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.
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
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
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Be employed as an apprentice in the industry
Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application
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
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
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.
Our graduates go onto roles like:
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.
93%
14,300 workers
44 years
$1,350
47 hours
Lower
1% female
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, 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.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
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.
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.
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
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.
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.
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
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