AT828612 - Transport Workers’ (Virgin Tech) Award 2003 [Transitional]

PART 5 - WAGES AND RELATED MATTERS 

20. CLASSIFICATIONS

20.1 Levels and classifications

Virgin Tech may direct an employee to carry out such duties as are incidental and peripheral to the employee’s substantive duties if those tasks are within the limits of the employee’s skills, competence and training. Any such direction will be consistent with Virgin Tech’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment consistent with 15.1, nothing in this classification structure will preclude an employee classified at a higher level from maintaining and performing all the duties and skills comprehended in a lower classification.

20.2 Classification definitions - engineering and maintenance

20.2.1 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 1 - trades assistant

An employee at this level is an adult employee who is engaged in assisting a Licensed aircraft maintenance engineer and/or a tradesperson who is engaged in dismantling and/or cleaning of components and/or oil/greasing and/or paint stripping. An employee at this level performs work to the level of his/her skills, competence and training and:

• is responsible for the quality of his/her own work subject to routine supervision;
• works under routine supervision either individually or in a team environment;
• exercises discretion within his/her level of skills and training;
• works in accordance with standard operating procedures and established criteria;
• understands and undertakes basic quality control/assurance procedures including the ability to recognise basic quality deviations/faults;
• understands and utilises basic statistical process control procedures; and
• follows safe work practices and can report workplace hazards.

20.2.2 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 2 - aircraft maintenance engineer

An employee at this level is a tradesperson who is engaged in the maintenance, repair, overhaul modification, assembly and/or testing of aircraft, aircraft systems, aircraft components, aircraft engines and/or associated equipment. An employee at this level performs work to the level of his/her skills, competence and training and:

• understands and applies quality control techniques;
• exercises good interpersonal and communications skills;
• exercises keyboard skills at a level higher than grade 1;
• exercises discretion within the scope of this classification level;
• performs work under limited supervision either individually or in a team environment;
• operates lifting equipment incidental to his/her work;
• performs non-trade tasks incidental to his/her work;
• performs work which while primarily involving the skills of the employee’s trade is incidental or peripheral to the primary task and facilitates the completion of the whole task. Such incidental or peripheral work would not require additional formal technical training;
• able to inspect products and/or materials for conformity with established operational standards;
• maintains records of action taken;
• provides trade guidance and assistance as part of a work team.
• Specific tasks at this level include:

20.2.2(a) Mechanical

• inspects, tests, repairs and installs hydromechanical piston and gas turbine components;
• inspects, tests, repairs flight control system components, rotary and fixed wing;
• submits engines to final tests in specially designed testing facilities, and makes adjustments;
• treats engines with anti-corrosion agents when off wing;
• services auxiliary motors and engine accessories such as generators, starters and thermocouples;
• conducts routine pre-installation engine inspections;
• maintains records of action taken;
• maintains and overhauls aircraft sub-systems and sub-assemblies, in accordance with established maintenance schedules, and rectifies effects or malfunctions recorded by test or flight crews;
• dismantles sub-assemblies and checks parts for wear using test apparatus to simulate flying conditions; and
• reassembles components and checks them for operating efficiency.

20.2.2(b) Structures

• positions parts and sub-assemblies such as fuselage, wing or tail components, fuel tanks, landing gear, safety systems and internal fittings on working surfaces, part-assembled airframes or assembly jigs, using hoists;
• lays out and marks reference points or guidelines, and aligns parts;
• assembles parts and sub-assemblies;
• performs welding of structures and components;
• verifies alignments, clearances and quality of finish after final assembly, by visual inspection and measurement, and rectifies faults;
• replaces and repairs worn and damaged structural parts; and
• maintains records of action taken.

20.2.2(c) Avionics

• studies drawings and specifications to determine layout and location of aircraft electrical and avionic systems and components;
• installs and tests aircraft avionic hardware and components;
• replaces and tests aircraft panel and rack mounted avionic system components;
• replaces and tests oxygen system components;
• inspects and tests aircraft electrical, avionics, instrument, display, radio-frequency, navigation and communications systems, flight director, automatic flight control and pulse systems and components; and
• may manufacture aircraft electrical, instrument and radio hardware components.

20.2.3 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 3 - approved aircraft maintenance engineer

20.2.3(a) In addition to the requirements of 22.2.2, an employee at this level works above and beyond that of a tradesperson and to the level of his/her skills, competence and training performs work within the scope of approvals held at this level.

20.2.3(b) An employee will become an approved AME when he/she meets the criteria contained in the Virgin Tech engineering manuals for such approvals. On meeting this criteria, an approval may be issued by the Manager, Quality Assurance to the approved AME to act as directed and in accordance with any conditions contained within the direction.

20.2.3(c) An employee at this level will also be required to assist in the provision of training in conjunction with supervisors and trainers.

20.2.4 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 4 - licensed aircraft maintenance engineer grade 1

20.2.4(a) An employee at this level works above and beyond that of a tradesperson and to the level of his/her skills, competence and training performs work within the scope of this level and holds a valid AME licence in either mechanical or avionics stream but not in Group 20/21.

20.2.4(b) Specific tasks at this level in addition to AME skills and duties include:

20.2.4(b)(i) Mechanical

• inspects, tests, repairs and installs aircraft hydromechanical piston and gas turbine engine systems and components;
• inspects, tests, repairs and installs flight control system components, rotary and fixed wing;
• submits engines to final tests in specially designed testing facilities, and makes adjustments;
• treats engines with anti-corrosion agents;
• services auxiliary motors and engine accessories such as generators, starters and thermocouples;
• conducts routine pre-flight engine inspections;
• maintains records of action taken;
• maintains and overhauls aircraft systems and sub-assemblies, in accordance with established maintenance schedules, and rectifies effects or malfunctions recorded by test or flight crews;
• dismantles sub-assemblies and checks parts for wear using test apparatus to simulate flying conditions;
• checks fuel and oil lines, control cables and other aircraft systems;
• reassembles components and checks them for operating efficiency;
• conducts routine pre-flight aircraft inspections;
• positions parts and sub-assemblies such as fuselage, wing or tail components, fuel tanks, landing gear, safety systems and internal fittings on working surfaces, part-assembled airframes or assembly jigs, using hoists;
• lays out and marks reference points or guidelines, and aligns parts;
• assembles parts and sub-assemblies;
• supervises welding of components;
• verifies alignments, clearances and quality of finish after final assembly, by visual inspection and measurement, and rectifies faults;
• replaces and repairs worn and damaged structural parts; and
• maintains records of action taken.

20.2.4(b)(ii) Avionics

• studies drawings and specifications to determine layout and location of aircraft electrical and avionic systems and components;
• installs and tests aircraft avionic hardware and components;
• replaces and tests aircraft panel and rack mounted avionic system components;
• replaces and tests oxygen system components;
• inspects and tests aircraft electrical, avionics, instrument, display, radio-frequency, navigation and communications systems, flight director, automatic flight control and pulse systems and components; and
• may manufacture aircraft electrical, instrument and radio hardware components.

20.2.5 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 5 - Licensed aircraft maintenance engineer grade 2

20.2.5(a) At this level the employee is engaged in detail draughting and/or planning or technical duties requiring judgement and skill in excess of that required of a grade 4 employee under the supervision of technical or professional staff; and to the level of his/her skills, competence and training performs work within the scope of this level and holds a valid AME licence in either mechanical or avionics stream in Group 20/21 but not on types currently maintained by Virgin Tech.

20.2.5(b) Skills and duties at this level include:

• the ability to provide trade guidance and assistance as part of a work team;
• providing training in conjunction with supervisors and trainers;
• understanding and implements quality control techniques;
• working under limited supervision either individually or in a team environment;
• operating lifting equipment incidental to his/her work; and
• performing non-trade tasks incidental to his/her work.

20.2.6 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 6 - Licensed aircraft maintenance engineer grade 3

20.2.6(a) At this level the employee is engaged in detail draughting and/or planning and/or technical duties requiring judgement and skill, above and beyond that of a grade 5 employee under the supervision of technical and/or professional staff and to the level of his/her skills, competence and training performs work within the scope of this level and holds a valid AME licence in either mechanical or avionics stream in Group 20/21 on types currently maintained by Virgin Tech.

20.2.6(b) Skills and duties at this level include:

• undertaking quality control and work organisation at a level higher than a grade 5 employee;
• providing trade guidance and assistance as part of a work team;
• assisting in the provision of training to employees in conjunction with supervisors/trainers;
• working under limited supervision either individually or in a team environment;
• preparing reports of a technical nature on specific tasks or assignments;
• exercising broad discretion within the scope of this level;
• operating lifting equipment incidental to his/her work; and
• performing non-trade tasks incidental to his/her work.

20.2.7 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 7 - Associate engineer

20.2.7(a) An employee at this level is engaged in duties requiring judgment and skill above an beyond that of Licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and to the level of his/her skills, competence and training performs work within the scope of this level.

20.2.7(b) Skills and duties at this level include:

• developing, constructing and testing electronic equipment and associated circuitry;
• preparing drawings, plans and diagrams for electronic/mechanical engineering work;
• assembling circuitry for electronic equipment or assembling an installing new or modified mechanical assemblies, components, machine tools and controls and hydraulic power systems;
• performing tests, graphing results, preparing charts and tabulations;
• estimating material costs and quantities and machinery requirements;
• evaluating performance of equipment;
• inspecting designs and finished products for compliance with specifications and regulations and collecting and analysing data and carrying out computations; and
• installing, testing, repairing and modifying electronic equipment.

20.2.8 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 8 - Leading technical officer

An employee at this level supervises and coordinates the activities of other employees and specifically:

• determines work requirements and allocates duties;
• confers with managers to coordinate activities with other organisational units;
• maintains attendance records and rosters;
• explains and enforces safety regulations;
• oversees the work of the unit and suggests improvements and changes;
• confers with employees to resolve grievances;
• plans, writes and delivers training programs for all employees;
• required to possess a general knowledge and awareness of the administrative, business, and marketing strategies of the enterprise; and
• May also perform the tasks of a Licensed aircraft maintenance engineers;

20.2.9 Virgin Tech engineering and maintenance grade 9 - Professional (aeronautical) engineer

20.2.9(a) An employee at this level performs and supervises engineering work concerned with the design, development, manufacture, maintenance and modification of aircraft for flight.

20.2.9(b) Specific tasks include:

• designing, aircraft, aircraft components and support equipment;
• Examining aircraft controls, stability and other characteristics in laboratory or flight conditions;
• analysing and solves problems arising from experiments to ensure that aircraft are capable of meeting operational conditions;
• studying airframes under stress conditions;
• supervising the assembly of airframes and the installation of engines, instruments and other equipment;
• Evaluating test flights to ensure aircraft conform to specifications and safety standards;
• authorising modifications, repairs and aircraft maintenance;
• consulting with other engineers and flight personnel; and
• may conduct research into aeronautical engineering.

20.3 Classification definitions - logistics

20.3.1 Virgin Tech logistics grade 1

20.3.1(a) An employee at this level is a person working under direct supervision with less than six months experience in the airline industry prior to joining Virgin Tech and who is undergoing training in all logistics operations and associated functions.

20.3.1(b) Skills and duties at this level include:

• responsibility for the quality of their own work subject to detailed direction;
• working in a team environment and/or under routine supervision;
• undertaking duties in a safe and responsible manner;
• exercising discretion within their level of skills and training; and
• possessing basic interpersonal and communication skills.

20.3.1(c) Indicative of the core functions which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

• driving company vehicles;
• housekeeping and general cleaning;
• identification of stocks/freight;
• fork-lift driving;
• packing functions - individually storage of freight;
• basis materials issue;
• operation of packing equipment;
• basic keyboard data entry;
• receipt of goods;
• operating communication equipment; and
• unloading and loading sea and air containers.

20.3.1(d) An employee remains at this level until they are capable of effectively performing through assessment and appropriate certification where relevant, the tasks required of this function so as to enable them to progress to the next level as a position becomes available.

20.3.2 Virgin Tech logistics grade 2

20.3.2(a) An employee at this level is a person working under limited supervision with grade 1 experience who may be required to perform any or all of the core functions. A grade 2 employee will continue training in core functions and at least three specialist functions. Skills and duties at this level include:

• ability to understand detailed instructions and work from procedures;
• ability to coordinate work in a team environment under limited supervision;
• responsibility for quality of their own work; and
• possessing sound interpersonal and communication skills.

20.3.2(b) An employee at this level is a person who is proficient in all core functions and the following areas under general supervision:

• acquittal of supply enquiry demands;
• materials credits;
• materials issues;
• preparation of aircraft bars and dry stores;
• issuing and receiving frozen kitchen foodstuffs;
• packing and assembly;
• turrent truck operations;
• assisting stocktakes;
• loading of freight (stationery); and
• fork-lift driving licence.

20.3.2(c) An employee at this level will undergo training in the following areas:

• dangerous goods awareness;
• customs and quarantine requirements;
• basic prevailing stock ordering, tracking and receipt / despatch system (e.g. TRAX);
• safety training;
• acquittal of documentation;
• component control operation awareness; and
• ETV training.

20.3.2(d) An employee remains at this level until they are capable of effectively performing through assessment and/or appropriate certification where relevant, the tasks required of this function so as to enable them to progress to the next level as a position becomes available.

20.3.3 Virgin Tech logistics grade 3

20.3.3(a) An employee at this level is a person who possesses all grade 2 qualifications and is competent in at least three specialist areas. Skills and duties at this level include:

• understanding and is responsible for quality control standards;
• possessing an advanced level of interpersonal and communication skills;
• competency in keyboard skills;
• sound working knowledge of all warehousing/stores duties performed at levels below this grade, exercises discretion within the scope of this grade; and
• may perform work requiring minimal supervision either individually or in a team environment.

20.3.3(b) An employee at this level will be proficient in the following advanced functions:

• component control repair delay;
• operate prevailing stock ordering tracking and receipt / despatch system;
• raise stores documentation;
• on-line receipt acquittal;
• acceptance of bulk units;
• freight acceptance and dispatch airside;
• ETV driving;
• cargo pick list assembly;
• freight assembly and aircraft pallet restraining;
• accountable document picking (stationery);
• high rise stacker retriever operation;
• despatching shipments; and
• acquittal of documentation.

20.3.3(c) An employee at this level will also undergo training in the following areas:

• handling and assembly of dangerous goods;
• engineering operation;
• awareness hangar operation;
• engineering orders awareness;
• computer systems training (e.g. TRAX);
• pallet contouring and gauging;
• load distribution and restraint training;
• ULD serviceability standards;
• competent keyboard skills;
• warehousing skills;
• despatch of telexes and faxes;
• accountable document picking (stationery);
• advanced safety training (flammable stores); and
• customs and bar documentation and customer stock returns.

20.3.3(d) An employee remains at this level until they are capable of effectively performing through assessment and/or appropriate certification where relevant, the tasks required of this function so as to enable them to progress to the next level as a position becomes available.

20.3.4 Virgin Tech logistics grade 4

20.3.4(a) An employee at this level is a person who possesses all grade 3 qualifications and is responsible for the efficient operation of a shift or section with significant responsibility for administration and/or supervision of staff. Employees seeking promotion to this level must possess and retain possession of a Hazardous Goods Certificate as a compulsory specialised function. Employees will be required to train lower graded employees, including new employees during their probationary period, and monitor and modify techniques, effectiveness and efficiency and ensure compliance to Divisional/Company policy. Employees will be responsible for the allocation of manpower to achieve optimum customer service and assist in the development and implementation or work simplification systems.

20.3.4(b) An employee at this level is a person who undertakes duties associated with staff control and supervision as well as performing the following functions:

• training to levels 1, 2 and 3;
• component control listening post;
• line station receipts of engineering materials/loan items;
• despatch and documentation of outside repair items;
• control of clients stocks;
• control of modification kit operation;
• ensuring all relevant Australian customs procedures/quarantine regulations are met;
• raising customs and bar documentation and customer stock returns satellite stores operation;
• all level 1, 2 and 3 functions;
• investigating and reconciling shortage items;
• facsimile operation; and
• control and handling of under bond saleable amenities.

20.3.4(c) An employee at this level will undergo training as follows:

• company supervisory course;
• ER/IR course;
• roster and manpower allocation awareness;
• counselling and appraisals awareness;
• Australian Customs procedures and quarantine regulations; and
• pooling procedures to engineering for other operators.

20.3.5 Virgin Tech logistics grade 5

20.3.5(a) An employee at this level is a person who possesses all grade 4 qualifications and is responsible for a group (two or more sections). Employees are required to plan, direct and monitor the work and work standards of all staff within the group. Employee is responsible for staff development and on-the-job training, and must ensure compliance with Supply division policy and Company Maintenance Manuals.

20.3.5(b) An employee at this level is a person who performs the following tasks:

• undertakes duties associated with shift control;
• allocates manpower and equipment;
• monitors staff performance;
• controls client stocks for engineering;
• interprets aircraft manuals and customer working instructions;
• organises space on aircraft to dispatch company stores worldwide;
• certifies documentation to IATA regulations;
• training to levels 1, 2, 3 and 4; and
• airway bill production and cargo reservations.

20.3.5(c) An employee at this level will undergo training as follows:

• IATA Dangerous Goods Course;
• Human Resource Management Course;
• development of stores layout; and
• rosters and manpower allocation.