Back to Building and Construction Trades

    National code: RII30820

    Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations

    Ask a question

    OverviewAbout this course

    Build your plant operations skills to contribute to exciting, large scale infrastructure projects as an earthmoving plant operator. Learn to confidently operate heavy machinery like rollers and tip trucks, and work as part of a team on a range of projects including roads, railways and airports.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Operate a small plant and equipment including excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, and rollers

    • Handle resources and infrastructure materials

    • Safely dispose of non-toxic materials

    • Identify, locate, and protect underground services

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • Experience reviewing real construction plans, specifications and drawings

    • Industry networks with peers, colleagues and plant operations professionals

    • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

    • Accreditation to work as a trade qualified plant operator

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    Apprenticeship

    • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

    • Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application

    Non-apprenticeship

    • Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:

    • Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification

    • Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers

    • Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • An interest in working outdoors and be involved with big machinery

    • Relevant employment or access to appropriate workplace environments to prove your skills

    • Intermediate level fitness to manage the physical demands of the role

    • Good organisational skills and the ability to multitask and respond well to rapid change

    • Experience in handling tools and equipment

    TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like:

    Earthmoving Plant Operators

    Earthmoving Plant Operators operate plant to excavate earth, ore and rock, break up pavement, road, rock and obstructions, move and load earth, rock and debris, and level, smooth and compact surfaces in construction and other projects.

    • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

      93%

    • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

      14,300 workers

    • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

      44 years

    • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

      $1,350

    • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

      47 hours

    • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

      Lower

    • Gender share

      1% female

    • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

      Strong Growth

    Other jobs include: earthmoving plant operator, civil construction worker, excavator operator, front-end loader operator, mobile plant operator, grader operator, skid steer operator and haul truck operator.

    Licensing

    Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this qualification can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Visit the [SafeWork website] (https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/) for more information.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    Further study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    The Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations does not have any post-graduate courses.

    Related study1 Course

    Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

    Your experience counts

    At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 20 units of competency, including 15 core and 5 speciality units.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

    • Handle resources and infrastructure materials and safely dispose of nontoxic materialsRIISAM201E

    • Drain and dewater civil construction sitesRIIWMG203E

    • Identify, locate and protect underground servicesRIICCM202E

    • Read and interpret plans and job specificationsRIICCM203E

    • ... 4

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

    • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

    • TAFE NSW Libraries

    • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

    • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    • Student associations – get social with our student community

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol