory instruments/equipment and strongly apply basic test result check procedures.
• Prepares working standards and solutions according to established procedures.
• Understands basic principles of chemical processes involved in the testing processes used.
• In conjunction with supervisors and trainers, assists with provision of training in areas with which he/she is fully familiar and skilled.
• Works under minimum supervision either individually or in a team environment.
• Is able to prioritise own work in accordance with supervisor and general work priority guidelines.

13.11.17 Laboratory Technician - Level 4 - (C6)

Minimum educational and training requirement for this level is completion of first year or 50% (part-time) of an advanced certificate, or 25% of an associate diploma, or first year (part-time) of a diploma or 16% of a diploma, or equivalent.

13.11.17(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Able to maintain, test, modify or fault find instruments/equipment.
• Has base level skills and knowledge of adjusting instruments/computer based instruments.
• In conjunction with supervisors and trainers, assists with provision of training in areas with which he/she is fully familiar and skilled.
• Has ability in non-standard analyses.
• Competent to operate and troubleshoot most laboratory equipment/instrumentation required in the work of technicians.
• Prioritises own work.
• Prepares reports of a technical nature on specific tasks or assignments as directed within the scope of his/her technical training/experience.
• Exercise broad discretion within the scope of this level.

13.11.18 Laboratory Technician - Level 5 - (C5)

At this level a Laboratory Technician - Level 5 uses judgment and problem solving skills to perform a range of routine and non-routine tests and to make modifications (within limits) to existing formulae. Education and training requirements for entry into this level are second year or 50% of an advanced certificate or associate diploma, or 30% or second year (part-time) of a diploma, or equivalent.

13.11.18(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Is able to take responsibility for the quality of work of a group.
• To the level of his/her technical training/experience, has an overall knowledge and understanding of the operating principles of the systems and equipment on which technicians are required to carry out their tasks.
• Prepares reports of a technical nature on specific tasks or assignments as directed within the scope of his/her technical training/experience.
• Works unsupervised where necessary.
• Operates competently and troubleshoots all scientific instruments in the section at a high level.
• Provides on the job training to trainees, with minimal guidance from supervisors and trainers.
• Is able to assist with production problem analysis and to communicate effectively.
• Is able to prioritise high volumes of work.
• Has highly developed abilities in non-standard analyses.

13.11.19 Senior Laboratory Technician - Level 1 - (C4)

An employee who works above and beyond a Laboratory Technician at Level C5 and is engaged in:

• making of major design drawings or graphics or performing technical duties in a specific field of engineering, laboratory or scientific practice such as research design, testing, manufacture, assembly, construction, operation, diagnostics and maintenance of equipment, facilities or products including computer software, quality processes, occupational health and safety and/or standards and plant and material security processes and/or developing test
  procedures or manuals from test standard/like work; or planning of operations and/or processes including the estimation of requirements of staffing, material cost and quantities and machinery requirements, purchasing materials or components, scheduling, work study, industrial engineering and/or materials handling process.
• The equivalent education and training requirement is completion of the third year of an associate diploma or 50% or third year (part-time) of a diploma or formal equivalent.

13.11.19(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Makes recommendations on improvement to testing and/or instruments
• Sets up and operates test equipment involving application of computer operating and programming skills
• Works unsupervised where necessary.
• Provides technical guidance.
• Has a working knowledge in quality control, product technology and work organisation.

13.11.20 Senior Laboratory Technician - Level 2 - (C3)

An employee who works above and beyond a Senior Laboratory Technician at Level C4 and who is engaged in:

• performing draughting or planning or technical duties which require the exercise of judgment and skill in excess of that required for Level C4; or
• possesses the skills of a C4 level employee in a technical field and exercises additional skills in a different technical field as defined.

At this level a Senior Laboratory Technician either:

• is an employee who with limited supervision applies the full range of laboratory skills to individual projects and is involved in the supervision and training of other laboratory workers; or
• is an employee who applies specialised technical skills in addition to the full range of laboratory skills, to specific projects with minimum supervision.

The equivalent education and training requirement is completion of an associate diploma or 66% or fourth year (part-time) of a diploma or formal equivalent.

13.11.20(a) Indicative tasks/skills

• Sets up and operates sophisticated test equipment involving application of high level computer knowledge.
• High level knowledge in quality control, product technology and work organisation.
• Carry out and design proficiency tests to NATA and other regulatory requirements.
• Develops test procedures and methods from test standards.

13.11.21 Senior Laboratory Technician - Level 3 - (C2a)

A Senior Laboratory Technician at this level means:

13.11.21(a) A Senior Laboratory technician who:

• will perform or coordinate work in more than one scientific or technical field at C3 level; or
• will perform duties in a scientific field which requires exercise of judgment or skill in excess of that required at C3; or
• is able to plan, write and deliver training programs for all levels and is aware of occupational health and safety, industrial relations and communication processes and be able to use his/her knowledge in training and leading the work of others and would possess general knowledge and awareness of general administrative procedures and be able to take responsibility for the quality of work of a group.

The education and training requirement of this level is completion of fifth year of a diploma or formal equivalent plus experience at level C3; or

13.11.21(b) An employee who works above and beyond a Senior Laboratory Technician at level C3 and has successfully completed 5^th year of a part-time diploma or associate diploma plus additional training or the equivalent level of accredited training. An employee at level C2a is able to perform or coordinate work in more than one scientific or technical field as defined, or perform duties in a technical or scientific field which requires the exercise of judgment and/or skill in excess of that required of an employee at level C3; or

13.11.21(c) An employee engaged in a training/supervisory/coordinator role who when engaged at this level:

• possesses a sound knowledge of occupational health and safety, industrial relations and communications processes and is able to use this knowledge in training and leading the work of others;
• possesses a general knowledge and awareness of the administrative, business, and marketing strategies of the enterprise.

13.11.21(d) Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are as follows:

• Plans, writes and delivers training programs for all trainees and lower technical levels;
• Plans and directs the work of lower level employees especially in new work organisation environments e.g. group work arrangements.

13.11.22 Senior Laboratory Technician - Level 4 - (C2b)

At this level a Senior Laboratory Technician means:

13.11.22(a) An employee who will exhibit and use technical principles, research and development skills as well as interpersonal/supervisory skills in the coordination of a specialist laboratory team. Such an employee will within organisational policy guidelines and objectives perform work at the level of skills specified below. Education and training requirements for entry into this level is experience at level C3 and a diploma, or associate diploma and additional technical and/or management training, or formal equivalent.

13.11.22(b) Indicative tasks/skills

• Performs work requiring mature technical knowledge involving a high degree of autonomy, originality and independent judgment.
• Looks after and is responsible for programs and coordinating such programs as required by operation of the organisation.
• Is responsible for the coordination of employees’ work.
• Plans and implements those programs necessary to achieve objectives of a particular project.
• In the performance of the above functions, applies knowledge and/or provides technical guidance.
• Operates within broad statements of objectives without requiring details instructions.
• Provides specialised technical guidance to other employees performing work within the same technical field; or

13.11.22(c) An employee who has successfully completed a diploma or the equivalent level of accredited training and within organisational policy guidelines and objectives:

• Performs work requiring mature technical knowledge involving a high degree of autonomy, originality and independent judgment.
• Looks after and is responsible for programs and coordinating such programs as required by operation of the organisation.
• Is responsible for the coordination of general and specialist employees engaged in projects requiring complex and specialised knowledge.
• Plans and implements those programs necessary to achieve objectives of a particular project.
• In the performance of the above functions, applies knowledge and/or guidance relevant in any or all of the fields of designing, planning and technical work as required by the company’s operation.
• Operates within broad statements of objectives without requiring details instructions.
• Performs work at the above level of skill in a particular technical field.
• Has as an overriding feature of his/her employment the ability to perform creative, original work of a highly complex and sophisticated nature.
• Provides specialised technical guidance to other employees performing work within the same technical field.

13.12 Reclassification

Employees will be classified according to the skills they are required to use in their regular work. Employees who acquire additional skills through training or education will not be reclassified into a higher grade unless they are required to use these skills in the performance of their regular work.

13.13 Skill development

In recognition of the operation and efficiency requirements of the Employer and to create more varied and interesting work it is a condition of employment, subject to appropriate training and competency, that each employee shall be available to work as required on any work within his or her skill, competence and training consistent with the classification structure of this award. Each employee shall also acquire the skills and learn any other job as directed and shall provide instruction and/or training as appropriate to another employee as required so as to enhance workplace flexibility and provide opportunities to move to higher classifications.

13.14 Definition of vocational fields

13.14.1 Technical field

13.14.1(a) Production planning, including scheduling, work study, and estimating materials, handling systems and like work.

13.14.1(b) Technical including inspection, quality control, supplier evaluation, laboratory, non-destructive testing, technical purchasing, and design and development work (prototypes, models, specifications) in both product and process areas and like work.

13.14.1(c) Design and draughting like work.

13.14.2 Production field

The production field shall include employees primarily engaged in production work including production, distribution, stores and warehousing, but does not require a qualification in the trade, technical, professional or supervisory fields.

13.14.3 Supervisor/trainer/coordinator field

Shall include employees who are:

13.14.3(a) Responsible for the work of other employees and/or provision of on the job training including coordination and/or technical guidance; or

13.14.3(b) Responsible for the supervision and/or training of other supervisors or trainers; or

13.14.1(c) Responsible primarily for the exercise of technical skills, as defined, up to the level of their skill and competence and who are additionally involved in the supervision/training of other employees.

13.14.4 Definition of equivalent

Where it appears in the classification/definitions in this clause, the term equivalent means:

13.14.1(a) Any training which a registered provider (e.g. TAFE) or a State Training Authority has recognised as equivalent to an accredited course or part thereof for this level. This can include advanced standing through recognition of prior learning and/or overseas qualifications; or

13.14.1(b) Demonstration and application of the indicative skills/tasks for the level.