HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION (FORKLIFT) NC II – TESDA COURSE MODULE

TESDA TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION (FORKLIFT) NC II COURSE

The TESDA Course in HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION (FORKLIFT) NC II consists of competencies that workers must achieve to enable them to perform tasks such as inspection, basic preventive maintenance, lifting and handling of loads in construction sites or other locations with the use of a forklift.

This qualification is packaged from the competency map of Construction – Heavy Equipment sub-sector

A student who has achieved this TESDA Course in HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION (FORKLIFT) NC II is competent to be:

• Forklift operator

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to gain entry into this course should possess the following requirements:

• At least Junior High School Level Completer or an Alternative Learning System (ALS) Certificate of Completion with grade 10 equivalent holder
• Must possess good communication skills
• Can perform basic mathematical computation
• Physically fit

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION (FORKLIFT) NC II COURSE – TRAINING AND REGULATION MODULE

Course Title: HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION (FORKLIFT)
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration : 221 Hours

• 37 Hours (Basic Competencies)
• 24 Hours (Common Competencies)
• 120 Hours (Core Competencies)

This course is designed to provide the learner with knowledge, practical skills and attitude, applicable in performing work activities involve in performing pre and post-operation procedures, performing basic preventive maintenance servicing and performing productive operation for forklift. This includes classroom learning activities and practical work in actual work site or simulation area.

Upon completion of the course, the learners are expected to demonstrate the above-mentioned competencies to be employed. To obtain this, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION (FORKLIFT) NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common and Core Competencies. To obtain this course, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (56 Hours)
CON834216	Perform pre and post-operation procedures for forklift
CON834217	Perform pre and post-operation procedures for forklift CON834217 Perform basic preventive maintenance servicing for forklift
CON834218	Perform productive operation for forklift
UNIT CODE	COMMON COMPETENCIES (24 Hours)
CON931201	Prepare construction materials and tools
CON311201	Observe procedures, specifications and manuals of instruction
CON311202	Interpret technical drawings and plans
CON311203	Perform mensuration’s and calculations
CON311204	Maintain tools and equipment
UNIT CODE	BASIC COMPETENCIES (37 Hours)
400311210	Participate in workplace communication
400311211	Work in a team environment
400311212	Solve/address general workplace problems
400311213	Develop career and life decisions
400311214	Contribute to workplace innovation
400311215	Present relevant information
400311216	Practice occupational safety and health policies and procedures
400311217	Exercise efficient and effective sustainable practices in the workplace
400311218	Practice entrepreneurial skills in the workplace

This section gives the details and contents of the units of competency required in HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION (FORKLIFT) NC II. These units of competency are categorized into basic, common and core competencies. BASIC COMPETENCIES

CORE COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM PRE AND POST-OPERATION PROCEDURES FOR FORKLIFT
UNIT CODE : CON834216

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in performing visual and operation check before and after productive operation of forklift.

1. Perform visual check
   • Capacity of forklift is selected based on job requirements.
   • Operator-serviceable (OS) parts are checked in accordance with equipment checklist and manufacturer’s procedures.
   • Inspection of equipment is performed with checklist while power is stopped/not running
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
   • Required output is completed based on accomplished checklist
2. Perform walk-around check
   • “BLOWAF” check is performed using checklist while engine is stopped/not running.
   • Battery-operated type is checked in accordance with manufacturer’s manual
   • Fluid levels are maintained in accordance with equipment manufacturer’s manual.
   • Abnormal conditions are noted in checklist and reported to authorized person.
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
   • Required output is completed based on accomplished checklist
3. Perform visual check for lifting attachments and power train
   • Lifting attachments and power train components are checked in accordance with checklist and manufacturer’s procedures
   • Abnormal conditions are noted in checklist and reported to authorized person
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
   • Required output is completed based on accomplished checklist
4. Perform operation check
   • Starting/running check/operation check is performed with checklist and in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
   • Electrical motor is checked for normal functioning based on manufacturer’s specifications.
   • Safety devices are checked for proper functions in accordance with safe operating procedures.
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
   • Required output is completed based on accomplished checklist
5. Perform post operation procedures
   • Forklift is parked and turned off after productive operation in accordance to manufacturer’s manual.
   • Controls are set into neutral position and parking brakes are engaged in accordance to manufacturer’s manual.
   • Safety locks are all engaged in accordance with manufacturer’s manual.
   • Walk-around inspection check is re-conducted after operation
   • Daily equipment time record/report (DETR) is accomplished/submitted according to company rules and regulations
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standard

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM BASIC PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SERVICING FOR FORKLIFT
UNIT CODE : CON834217

This unit involves the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in cleaning/greasing, adjusting and replacing operator-serviceable (OS) parts of Forklift.

1. Perform adjustment or replacement for noted defects
   • Minor defects are identified and repaired/replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s procedures.
   • Basic hand tools and portable powered tools are selected based on job requirements.
   • Major defects are identified using checklist and referred to authorized personnel for action.
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
2. Perform basic preventive maintenance servicing (PMS)
   • Operator’s Serviceable parts are identified and serviced according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
   • Standard parameters are checked according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
   • Fluids and lubricants are used based on manufacturer’s manual.
   • Basic hand tools, portable powered tools and consumable materials are identified and used in accordance with job requirements.
   • Basic preventive maintenance servicing (PMS) is carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s and site regulations
   • Site conditions are considered during PMS
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
3. Prepare equipment reports
   • Equipment checklist is accomplished in accordance with manufacturer’s/company requirements
   • Equipment defects are reported to appropriate personnel
   • Document control procedures is observed based on company requirements
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM PRODUCTIVE OPERATION FOR FORKLIFT
UNIT CODE : CON834218

This unit involves the knowledge, skills and attitudes in traveling, loading and unloading to low-bed trailer, interpreting load chart and lifting operation for Forklift.

1. Travel the forklift
   • Road conditions are considered before travelling the forklift.
   • Work area is surveyed for potential hazards in accordance with safe operating procedures.
   • Travel speed and position of forklift are observed in accordance with manufacturer’s manual and/or company rules and regulations
   • Unexpected situations are responded in line with company rules and regulations.
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
2. Load and unload forklift to low-bed trailer/truck
   • Low-bed trailer /truck for transporting the forklift is selected according to job requirements.
   • Lifting attachments are positioned and secured based on manufacturer’s manual.
   • Verbal instructions and signals are conveyed with authorized spotter during loading and unloading as per standard operating procedures.
   • All safety locks and control levers are secured at neutral position before and after loading based on manufacturer’s specifications.
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
3. Interpret load chart
   • Weight of the load is determined according to load information
   • Lifting capacity is determined according to manufacturer’s specifications
   • Lifting capacity in the load chart is followed according to manufacturer’s specifications
   • Loads are calculated based on load center 3.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
4. Perform lifting and handling of load
   • Site and weather conditions are considered before lifting and handling of load
   • Safe work procedures and practices are observed during handling and lifting operation based on OSH standards and manufacturer’s manual
   • Optimum speed during travel, lifting and tilting operation is controlled based on manufacturer’s manual
   • Loads are handled in accordance with cargo contents within required capacity
   • Communication with spotter is established and maintained during traveling and lifting of loads based on company rules and regulations
   • Unexpected situations are responded in line with company rules and regulations
   • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used in accordance with Rule 1080 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PREPARE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TOOLS
UNIT CODE : CON931201

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes on identifying, requesting and receiving construction materials and tools in various workplace settings.

1. Identify materials
   • Materials are identified as per job requirements
   • Quantity and description of materials and tools conform with the job requirements
   • Tools and accessories are identified according to job requirements
2. Prepare requisition of materials
   • Materials and tools needed are requested according to the identified requirements
   • Request is done as per company standard operating procedures (SOP)
   • Substitute materials and tools are provided without sacrificing cost and quality of work
3. Receive and inspect materials
   • Materials and tools issued are inspected as per quantity and specification
   • Tools, accessories and materials are checked
   • Materials and tools are set aside to appropriate location

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : OBSERVE PROCEDURES, SPECIFICATIONS AND MANUALS OF INSTRUCTIONS
UNIT CODE : CON311201

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes On identifying, interpreting, applying services to specifications and manuals and storing manuals.

1. Identify and access specification/ manuals
   • Appropriate manuals are identified and accessed as per job requirements
   • Version and date of manual are checked to ensure that correct specification and procedures are identified
2. Interpret manuals
   • Relevant sections, chapters of specifications/ manuals are located in relation to the work to be conducted
   • Information and procedure in the manual are interpreted in accordance with industry practices
3. Apply information in manual
   • Manual is interpreted according to job requirements
   • Work steps are correctly identified in accordance with manufacturer’s specification
   • Manual data are applied according to the given task
   • All correct sequencing and adjustments are interpreted in accordance with information contained on the manual or specifications
4. Store manuals
   • Manual or specification is stored appropriately to prevent damage, ready access and updating of information when required in accordance with company requirements

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : INTERPRET DRAWINGS AND PLANS
UNIT CODE : CON311202

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in analyzing and interpreting symbols, data and work plan based on the required performance standards.

1. Analyze signs, symbols and data
   • Signs, symbols and data are identified according to job specifications
   • Signs, symbols and data are determined according to site regulations
2. Interpret drawings and plans
   • Necessary tools and materials are identified according to the work plan
   • Supplies and materials are listed according to specifications
   • Components, assemblies or objects are recognized as required
   • Dimensions are identified as appropriate to the plan
   • Specification details are matched with existing/available resources and in line with job requirements

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM MENSURATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
UNIT CODE : CON311203
UNIT DESCRIPTOR : This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes on identifying and measuring objects based on the required performance standards.

1. Select measuring instruments
   • Object or component to be measured is identified, classified and interpreted according to the appropriate regular geometric shape
   • Measuring tools are selected/identified as per object to be measured or job requirements
   • Correct specifications are obtained from relevant sources
   • Measuring instruments are selected according to job requirements
   • Alternative measuring tools are used without sacrificing cost and quality of work
2. Carry out measurements and calculations
   • Measurements are obtained according to job requirements
   • Alternative measuring tools are used without sacrificing cost and quality of work
   • Calculations needed to complete work tasks are performed using the four basic process of addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x) and division (/)
   • Calculations involving fractions, percentages and mixed numbers are used to complete workplace tasks
   • Numerical computation is self-checked and corrected for accuracy
   • Instruments are read to the limit of accuracy of the tool
   • Systems of measurement identified and converted according to job requirements/ISO
   • Workpieces are measured according to job requirements

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : MAINTAIN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
UNIT CODE : CON311204

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes on checking condition, performing preventive maintenance and storing of construction painting tools and equipment.

1. Check condition of tools and equipment
   • Materials, tools and equipment are identified according to classification and job requirements
   • Non-functional tools and equipment are segregated and labeled according to classification
   • Safety of tools and equipment are observed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
   • Condition of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are checked in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
2. Perform basic preventive maintenance
   • Appropriate lubricants are identified according to types of equipment
   • Tools and equipment are lubricated according to preventive maintenance schedule or manufacturer’s specifications
   • Measuring instruments are checked and calibrated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
   • Tools are cleaned and lubricated according to standard procedures
   • Defective instruments, equipment and accessories are inspected and replaced according to manufacturer’s specifications
   • Tools are inspected, repaired and replaced after use
   • Work place is cleaned and kept in safe state in line with Occupational Safety and Health (OSHS)
3. Store tools and equipment
   • Inventory of tools, instruments and equipment are conducted and recorded as per company practices
   • Tools and equipment are stored safely in appropriate locations in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or company procedures

BASIC COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 400311210

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.

1. Obtain and convey workplace information
   • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
   • Effective questioning , active listening and speaking skills are used to gather and convey information
   • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
   • Appropriate non- verbal communication is used
   • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
   • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
   • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
2. Perform duties following workplace instructions
   • Written notices and instructions are read and interpreted in accordance with organizational guidelines
   • Routine written instruction are followed based on established procedures
   • Feedback is given to workplace supervisor based instructions/ information received
   • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
   • Where necessary, clarifications about routine workplace procedures and matters concerning conditions of employment are sought and asked from appropriate sources
   • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
3. Complete relevant work related documents
   • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
   • Workplace data is recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
   • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
   • Errors in recording information on forms/ documents are identified and properly acted upon
   • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : 400311211

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team.

1. Describe team role and scope
   • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
   • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate external sources
2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
   • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified
   • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized
   • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified
3. Work as a team member
   • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives
   • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context
   • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures
   • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : SOLVE/ADDRESS GENERAL WORKPLACE PROBLEMS
UNIT CODE : 400311212

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to apply problem-solving techniques to determine the origin of problems and plan for their resolution. It also includes addressing procedural problems through documentation, and referral.

1. Identify routine problems
   • Routine problems or procedural problem areas are identified
   • Problems to be investigated are defined and determined
   • Current conditions of the problem are identified and documented
2. Look for solutions to routine problems
   • Potential solutions to problem are identified
   • Recommendations about possible solutions are developed, documented, ranked and presented to appropriate person for decision
3. Recommend solutions to problems
   • Implementation of solutions are planned
   • Evaluation of implemented solutions are planned
   • Recommended solutions are documented and submit to appropriate person for confirmation

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : DEVELOP CAREER AND LIFE DECISIONS
UNIT CODE : 400311213

This unit covers the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in managing one’s emotions, developing reflective practice, and boosting self-confidence and developing self-regulation.

1. Manage one’s emotion
   • Self-management strategies are identified
   • Skills to work independently and to show initiative, to be conscientious, and persevering in the face of setbacks and frustrations are developed
   • Techniques for effectively handling negative emotions and unpleasant situation in the workplace are examined
2. Develop reflective practice
   • Personal strengths and achievements, based on self-assessment strategies and teacher feedback are contemplated
   • Progress when seeking and responding to feedback from teachers to assist them in consolidating strengths, addressing weaknesses and fulfilling their potential are monitored
   • Outcomes of personal and academic challenges by reflecting on previous problem solving and decision making strategies and feedback from peers and teachers are predicted
3. Boost self-confidence and develop self-regulation
   • Efforts for continuous self-improvement are demonstrated
   • Counter-productive tendencies at work are eliminated
   • Positive outlook in life are maintained.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : CONTRIBUTE TO WORKPLACE INNOVATION
UNIT CODE : 400311214

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and Attitudes required to make a pro-active and positive contribution to workplace innovation.

1. Identify opportunities to do things better
   • Opportunities for improvement are identified proactively in own area of work.
   • Information are gathered and reviewed which may be relevant to ideas and which might assist in gaining support for idea.
2. Discuss and develop ideas with others
   • People who could provide input to ideas for improvements are identified.
   • Ways of approaching people to begin sharing ideas are selected.
   • Meeting is set with relevant people.
   • Ideas for follow up are review and selected based on feedback.
   • Critical inquiry method is used to discuss and develop ideas with others.
3. Integrate ideas for change in the workplace
   • Critical inquiry method is used to integrate different ideas for change of key people.
   • Summarizing, analyzing and generalizing skills are used to extract salient points in the pool of ideas.
   • Reporting skills are likewise used to communicate results.
   • Current Issues and concerns on the systems, processes and procedures, as well as the need for simple innovative practices are identified.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRESENT RELEVANT INFORMATION
UNIT CODE : 400311215

This unit of covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to present data/information appropriately.

1. Gather data/ information
   • Evidence, facts and information are collected
   • Evaluation, terms of reference and conditions are reviewed to determine whether data/information falls within project scope
2. Assess gathered data/ information
   • Validity of data/ information is assessed
   • Analysis techniques are applied to assess data/ information.
   • Trends and anomalies are identified
   • Data analysis techniques and procedures are documented
   • Recommendations are made on areas of possible improvement.
3. Record and present information
   • Studied data/information are recorded.
   • Recommendations are analysed for action to ensure they are compatible with the project’s scope and terms of reference.
   • Interim and final reports are analysed and outcomes are compared to the criteria established at the outset.
   • Findings are presented to stakeholders.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : 400311216

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to identify OSH compliance requirements, prepare OSH requirements for compliance, perform tasks in accordance with relevant OSH policies and procedures

1. Identify OSH compliance requirements
   • Relevant OSH requirements, regulations, policies and procedures are identified in accordance with workplace policies and procedures
   • OSH activity non-conformities are conveyed to appropriate personnel
   • OSH preventive and control requirements are identified in accordance with OSH work policies and procedures
2. Prepare OSH requirements for compliance
   • OSH work activity material, tools and equipment requirements are identified in accordance with workplace policies and procedures
   • Required OSH materials, tools and equipment are acquired in accordance with workplace policies and procedures
   • Required OSH materials, tools and equipment are arranged/ placed in accordance with OSH work standards
3. Perform tasks in accordance with relevant OSH policies and procedures
   • Relevant OSH work procedures are identified in accordance with workplace policies and procedures
   • Work Activities are executed in accordance with OSH work standards
   • Non-compliance work activities are reported to appropriate personnel

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : EXERCISE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN THE WORKPLACE
UNIT CODE : 400311217

This unit covers knowledge, skills and attitude to identify the efficiency and effectiveness of resource utilization, determine causes of inefficiency and/or ineffectiveness of resource utilization and Convey inefficient and ineffective environmental practices

1. Identify the efficiency and effectiveness of resource utilization
   • Required resource utilization in the workplace is measured using appropriate techniques
   • Data are recorded in accordance with workplace protocol
   • Recorded data are compared to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of resource utilization according to established environmental work procedures
2. Determine causes of inefficiency and/or ineffectiveness of resource utilization
   • Potential causes of inefficiency and/or ineffectiveness are listed
   • Causes of inefficiency and/or ineffectiveness are identified through deductive reasoning
   • Identified causes of inefficiency and/or ineffectiveness are validated thru established environmental procedures
3. Convey inefficient and ineffective environmental practices
   • Efficiency and effectiveness of resource utilization are reported to appropriate personnel
   • Concerns related resource utilization are discussed with appropriate personnel
   • Feedback on information/ concerns raised are clarified with appropriate personnel

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS IN THE WORKPLACE
UNIT CODE : 400311218

This unit covers the outcomes required to apply entrepreneurial workplace best practices and implement cost-effective operations

1. Apply entrepreneurial workplace best practices
   • Good practices relating to workplace operations are observed and selected following workplace policy.
   • Quality procedures and practices are complied with according to workplace requirements.
   • Cost-conscious habits in resource utilization are applied based on industry standards.
2. Communicate entrepreneurial workplace best practices
   • Observed Good practices relating to workplace operations are communicated to appropriate person.
   • Observed quality procedures and practices are communicated to appropriate person
   • Cost-conscious habits in resource utilization are communicated based on industry standards.
3. Implement cost-effective operations
   • Preservation and optimization of workplace resources is implemented in accordance with enterprise policy
   • Judicious use of workplace tools, equipment and materials are observed according to manual and work requirements.
   • Constructive contributions to office operations are made according to enterprise requirements.
   • Ability to work within one’s allotted time and finances is sustained.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

• Lifting Attachment – Refers to mechanism which is attached to carriage, either permanently or temporarily, to help in proper engagement of the load
• Foklift – Refers to a self-propelled machine for lifting and handling objects by means of fork inserted under the load
• Standard – Refers to a degree or level of requirement set by the manufacturer.
• Derated capacity of equipment – Refers to the reduction of lifting capacity of equipment as certified by a third party.
• Power train – Refers to mechanism that transmits the drive from the engine of a vehicle to its axle.
• Hazards – Refers to situation that poses threat to life, health, property, or environment.
• Signalman – – Refers to the distance from the front face of the forks to the center of gravity of the load
• Spotter – Refers to situation that poses threat to life, health, property, or environment.
• Load center – Refers to signalman that directs the schedule of lifts for the forklift, and is responsible for the safety of the loads.
• Computer Literate – Is defined as the knowledge and ability to utilize computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to computer programming and advanced problem solving.