Technical Interview Candidate Guide

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
1 WHAT IS A TECHNICAL INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT?
Your technical interview is an important stage of the trade skills assessment process.
It involves you completing an interview with an assessor qualified in your trade, who will ask you a series of
questions designed to find out your underpinning knowledge and application of your trade skills.
For example, you may be asked to outline your work experience in the trade, describe the steps in completing a
particular job, or explain what you would do if you were faced with a problem or a difficult circumstance in a job.
Your technical interview will be conducted in English and no interpreter is allowed.
You will be assessed against skill areas that industry in Australia has decided are essential to work in this trade.
Every trade is made up of a number of skill areas and these are referred to as ‘units of competency’. Units of
competency are statements that describe what industry expects a tradesperson to be able to do in their
workplace. This includes the required skills and knowledge and the equipment and tools you need to complete a
job.
The technical interview questions asked by the assessor are based on the units of competency listed on the Self-
assessment Form for your trade (located at: https://www.vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment/national-skills-
recognition). Your responses to these questions should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that you are
competent in the units of competency related to your trade
2 WHAT IF I HAVE A SPECIAL NEED?
Candidates with special needs can request reasonable adjustments are made to the assessment process to
accommodate their participation.
Reasonable adjustment refers to measures or actions taken to provide a candidate with a special need or disability the
same opportunities as every other candidate, while maintaining the integrity of the assessment outcome.
If you wish to request a reasonable adjustment, please contact and discuss your individual situation with VETASSESS.
Please note:
 All assessments must be conducted in English. No translator is allowed to attend an assessment.
 Reasonable adjustment does not mean that all candidates’ requests are granted.
Technical Interview Candidate Guide Page 1 of 10

January 2017 NOT CONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED V6/2017 © VETASSESS
TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
3 WHO WILL ASSESS ME?
A qualified trade assessor/s or assessors will conduct your assessment, gather evidence of your skills and
knowledge and make the final decision about your assessment result. During your assessment, videos or
photographs may be taken and reviewed as evidence by your assessor/s when finalising your result.
The following section provides an example of the skills and knowledge you may be asked about during your
technical interview assessment. Please note that these are SAMPLES ONLY. This is not a complete list and may
change from time to time.
Trade occupation Description of SAMPLE activities
Automotive Electrician Answer questions related to:
 workplace health and safety (WHS), such as correct manual handling

techniques, identifying safety hazards on your worksite and prevention
strategies, wearing correct personal protective equipment (PPE), etc.
 reducing harm to the environment
 testing and repairing basic electrical circuits
 testing, charging and replacing batteries
 diagnosing and repairing vehicle dynamic control systems
 removing and replacing electrical units and assemblies
 diagnosing and repairing starting and charging systems
 installing ancillary electronic control units and components.
Baker Answer questions related to:
Pastrycook  occupational health and safety (OHS), such as identifying safety hazards
in your bakery and prevention strategies, wearing correct uniform,
practising and implementing safe and hygienic food handling
techniques, etc.
 producing and processing bread dough
 baking bread and identifying product faults
 producing and baking pastry products
 preparing fillings
 identifying cultural, religious and dietary considerations for food

production
 storing, handling and using frozen dough
 controlling and ordering stock.

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
Bricklayer Answer questions related to:
 occupational health and safety (OHS), such as correct manual handling

 equipment and materials to build a cavity wall
 setting out and building a cavity wall with return corner
 equipment and materials to build a Pier with corbelled top
 preparing, marking and cutting raking brickwork
 setting out, building, constructing and finishing
 erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding.
Cabinetmaker Answer questions related to:

 producing manual and computer-aided production drawings
 estimating and costing jobs
 setting up, operating and maintain a range of static machines
 preparing surfaces for finishing
 constructing jigs and fixtures
 installing furnishing products.
Carpenter Answer questions related to:
Carpenter / Joiner  occupational health and safety (OHS), such as correct manual handling
 working from designated specifications, setting out pattern studs, wall

plates and identifying scaffolding components
 carrying out levelling
 working with explosive power tools
 constructing a pitch hip and gable roof
 carrying out concreting to simple forms.
*In addition to the Technical Interview, a ‘Work safely at heights and

Use explosive power tools’ online quiz must also be completed. You will
receive a username and password for the online quiz when you book the
Technical Interview.

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
Cook / Chef Answer questions related to:
 work place health and safety (WHS) such as identifying safety hazards in
your kitchen/workplace and prevention strategies, wearing correct
uniform, practising and implementing safe and hygienic food handling
techniques, etc.
 minimising waste and reducing harm to the environment
 selecting, preparing and cooking meats, poultry and seafood
 producing vegetable, fruit, egg and farinaceous dishes
 preparing appetisers, salads, stocks, sauces and soups
 preparing hot and cold deserts, pastries, cakes and yeast goods
 developing menus, costing’s and budgeting
 managing staff and budgets (Certificate IV candidates)
N.B. To be competent in HLTAID003 Provide first aid, a current First Aid

certificate, level 2 must be provided to VETASSESS.
*In addition to the Technical Interview, a ‘Hygiene/safe food handling’

online quiz must also be completed. You will receive a username and
password for the online quiz when you book the Technical Interview.
Cook / Chef (Asian cookery) Answer questions related to:
 work place health and safety (WHS), such as identifying safety hazards in
your workplace and prevention strategies wearing correct uniform,
practising and implementing safe and hygienic food handling techniques
etc.
 minimising waste and reducing harm to the environment
 preparing meats, poultry, seafood and vegetables for Asian cuisines
 preparing rice and noodles for Asian cuisines
 preparing Asian appetisers, snacks and salads
 preparing stocks, soups, sauces, dips and accompaniments for Asian

dishes
 Asian menus, costings and budgets.
 managing staff and budgets (Certificate IV candidates)
N.B. To be competent in HLTAID003 Provide first aid, a current First Aid

certificate, level 2 must be provided to VETASSESS.
*In addition to the Technical Interview, a ‘Hygiene/safe food handling’

online quiz must also be completed. You will receive a username and
password for the online quiz when you book the Technical Interview.
Diesel Motor Mechanic Answer questions related to:

(Mobile Plant)
Diesel Motor Mechanic
(Heavy Commercial Vehicle)  reducing harm to the environment

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
 testing a repairing basic electrical circuits
 repairing engines and associated engine components
 diagnosing and repairing cooling systems
 inspecting and repairing engine forced induction systems
 inspecting and servicing steering systems
 servicing hydraulic systems.
Electronic Equipment Trades Answer questions related to:

Worker
 solving problems in d.c. circuits
 troubleshooting digital sub-systems
 using engineering applications software on personal computers
 solving fundamental electronic communication system problems
 setting up and configuring basic local area networks (LANs)
 troubleshooting amplifiers in an electronic apparatus.
Fitter Answer questions related to:
Metal Machinist (First Class)  occupational health and safety (OHS), such as correct manual handling
 completing a number of drawings and marking out exercises,

computing engineering measurements
 selecting appropriate tools and equipment such as milling cutters,

grinding tools, marking out equipment etc.
 disassembling and reassembling parts, for example a drive shaft
 machining various parts using a lathe and a milling machine
 working to tolerances of ± 0.5mm.

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
Joiner Answer questions related to:

 using static machines
 manufacturing joinery components
 packaging manufactured goods for transport
 preparing surfaces for painting
 installing lining, panelling and moulding
 applying and installing sealant and sealant devices
 manufacturing components for door and window frames.
*In addition to the Technical Interview, a ‘Work safely at heights and

Use explosive power tools’ online quiz must also be completed. You will
receive a username and password for the online quiz when you book the
Technical Interview.
Motor Mechanic (General) Answer questions related to:

 selecting appropriate tools and equipment to complete the tasks
 servicing, diagnosing and repairing automotive braking systems,

components and/or assemblies
 servicing, diagnosing and repairing automotive electrical control stems,

 servicing, diagnosing and repairing automotive electrical systems,

 servicing, diagnosing and repairing engines, cooling systems and

associated components
 servicing, diagnosing and repairing automotive fuel systems.
Panel Beater Answer questions related to:

 determining vehicle damage and recommended repair procedures
 carrying out panel repairs
 repairing and replacing structural damage by welding

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
 testing, charging and replacing batteries
 repairing vehicle body misalignment
 setting up and operating universal measuring systems
 identifying and repairing high strength steel components.
Vehicle Painter Answer questions related to:

 evaluating vehicle paintwork for damage and identifying refinish

requirements
 applying original equipment manufacturer repair procedures
 applying rust prevention and sound deadening materials
 applying paint removal methods
 preparing spray painting materials and equipment
 applying fundamental colour matching techniques
 preparing and painting plastic components.
Welder (First Class) Answer questions related to:
Sheet-metal Trades Worker  occupational health and safety (OHS), such as correct manual handling
Metal Fabricator
 reducing harm to the environment,
 identifying welding symbols and calculating tolerances
 completing a number of welds using MMAW, GMAW, TIG, and FCAW
 cleaning, testing and modifying welds
 assembling fabricated components
 monitoring the quality of production welding and fabrications.

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
4 HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY TECHNICAL INTERVIEW?
Use the checklist below to prepare thoroughly for your interview.
I have: Completed
reviewed the skill areas I will be assessed in by completing the self-assessment form relevant
to my trade at: https://www.vetassess.com.au/skills-assessment/national-skills-recognition
thought about how my own trade experience relates to these skill areas
identified the skill areas I have less experience in than others
thought of other skills I have used at work, which might relate to these areas
understood what the employability skills for my trade are
understood that I will be asked about different skills I use at work, including how I
communicate at work, solve problems, etc.
thought about other training I have done, (eg: first aid course) and how that relates to some
of these units of competence
practised talking about my skills with a friend
5 WHERE WILL MY TECHNICAL INTERVIEW BE HELD?
The technical interview will usually be held at a VETASSESS assessment venue.
Information on where to report to on the day of your technical interview, will be sent to you after a suitable date
has been arranged. If you have not received information about the location of your technical interview, you should
contact VETASSESS at national@vetassess.com.au
6 WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING
You must bring your passport and the technical interview admission voucher.
Your technical interview admission voucher will be sent to you when we have booked your assessment. If you have
not received an admission voucher, please contact VETASSESS.
No other resources or materials are to be brought to the technical interview.

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
7 WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE DAY?
When you arrive at the venue you will register by showing your technical interview admissions voucher and
passport or another form of photo identification (ID). Once you have registered, you will be introduced to your
assessor or assessment supervisor for the day.
The supervisor will take you to the technical interview room and remain for the duration of the assessment. Your
supervisor will make sure the software is working correctly and that the sound is clear. He/she will introduce you to
the host of the interview.
The host of the interview will be on-line and is in charge of the recording of the interview. He/she will ask you to
hold your passport in front of the camera to check your identification and will then introduce you to your assessor.
You will be able to see your assessor via webcam and they will be able to see you at all times. You will be able to
ask him/her to repeat any questions or words you do not understand. The technical interview will be conducted
using Power Point slides, so you will be able to see and hear the questions that you will be asked.
The technical interview will take approximately two - three hours. Your interview will be recorded and kept on file.
8 WHAT ARE THE RULES RELATED TO THE TECHNICAL INTERVIEW?
 Your interview will be cancelled if you arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled time.
 You cannot refer to any reference materials including written notes, textbooks, and instruction manuals or
the internet during the interview.
 You must switch off all communicating and recording devices including mobile phones, laptops, pagers,
palm pilots and MP3 players.
 You must not have a pen, pencil or paper with you in the interview room.
 The assessment supervisor or assessor may terminate the technical interview during the assessment
event if you:
o are unable to provide proof of identity
o refer to unauthorised material such as text books, manuals etc, during the interview
o become extremely distressed or disturbed
o appear ill or physically unwell
o become angry or violent
o arrive at the assessment venue in an abnormal state, such as being intoxicated or drugged
o are unable to understand and/or answer questions in English.
 You must not remove or copy any materials related to the technical interview from the interview room.

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
CANDIDATE GUIDE
9 HOW WILL I GET MY RESULTS?
Assessors cannot provide you with the results of your assessment on the day. This technical interview only forms
part of the assessment process. Details of your assessment outcome will be available within 10 working days
following your assessment and will also be sent to the address that you nominated on your application form.
Assessments that require a review may take longer than ten working days.
Successful candidates
If you successfully complete the practical assessment, you will receive the following documents.
 an Australian Certificate III or IV qualification in your trade area
 a Statement of Results that lists the units of competency you successfully achieved.
Unsuccessful candidates
If you are unsuccessful in your practical assessment, you will receive the following documents.
 a Statement of Attainment that lists the units of competency you successfully achieved
 a Statement of Results that lists units of competency you have successfully achieved and those that
were not achieved.
 Advice on further training or experience to build on in order to complete the full qualification.
Reassessments, appeals and feedback
If you disagree with your trade skill assessment outcome, there are three options available to you. You can:
 request to have your assessment decision reviewed
 undertake a reassessment (second assessment)
 appeal the decision.
It is strongly advised that you undertake the review and/or reassessment stage prior to lodging an appeal.
If you choose to apply for reassessment, you will only be reassessed on the units where you received a NYC (Not
Yet Competent) result. This result information is provided in your Statement of Results.
Before attempting reassessment, you are advised to increase your skills and knowledge in these units— this can
occur through formal training and/or additional practical experience.
On the day of your reassessment, you will be required to answer questions and/or complete practical tasks that
align to these NYC units.
See the website section “Review, Reassessment, Appeals, Reissues & Complaints” for further information.
Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your assessment, please contact VETASSESS to register your complaint.
You can email you complaint to national@vetassess.com.au or ring +61 3 9655 4801.
How can I get more information?
If you require more information or would like to clarify information contained in this guide, please contact
VETASSESS on:
Phone: +61 3 9655 4801
Fax: +61 3 9655 4899
Email: national@vetassess.com.au
Web: www.vetassess.com.au


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TECHNICAL INTERVIEW

Your technical interview will be conducted in English and no interpreter is allowed.

2 WHAT IF I HAVE A SPECIAL NEED?

Technical Interview Candidate Guide Page 1 of 10

3 WHO WILL ASSESS ME?

Trade occupation Description of SAMPLE activities

Automotive Electrician Answer questions related to:

 workplace health and safety (WHS), such as correct manual handling

 reducing harm to the environment

 testing and repairing basic electrical circuits

 testing, charging and replacing batteries

 diagnosing and repairing vehicle dynamic control systems

 removing and replacing electrical units and assemblies

 diagnosing and repairing starting and charging systems

 installing ancillary electronic control units and components.

Baker Answer questions related to:

 producing and processing bread dough

 baking bread and identifying product faults

 producing and baking pastry products

 identifying cultural, religious and dietary considerations for food

 storing, handling and using frozen dough

 controlling and ordering stock.

Technical Interview Candidate Guide Page 2 of 10

Trade occupation Description of SAMPLE activities

Bricklayer Answer questions related to:

 occupational health and safety (OHS), such as correct manual handling

 reducing harm to the environment

 equipment and materials to build a cavity wall

 setting out and building a cavity wall with return corner

 equipment and materials to build a Pier with corbelled top

 preparing, marking and cutting raking brickwork

 setting out, building, constructing and finishing

 erecting and dismantling restricted height scaffolding.

Cabinetmaker Answer questions related to:

 occupational health and safety (OHS), such as correct manual handling

 reducing harm to the environment

 producing manual and computer-aided production drawings

 estimating and costing jobs

 setting up, operating and maintain a range of static machines

 preparing surfaces for finishing

 constructing jigs and fixtures

 installing furnishing products.

Carpenter Answer questions related to:

 reducing harm to the environment

 working from designated specifications, setting out pattern studs, wall

 carrying out levelling

 working with explosive power tools

 constructing a pitch hip and gable roof

 carrying out concreting to simple forms.

*In addition to the Technical Interview, a ‘Work safely at heights and

Technical Interview Candidate Guide Page 3 of 10

Trade occupation Description of SAMPLE activities

Cook / Chef Answer questions related to:

 minimising waste and reducing harm to the environment

 selecting, preparing and cooking meats, poultry and seafood

 producing vegetable, fruit, egg and farinaceous dishes

 preparing appetisers, salads, stocks, sauces and soups

 developing menus, costing’s and budgeting

 managing staff and budgets (Certificate IV candidates)

N.B. To be competent in HLTAID003 Provide first aid, a current First Aid

*In addition to the Technical Interview, a ‘Hygiene/safe food handling’

Cook / Chef (Asian cookery) Answer questions related to:

 minimising waste and reducing harm to the environment

 preparing meats, poultry, seafood and vegetables for Asian cuisines