Gain the practical skills to work as a wastewater or water plant operator. Blend on-the-job experience with online learning to enhance your knowledge. Explore sustainable water operations and contribute to reducing the industry's ecological impact.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Assess, implement and report on environmental procedures
Comply with risk management principles in the water operations industry
Follow safe work practices
Monitor, operate and maintain network operations
Use hand-held tools and equipment for sample testing
Your practical experience will differ depending on your workplace. You should choose elective units of study that align with your workplace requirements.
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited Certificate III qualification
Strong practical skills and knowledge that align with your chosen specialisation
Diverse knowledge of the water and wastewater treatment processes
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
If you are applying to the course as a non-trainee, you must be currently working in the industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer.
TAFE NSW also offers the Certificate III in Water Industry Operations as a traineeship. To be eligible to enrol in the course as a trainee you must:
Thinking about a traineeship? Enquire today.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Depending on your work place, you may require a general construction induction card (commonly known as a white card) – you will need this before you can enter a construction site
Any additional evidence of specific certifications required for the type of work you'll be doing.
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Access to a computer with internet access and recording equipment to complete online components of study, assessments and to conduct research
An intermediate level fitness to manage physical demand in the workplace, such as lifting, bending and kneeling
Confidence working in confined spaces
Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
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: water/wastewater treatment plant operator, water meter reader, water/wastewater reticulation systems operator and water quality officer.
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 Water Industry Operations does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
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 Water Industry Operations qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 11 units of competency, including 2 core and 9 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
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